480bhp Chevrolet LS V8 powered 1970s race car Jaguar XJC looks (and sounds) like an absolute riot

[@philtucker1224]

What a genuinely honest man creating a lovely car on a limited budget. Nice result. 👍

[@rogerking7258]

This was the most dramatic race car I've ever seen. At the Silverstone Tourist Trophy in (I think) 1977 they were coming out of the Woodcote Chicane sideways and not fully straightening up until half way down the start/finish straight. They were unbelievably quick, having started from the front row and managing to lap backmarkers within three laps (on the full Grand Prix circuit). But the reliability - oh dear..............a year or so after this I went to work for Broadspeed and they were still bemoaning the "no dry sump" regulation. I was also told that they had signed a contract to develop the coupe and were somewhat shocked when that turned out to mean the XJC and not the XJS.

[@ppcmagazine]

That's a great story - we'll have to try and find some footage of them in action there back in the day

[@rogerking7258]

@@ppcmagazine Oh.... please do. They were really impressive. I was at the British GP in 1977 (£5 on the gate to get in - can you believe) and they demonstrated the XJC, possibly before it had raced. From where we were standing we could see its roof coming down the Hangar Straight like a streak of lightning.

[@markexley]

The first car went out early but the 2nd car was chasing down the leading BMW CSL with Andy Rouse at the wheel when he lost it at Abbey.

[@stephenking9271]

@rogerking7258 You worked with some old school legends there then. Worked with a couple myself but obviously not @Broadspeed. I hear RBroad was a character to say the least.

[@piebavarde]

I was at that race. Dieter Quester drove the BMW, Jags were super quick on the straights but BMW was faster in the corners. Epic stuff.

[@georgerobartes2008]

I wasn't aware of this project . I have 2 x 6L V12 engines and one 5.3 L in my shed . I had chose the V12 to develop as a 3/4 scale Merlin engine for a pop rivet kit P51 Mustang but the kit builder failed . I also designed a PSRU for the engine/ fuselage and later an aircraft kit but ran out of funds .The specs include overbore of liners to 7.0 L , fully polished and balanced crank / rods etc ., with an option of long main cap/block girdle/dry sump, flowed heads , reground cams to TWR WEC spec , full later Gore Tex gaskets , reprogrammeable engine management using 2 x Audi V6 (Denso) ignition , etc .The V12 had proven its reliability with TWR in the championship and was the perfect choice for the purpose as most of the kit builders , predominantly in the US were using the ubiquitous Chevy V8 . If you want an aircraft to look and sound like a P51 then it has to be a V12 .

[@neilmchardy9061]

The jag v12 by twr was by no reliable it was an horrific challenge just to keep it cool and it had about six different radiators. It also had a healthy appetite for oil.

[@Sai.the.Breizh.Pirate]

I'ce just 1 word for the owner of this sublime car : a Huge BRAVO👏👏 !! The work that has been done here on this car is just sublime and apparently of great quality !! I'm a big fan of his Car ❤️🤍💙 (from 🇫🇷😉👍👌💪👋)

[@declasm]

Video and audio quality has really stepped up! Editing has got much tighter too. Well done guys. Car is absolutely awesome too 😅

[@ppcmagazine]

Much appreciated!

[@davidbarnsley8486]

LS3 is such a good economic choice for an engine for this beast 😍😍🇦🇺

[@justsomebloke6784]

I like this guy's attitude to the car, attention to detail without getting caught up in matching part number obsessiveness. For those that choose that way, I have nothing against, but it's deep pockets territory and like so many people I cannot afford that level of authenticity. A car like this is do-able for a greater number of people, and it still looks and sounds awesome.

[@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain]

A beautifal Jag with a very pleasing soundtrack, awesome video guys.

[@ChristopherofEngland]

I'm drooling wow absolutely sublime

[@bernardwarr4187]

Fantastic, probably worth a 2 hour video with all the details.

[@cheharrison7107]

Ooh now ya talking, definitely an old PPC mag cover car! What a beast. Having been enough of a masochist to have owned a Jag V12 I'd have chosen a LS as well. Keep up the great vids lads 🤘

[@philtucker1224]

Very lovely. Ralph Broad produced some wonderful race cars in my day.

[@ppcmagazine]

Certainly did!

[@bomberaustychunksbruv4119]

Series 2. I adore these jags. It's quite the special, I'd be happy with a Coupe in the six.

[@baheh1801]

What a cracking car. Sounds great

[@tobiasstorck7786]

Engine kills my vibe

[@GrahamDallas]

What a car, what a sound.

[@GarryMcGovern]

What an absolute beast - bloody marvellous!!

[@liamhollin8265]

Nice, I love the original, this is a fantastic replica.

[@darcyphillips70]

Love this, coolest Jag ever 🫶👊💥

[@breihill01]

Last shot with the rolling wheel was really good.

[@mnmszerviz]

I'm going to have to go and have a lie-down, now .......one of my mostest favouritest cars, EVER , beautifully recreated :-)

[@gilleyb1900]

Gorgeous Jag

[@debbiewright2171]

The one that Steed had in the Avengers 👌

[@The_Cotswold_Engineer]

Sweet.... always loved the old Jag XJ coupe. And that sound with the V8... stunning. Keep up the great work!

[@george1la]

Fantastic combo. That would also be nice with original interior. What a sleeper that would be. No one could guess.

[@biroldjoshan3745]

Thats an AWESOME XJC....very well done

[@ppcmagazine]

Props to Robin for making it happen 👍

[@Wintintin]

The car is awesome! I own a JAG V8 supercharged and always loved the older XJ's especially John Steed's XJ Broadspeed in the Avengers. I saw one of the original Leyland race cars up at Gaydon Jaguar heritage last year, its just a busier which modern Jaguar could learn from. If I had the money? Robin has produced an awesome build despite no Jag engine 😉Great stuff!!!

[@philtucker1224]

John Steed’s Jag was the ultimate glamour XJ. Gareth Hunt also had a good one but I can’t recall too many details about that one (can anyone?)

[@andrewdavies6273]

I always prefer the coupe of this Jaguar..Absolutely stunning.

[@StephenH-ms9og]

Beautiful car.

[@PeterWoodx]

Thanks guys, a great piece. Love the sound of that LS 😁

[@rotaxtwin]

Great sound track to that one.

[@tonyb2600]

Fabulous looking jag 😎✌🏻

[@bernardmclake3898]

Nice to hear and see it on the move on your YT channel, having read about it in the mag in the past. Sounds thunderous and has the looks to go with it.

[@sinistercharger]

Very Nice 👍

[@derekhobbs1102]

Back in the 80s, there were several Chev converted Jags here in Australia due to the cost of fixing the original engines.

[@vo1968]

Beautiful.

[@Klutch58Customs]

A chap very much down to earth with his car. I wish my mates that ask for a b road ride understood how much a new clutch is!

[@arronjones6985]

That LS3 sounds so good. It's such a great option. Sounds better than the V12 and is super reliable. I mean, why wouldn't you. Just imagine how painful the V12 could be to try and keep going. It's a 🔟 From me.✅

[@ppcmagazine]

Amen, appr the comment! It did sound absolutely glorious 😎

[@fariedrpoorsalehi9177]

Awsome motor, congrats , , , had quite a few V12 jags, inc a manual 4 speed. Its the only car i regret selling! DOH!

[@paulandjana]

Beautiful car and sounds like a monster. I love seeing people keep cars like this alive. Thx ppc.

[@ppcmagazine]

Glad you enjoyed! Hopefully we can feature more cars like this 😎

[@burgundyexpress]

Bloody awesome!

[@victoriamouzenian3405]

Amazing!!

[@ThePstorm]

Really enjoyed that. Love the sound and totally respect his choice of engine.

[@ppcmagazine]

Glad you enjoyed it 😃

[@2.fresh767]

Grace, Space & Paaaaaaaaccccee!!!

[@sixlife8716]

Awesome, real muscle car looks and sounds. I did also notice that slightly damaged BMW E24 on the lift behind!

[@ppcmagazine]

It's next on Robin's list to build into something spectacular 😁

[@philtucker1224]

Yes I saw it too. I hope it happens!🙏

[@malcolmshaw2609]

That’s a car that I’d love to own 👍

[@paulfitzgerald7513]

Absolute beauty! I recently had an xjs pre he with a manual getrag in it and the diff from the manual 3.6 along with a few other upgrades that I did. I also had a spare pair of pre he heads that I had skimmed and polished but couldn’t find anyone to do the swap so unfortunately that was as far as I got. It was loud, brash and pretty quick for a heavy car. Would love that coupe though… 😊

[@hespie1]

Such great looking cars.

[@ppcmagazine]

They are!

[@BatMan-oe2gh]

I could imagine thar car painted a deep black. It would look so mean and nasty. Scare people when you went past them. But I liked it and a good honest build. Sounds fantastic and looks great. Nice Work Robin, be proud of what you have achieved.

[@CyberSQUID9000]

Phwoar... bloody lovely

[@57northphoto32]

Great video, fantastic car really enjoyed it👍🏻

[@ppcmagazine]

Thank you! 👍

[@MrThedoctor1972]

British Camaro and a beast.

[@SW-qr8qe]

Smashing

[@roadmantop3769]

Love it ❤

[@robinfoster7597]

Initially I gagged at the loss of the V12, but actually he's right, the costs are prohibative and at least it's a manual, making it quite the weapon! Also, it's his car, he can do what he wants with it and stuff the purists! :)

[@markwalton8644]

I was the same. But to gain 480bhp from the V12 it would need to be enlarged to 7ltr and literally all the internals changed with forged items. I know Harry Metcalfe spent a Small fortune to get to 350bhp! To keep it in brand, I may have chosen the Jag V8 supercharged😊

[@stephenhowell5611]

@@markwalton8644 Harry Metcalfe's 350 hp was at the rear wheels, not the flywheel.

[@lorddoobsworth144]

LS is a much lighter engine too, since its a race build

[@markwalton8644]

@@stephenhowell5611 Fair enough I hadn't realised so probably 380 bhp then.

[@stephenhowell5611]

@@markwalton8644 The Jag V12 was originally designed as a race engine in the early 60s and was close to 500hp, but the road engine has obviously been simplified and downtuned.

[@jjefferyworboys8138]

Almost sensible, awesome car.

[@brianweekes1]

😮would love this in my collection. The perfect engine too

[@xkitejunkie]

We all know an LS solves most things ;-) Lovey car!

[@RichardFord-j7l]

Yesss baby ❤

[@vincentdevries4085]

Just imagine... this Jag powered by a 512ci or 8.2 liters Cadillac v8. A big block lump with all the torque and really no need to rev it like the LS. I would love such a thing.

[@ivatt442]

@vincentdevri The trouble with a Cadillac 8.2L V8 is that it’s a big block engine(a really really big block) weighing about twice as much as an LS as fitted to this car! Nose heavy a lot! Handling not very nice!

[@ecolematernelle3552]

@@ivatt442 Right what about an LS7?

[@vincentdevries4085]

@@ivatt442 I know it weighs a lot. The handling is going to poor anyways because of the long wheelbase. I'd rather have the low down grunt of the Caddy. Fits the car more I think

[@fsmlittler]

Best video so far-brilliant but get rid of the sandals next time!

[@ppcmagazine]

We've been trying to tell him that nobody wants to see those toes but he just doesn't listen 🤣

[@KasparsDzerins]

Pssh, sandals are the sign of true dominance. Many people claim not to give two hoots about what others think, but only a select few have the grit to follow through. Sandals = peak independence

[@philtucker1224]

Footloose and fancy free. Mind your own business, this is a car channel.

[@lorddoobsworth144]

worrying about being judged for what your wear = low androgen receptor density 👎

[@breihill01]

Whats the bmw on the shelf? Maybe but more about the person too, seems like a normal guy who does a fair amount of the work himself.

[@ppcmagazine]

The BMW is the next project. It's an old 7 series waiting its turn 😁

[@breihill01]

@@ppcmagazine nice the big old m30 engine is a lovely motor.

[@johnvigolo4972]

Very wise, smart & practical decision to go with the LS. Though, I personally would’ve gone with the Jag 4.2 straight 6 with ITB’s, street spec mod with higher compression pistons, very mild cam as to not destroy drive ability with matching headers & exhaust. Focused on balance & lightness more than outright brute power, especially given that it wasn’t intended to be a race car. You don’t need 500bhp to have fun & the Jag 4.2 straight with ITB would sound so much better & be more fun on the track!

[@ppcmagazine]

Yup, that'd definitely be a good alternative. We're watching with interest about what Robin ends up doing with the BMW on the lift behind the Jag 😁

[@kasperkjrsgaard1447]

Or a modern 4.2 or 5.0 Jag V8 with supercharger. To keep it in the same house, so to speak.

[@johnvigolo4972]

@@kasperkjrsgaard1447 Agree & would’ve been my 2nd choice. Though on a cost effective practically of the Jag straight six would’ve slotted straight in making it a much easier & less costly project. In addition, you don’t have to spend $60K on a full race spec V12 engine, especially when it is not used on the track as a serious race car competing in a series. You would not be able to drive the car on public roads with a full race spec engine as it would have no drive ability below 4000 rpm. Given that the car is just a show pony for Sunday drives at the local cars & coffee meet with the odd track day, why would anyone want or need to spend $60K on a full race spec engine?! Surely sourcing a used V12 engine & having it rebuilt properly to a street modified level engine would’ve been much easier & more cost effective compared to all the dramas associated with fitting an LS engine. The golden rule is always KISS: Keeping It simple stupid!

[@user-ue6iv2rd1n]

@@johnvigolo4972 It would be a bit rubbish having a car that looks that mad without the power to back it up.

[@joeedwards627]

Cooooooooool

[@richardfeldt9641]

Theres heaps of rust free jags here in Australia 😮

[@derekhobbs1102]

Where, I haven't seen them?

[@richardfeldt9641]

​@@derekhobbs1102...market place...gumtree...there's probably australian jag forums

[@g0fvt]

A friend of my brother races a V12 (XJS) the engine has been reliable and long lived but he is conscientious with rebuilding it frequently. The LS is a very attractive solution, light and very well supported. Sadly if I was less lazy and better funded I would LS swap a Volvo 245, but we are all different.

[@ppcmagazine]

LS swap a Volvo 245? Funny you should say that... 😁

[@gafrers]

Niiice

[@stephenking9271]

Worked with a guy who worked on the original @Broadspeed.

[@phils2180]

I guess it all comes down to individual taste. As a previous XJ12 owner, definitely not for me, it's like putting ketchup on caviar. Looks well put together though.👍

[@heyabusa1]

All it needs now is a proper engine.

[@labbo5591]

How much fid it cost to get ur mate out with his tractor!!!🤔🤣 Most interesting bit!!🤣🤣

[@clivewilliams3661]

A very nice motorcar and I'm still coming to terms with the LS into a Jag C body, which although it is logical, it grates. One point on etiquette is that race numbers should never be used on the road, its bad PR for genuine motorsports competitors indeed, Motorsports UK frown on the practice. For more kudos a black line through the number might be more appropriate.

[@garyclay9812]

Lovely car , pity you didn't go small block chev - sound much better than the Ls - then again Ls is a very very good engine 👌

[@stevie750iL]

Stunning car. But what a boring interviewer? Right. Showed little or no enthusiasm for a stunning car 😢

[@wilmotfulton4400]

Thomas Jose Perez Charles Walker Betty

[@BeckBonnie-e6g]

Smith David Williams Daniel Rodriguez Shirley

[@craigarmstrong5291]

Big shame about the v12 was nobody made 4 valve per cylinder heads c n c aluminium would have made it a lamborghini killer. The engineers must of known this because it had a 12 /1 compression ratio and didn't really produce that much power. A big v8 engine and a live axle would never break but ho hum ..looks and sounds fantastic one of the best car sounds I've ever heard V8 RULES

[@george1la]

If you put an automatic in it that thing would be a fast drag car. Then there are turbos to use.

[@tomeasterbrook9486]

Robin IsHard. Is he? Dunno. But his jag looks pretty fookin tough

[@andrewbelfield2449]

Amazing car, probably better with the V8,in my opinion the six pot XK engine was better than the V12, I've had both and prefer the old six, I've got one in a mk1 Capri that I built in the 80s, just restoring it at the moment, can't wait to drive it again after it being laid up for 30 years😊

[@ppcmagazine]

That'll be some first drive after so many decades off the road! Good on you 👍

[@razor1uk610]

Another LS engine, again, vomits at a personal pet peeve.... having seen them proliferate during the last decade across most viewing shows/channel as a ubiquitously American sponsored/enforced engine swap. But at least the rest of it is good, even if it is definitely all unique towards the owners own choices and situation.

[@chrisdorrell1]

Sacrilegious, put a galon of petrol and a match to it. Its disgusting. I mean a Jag V12 from an XJS is about a grand then upgrade it you can get over 500 bhp esily. Worse thing is you used the worse ever shit engine in tje world. The sound is shot too TERRIBLE

[@gorillafunk725]

Here in Australia. Jags w 350 Chev V8's were quite common as street cars in the late 70's & 80"s Jag braking & handling w chev engine grunt & reliability. Lots of fun but no resale value. They were called orphans as a result. Don't see many now. Thanks to them being rust buckets.

[@davekennedy6315]

The Jaguar V12 IS a very, VERY cool engine. But.......the standard engine which only puts out a maximum of 300bhp only gets SINGLE FIGURE MPG! Just imagine how much worse that would get with the engine taken out to 7.0ltr, hot cams, headwork, forged pistons etc. Standard they are supposed to be 8mpg (the later HE actually hit double figures....occasionally like maybe 10 mpg if you were very lucky) Plus as stated these are crazy money to tune, even just needing 12 spark plugs, leads, ITBs etc makes everything more expensive compared to a V8. These Yank V8s also have a colossal amount of decently priced tuner parts making the sky the limit power wise and WAY cheaper than any other naturally aspirated engine.

[@ppcmagazine]

Amen to that!

[@truthseeker5911]

My V12 XJS returns around 20mpg.

[@philtucker1224]

Luckily the mpg is totally irrelevant. Most big engined race cars only do 8mpg. (If you want to get across Europe fast and economically) then it’s A Beemer 530 diesel all the way! 👍😁👌

[@johnvigolo4972]

Totally agree, given the intended usage, fuel economy is irrelevant. It’s not as if it’s his daily driver? If you’re concerned about fuel economy, buy a Prius or use a bicycle.

[@davekennedy6315]

@johnvigolo4972 but with pretty much any other engine (excluding a hideous rotary) you would get WAY better economy, torque and power AND way, WAY cheaper to tune. And more reliably. The later Jag 5.0ltr supercharged V8 with 500+bhp (depending on version) standard or well over 600bhp with a little tune. That Jag V12 doesn't do anything right (maybe smoothness?)