New-look classic 1960s Jaguar is unveiled

Now an original Jaguar Mark 2 has been brought bang up to date by a Jaguar design chief.

The Mark 2, capable of 125mph, was made at Coventry from 1959 to 1967 and was also the car used by the late John Thaw in classic TV show Inspector Morse.

One of the 1960s cars has just been re-designed by Ian Callum, director of design at Jaguar Cars, and it was being unveiled this morning.

The car has been re-engineered by leading restorers Classic Motor Cars of Bridgnorth.

The company's new headquarters at Stanmore Industrial Estate was also being officially opened by former motorcycle and Formula One Grand Prix world champion John Surtees.

The restored Jag was being unveiled there by Jaguar's legendary test driver Norman Dewis.

CMC's new 40,000 sq ft complex is one of the biggest of its kind in the UK with new paint and trim shops.

It will allow CMC to cover every aspect of a car's restoration in-house, except for chrome plating. Another 24,000 sq ft has been provided for bespoke classic car storage.

The 18-month joint project between Ian Callum and CMC has aimed to retain the integrity of the original Mark 2, whilst making it even more exciting in shape and performance.

"This is a very personal statement. A long held notion that, although the Mark 2 has always been a beautiful car, it could be even more exciting in shape and performance.

"Whilst maintaining the purity of the car's form, I wanted to add a number of modern twists to the design. Simplification and clarity was my objective," explained Mr Callum.

He has redesigned the car for his own personal use and its now features a modified and uprated 4.3-litre XK engine, five-speed manual gearbox, unique independent rear suspension and upgraded front brakes

"The stance of the Mark 2 is already excellent, but I wished to make it even better. The car's form is now 30mm lower and sits on 17in split rim spoke wheels. The bumpers are now part of the overall form. It is a fine balance of extracting and adding.

"I have always loved traditional louvres as seen on many older race cars. Four louvres appear on the side of the car to add to that sense of power and 'something different'. Of course they had to work, so they have been designed in a low-pressure area for a better internal airflow from the modified engine," said Mr Callum

The suspension has been designed and re-engineered by CMC, which was founded in 1993 and has been respopnsible for restoring many historic Jaguar vehicles.

CMC chairman Peter Neumark said: "The wide-ranging list of modifications in the Mark 2 shows just how much design and engineering development has gone into this venture from the original car. To be chosen by Ian Callum to work with him on his project is a testament to the skills and passion that exist within our business, and is something that CMC are immensely proud of."

Mr Surtees said: "I have long admired the designs of Ian Callum, to be present at the unveiling of Ian's personally redesigned and updated Jaguar Mark 2 is a privilege, and I am honoured to be officially opening the premises that have made this extraordinary project possible."