Is This Fake Jaguar E-Type BETTER Than The Original? Triple C Challenger Replica Road Test

[@trevorjlewis]

I made the moulds for these, I joined Triple C in Cornwall early in 1986, the flared arch mould was very poor and out of shape, so as soon as I arrived as a 21 year old fiberglass expert I set to making a new body and getting the shape perfected over a period of months ready for the new mould sans flared rear arches. I was the only employee to move North to Corby with John Wilkinson and Derek Robinson and proceeded to make many if not the majority of the Challenger bodies in my time with them. Sadly John passed away a few years ago now. Derek is still out there somewhere but I lost touch with him.

[@SuccessShared]

When we moved to Hampshire in the late 70's, the previous owners left 2 E-types in the garage which remained there for around 2 months. When they finally collected them they left a ton of parts. I offered the lot to Jaguar who weren't interested - so they all got binned. Can you believe it

[@MartinHopkinson]

In 1993, I bought a 4.2 manual Series 1 XJ6 to build a Challenger E-type. When I took it apart it was so good that I couldn’t bear to scrap it! I rebuilt it (at ridiculous expense) and never did get my Challenger!

[@TheHorsebox2]

Good on you, The Series One XJ6 is my all time favourite car, bar none.

[@VickersDoorter]

You did well to keep and renovate it. That's a lovely car that warrants living on it it's original form and a valid piece of motoring history in itself.

[@dianerandise6612]

I would absolutely love to own one!!! I just want the feeling of my old E-Type without having the care and upkeep of an original. As much as I love an original S1 for me and my budget this makes much more sense. Unfortunately there are none here in the USA to my knowledge.

[@andrewshaw5168]

I placed a £2000 deposit for a Challenger just before they went bust. Lost the lot! Went on to buy a 1965 white e Type roadster a year later, because the prices in mid 90s fell dramatically. Still have the car 28 years later. Never regretted a second of it. I know which I prefer.

[@roystonvehicles9129]

Definitely worked out better

[@Riys-hp8jx]

@@roystonvehicles9129 please remember,cars have souls/FACTS

[@waynebrinker8095]

Don't keep me in suspense....

[@trevorjlewis]

sorry to hear you lost your deposit, Both Derek and John lost everything after being stitched up by an unscrupulous businessman up in the Borders of Scotland he took everything. I too had returned to work for them. Was out of pocket wages wise but soon found work with another replica company Haldane making the Healy 3000 copy.

[@andrewshaw5168]

@@trevorjlewis Thank you for your reply. I never knew what happened and it has filled in the gaps in my knowledge. All credit to you and the Challenger company, because of the quality of the car kits, they have been rising in value for years and are as cherished by owners as any original e type.

[@flightis3dollars]

Man, that straight six sound. Voice of the gods.

[@royster3345]

Then I burble past in my V8 Stag ....😊

[@johnnyboy1586]

​@@royster3345the v8 used in the stag was crap

[@GlennPowell-ls3lg]

The XK6 lump is a thing of beauty still.If the carbs are set up and a decent cam the overun takes some beating for snap , crackle and pops.Its actually very ford pinto with two cams.....A cosworth.Nothing new under the sun.

[@royster3345]

@@johnnyboy1586 It's what we tell everyone 😉

[@johnnyboy1586]

@user-gs3tq6bx2u glad you got a good one

[@TreDeuce-qw3kv]

Being able to trip an E-Type without worry is worth a lot and having the sound of the XK engine is icing on a beautiful cake. I remember when the E-Type came out and thought it was the most beautiful post-war car then and still with the exception of the XK-120 which to this day is my favorite Jag. It is unfortunate the car is no longer available new.

[@richardmarcott4343]

I had a friend with A 1967 E, it was purchased new. All he did with it was repair it, or waiting on parts to repair it. Kept it about year and a half ago. Traded for Firebird ,was much happier.

[@dotancohen]

I'd go so far as to call those later Challengers "XJ6 with a fibreglass E-Type body kit". Beautiful car, thanks for showing it so well.

[@DangerAngelous]

Can anyone really complain that we're getting 95% of a new E-Type in the world? Here in Australia we have bundles of Cobra kit cars at every classic car thing and honestly hooray that we have more Cobras!

[@richardcasey7521]

It would look even better if the gaps in the doors looked a little better. I still think it’s really nice and I would consider buying one.

[@dunmail7744]

Being fibreglass you can easily create panel gaps as thin and perfect as you like with epoxy filler. This is another bonus with kit/replica cars. Try that with steel panels! Sir William Lyons originally considered building the E Type in fibreglass, having just bought Daimler with its fibreglass SP250, but you can imagine what the 1960's traditional metalworking workforce would have thought of that.

[@trevorjlewis]

bearing in mind this car was probably manufactured over 30 years ago I think a little misalignment can be forgiven. Probably just a wee tweak of the hinges and it will be sorted. When I made the moulds I wanted to tighten up the gaps but Derek insisted we should keep them sensible and in keeping with the character of the original cars.

[@KRWoodworks]

I wish Jaguar would allow Suffolk Sports Cars to build SS100 Jaguars again. They put Roger out of business

[@billmcgarry3300]

I love my SS100 it gets a lot of attention,especially from children!

[@KRWoodworks]

@@billmcgarry3300 One of the most stunning cars ever designed.

[@jwatson9732]

Same, they were amazing replicas. They need to change the law so if a company hasn't produced a car for long enough people can sell replicas. It's not like Jaguar are interested in making them anymore.

[@edwardbianchi192]

Never hear of this but I would drive the heck out of it! My neighbor had a black one with a Chevy engine in it. I never saw it ran. But, it was beautiful. He was a used car salesman. Had his own business. I did not know too much about cars and started my journey buy my first car from him. I would have liked it to be the Jag if it were a bit more practical and affordable for a 15 year old kid.

[@nbaker01]

My Dad sadly passed away in December, having built one of these based on a 1969 4.2 XJ6. Sadley he became to ill to enjoy it once built and it has been stuck in the garage for years only being started up now and again. In the spring I intend on getting it out of the garage an cleaning up a bit with the aim of selling it on to a new E-Type lover. It really is a beautiful car such a shame for it to be garaged for so long. :(

[@derekstocker6661]

What an absolute stunner! My dream was to have an E Type but talking to people and owners realised it would or could be a very expensive piece of workshop furniture, but THIS alters my mind and is a great fanfare for this beautiful car!

[@davidkaul6180]

I love it. I drove an original and it had a lot of body panel quirks .this car being fiberglass u literally with a piece of sand paper could fix any fitment issues and then have car wrapped any color u like.

[@robertdavidson3090]

My goodness what a beautiful car. My favorite still is the XK 120 tied with the XK 140 drop head. These cars are art.

[@barrywinslow9798]

Excellent vid.....I owned a '65 4.2L....loved it and wish i could have kept it....but this car is awesome.

[@JimMorrison-d4n]

There used to be some folks putting small block chevy V8s in old Jags. They called them "Jagulets." Much more reliable than the V12s and even the V6 engines, and more horsepower too.

[@masterworksfine]

I had a 66 + 2 back in 1968....The 4.2 was smooth as heck and it was a real touring car. No mechanical probles. I picked out a 67 roadster with a factory removable hardtop beautiful car but it required extensive restoration which took a year to complete. The replica looks great but my I would never spring for one. It's better to have the memories of the E-Type experience than trying to recreate it. The Triple C looks to be a good copy...but again its fiberglass.

[@stratplayer10]

I have one, i built it from 1988 onwards, completing it in about 1989. Not run for a while, so will need to recommission. I scrapped a 1972 Series one 4.2 manual as the base vehicle. They change to use series 2 XJ running gear later. Happy days running down to Corby to pick up bits for it.

[@BarmaBoysAndFamily]

I remember visiting corby in the late 80's to buy one. Saw the original 3.8 car they took the moulds off. It was not a good car which explained the dodgy panel gaps. Anyway, they took our deposit as they said they were making new and better moulds and a different chassis. But then they went bust. I did however find out they had made my car and tracked it down and secured it. It was just a bare tub and chassis with doors and boot lid but no bonnet though. But either way i did get it and still have it. Had to pretty much re-work the whole body though as nothing fitted. You could tell it was a quality product but assembled in sn uncwetain workplace shall we say. Wouldnt part with it now. Way rarer than an e type, way better designed and at 6'2" I can fit in it. I used to have a series 2 roadster but was always sitting on it, not in it! So the CCC is just a better car. Very very strong chassis too. Friend of my friend rolled one end to end 3 times. Not only did he get out, but the car was repairable and was fixed!

[@lesklower7281]

I do agree with you it is a tribute to the E type Jaguar it's so nice and the engine in this tribute how good looking is it and much cheaper slightly better than the original l never knew about them until now and how do tell a great car if it is replicated

[@jackdoe3889]

The problem with old cars is that though they look beautiful, they are by and large crap to drive and woefully unreliable. A restomod is the way to go, assuming one can afford one.

[@johnwattdotca]

Are you saying a car that won Les Mans three years in a row and set speed records is "crap to drive and woefully unreliable"? Yes you are.

[@jackdoe3889]

@@johnwattdotca Yes I am.

[@jwatson9732]

@@johnwattdotca Didn't the E type use Lucas electrical products? That would make ANYTHING woefully unreliable lmao.

[@johnwattdotca]

@@jwatson9732 If that's all it takes for you to laugh your ass off you should be careful because you won't have any left. You must have forgotten Jaguar D types won Les Mans three years in a row, and you must not know the first two years of Jaguar XKEs were converted D types, before the factory was built. After I sold what was left of the Jaguar I bought a van and toured Ontario playing bars in a hard rock band.

[@jimmyquinn9639]

Beautiful jag and another good video 🚘🚙🚗👍👍👍⭐️⭐️⭐️👏👏👏👏

[@davidarter6271]

Gee, a 2+2 Coupe version of this would be appealing…

[@squiggymcsquig6170]

One of the rare instances where I think the coupe looks better than the convertible.

[@pampoovey3281]

yea and the MG as well.@@squiggymcsquig6170

[@mrdainase]

Obviously true that Jaguar didn't produce a V8 E-Type but they could have done so easily with the two Daimler engines created by Edward Turner and they would have arguably suited the car better too. Heynes & co were a bit sniffy about them however, in part due to a V8 being inherently less smooth than the XK unit, but there was a bit of NIH syndrome. Still , the smaller unit did find its way into the Mk2 bodyshell, and it is a really nice thing to drive for it too.

[@Richard-Bullock]

I wonder if a V8 E-Type would have sold even better in the USA.

[@mrdainase]

@@Richard-Bullock It's entirely possible, the 4.5 wasn't as powerful as the XK but easily tuneable.

[@pashakdescilly7517]

​@@mrdainase Daimler's dynamometer only read to 240bhp, so that is what they claimed. It gave a lot more, but no-one actually got a figure. It was in a soft state of tune, and a lot more could easily be got out of it

[@captainbimble]

Wonder what it would be like with the 4.2 supercharged V8 engine from my XKR under the bonnet!!

[@iankuah8606]

The V8 Daimler is a thirsty beast. An old classmate of mine has one and jokes that a gallon of petrol goes out the exhaust when he starts it up!

[@huwzebediahthomas9193]

The Jaguar backaxle was popular in rally cars, think the 1980's TR7 V8 works rally car used one.

[@mrdainase]

Nope, they stuck with the solid axle with lots of uprated bits.

[@roystonvehicles9129]

Absolutely loads of custom car builders used the rear jag irs, cobra kit cars to T buckets it was the go to rear end in the custom scene.

[@trevorjlewis]

that was the 4HA axle a solid axle not the independent one from the XJ6 and it weighed a ton too no use for rallying.

[@Lucan-ve6zc]

Top man. Great video.

[@kevinwells768]

Great vid. Would have liked to have heard the story of how they went bust. Maybe time to resurrect the Challenger.? Wonder who has the moulds and jigs?

[@dunmail7744]

Long gone.

[@trevorjlewis]

@@dunmail7744 yep sadly I saw photos of them some 15 years ago when Derek was trying to get me interested in making the bodies again. The moulds were trashed and the jigs rusted and damaged beyond use

[@stratplayer10]

The reality is that eventually they ran out of donor cars and customers, big shame, they were nice folk to deal with, real enthusiasts.

[@kevinwells768]

@@stratplayer10 thought the donor was xj6?

[@BackSeatHump]

I am seriously gobsmacked! 💘

[@williamwidhelm2136]

I had a 62 E Type, flat floor, outside hood latch. Pretty much everything failed except the engine and transmission. Lots of internal rust and only 5 years old. Rear Inboard brakes were really expensive to fix. Fuel pump several times. Steering rack binding. Had to install a Corvette radiator which solved the cooling problems and was much cheaper. Replaced two wire wheels. Too high maintenance for a Navy Lt.

[@larrydrozd2740]

I can see the benefit in these cars but.....did they make a tube chassis for these? With a genuine E-Type, the body is part of the structure. The front frame and rear end assembly are bolted to it. You cannot do that with fiberglass! I've worked on a Lynx C-type clone that is made out of aluminum. It has a tube chassis. Also installed aluminum bonnets on E-types......FUN modification.! Takes off a huge chunk of weight but not easy to do correctly. The best mod for a standard E-type, hands down, is a 5-speed conversion. Except for the cost, ithere's no down side to it, it changes the car for the better in every way. The kits will come with an aluminum flywheel too. A huge caveat guys! On a "real" E-type, make sure you can FIT in the car BEFORE you buy one!!! I've had too many customers complain they can't even get in them and have to sell them. Seriously, they are small cars that you climb down into. Get a Series three with the later seats and the large doors to help that issue.

[@dunmail7744]

Costin designed tube frame front to rear. Stiffer than E Type. Any gearbox you like. Lower floor easier fit - head doesn't stick out above windscreen! Ever noticed how the lines of an OTS E Type are ruined by someone sitting in it?

[@trevorjlewis]

as Dunmail7744 says below Frank Costin did indeed design the first Jag based chassis which was mostly 1 inch square tube and flat sheet steel, it was super stiff, maybe even stiffer than the original Jag chassis which had a bolt on tubular front end. Unfortunately Franks first attempt was also terribly harsh on the road using all rose jointed wishbones and links. Only one of those chassis was produced and then it was altered to use the XJ6 wishbones and rear end. Was a great honour working with Frank Costin he and Jem Marsh of Marcos were friends of mine until their passing.

[@MP-fw4ub]

Nice but they shouldn't use the badges. Ultimately its not an E Type or Jag. Also the back end looks jacked up.

[@trevorjlewis]

fitting the Jaguar Badges is up to the owner, when I worked for Triple C none of our show or demo cars had (at Jaguars request) Jaguar or E-Type badging. No customer cars left the factory with Jaguar and or E-Type badging. Purely down to the customer. A lot of original E-Types have probably sagged as opposed to this one being Jacked up. Ride height was adjustable maybe the owner preferred it this way

[@alexandrecouture2462]

Very well made replica!

[@elijahhodges4405]

My dream car when I was a kid was the Jaguar E from 1966.

[@brianweekes1]

Great if you can also review the JPR Wildcat jaguar etype replica, see how it compares

[@Embracing01]

My dad owned a JPR Wildcat, he bought it as a project from South Wales in 2010. It was originally fitted with a 2 litre Pinto engine but the engine a few months later started leaking and he had to find a replacement engine, but managed to fit his scrapped Reliant Scimitar 3 litre Ford Essex engine in it. The car was never brilliant as it had alot of gearbox and engine issues and local garages who didn't know what they were doing or couldn't be bothered sorting the problem out. Nice looking and nice colour in old english white, albeit the front and back were bulged out because of the running gear. I sold it after my dad died a few years ago for about 5 and half grand as a project, my dad bought it for 5 grand lol. He spent abit of money making it like a real e type; stainless wire wheels, the stainless steel bumpers were from Harrington Group in Taiwan costing a grand in total.

[@Betty_Feltersnatch]

There's only one part of this video I don't agree with. You said the E Type is lovely to drive and you showed a still of an S1. I've driven a few S1's and they are awful to drive, very tractor like. However they are truly gorgeous, especially the coupe. (Personal preference.)

[@mrdainase]

@@Betty_Feltersnatch oh dear, someone's being a bit defensive......

[@Betty_Feltersnatch]

@@mrdainase Oh dear, someones lonely.

[@mrdainase]

@@Betty_Feltersnatch Only you can explain why you don't have any friends.

[@Betty_Feltersnatch]

@@mrdainase It's funny watching you try to use your whole vocabulary in one sentence.

[@PrettyRecords]

Very tractor like?? 😂 You've obviously never even been near one, let alone driven one!!!

[@bruceburns1672]

Dam shame they aren't made out of aluminum.

[@ofmanynicknames]

Whoa. I wonder if they made any LHD versions.

[@trevorjlewis]

there were a few that were produced

[@drdoolittle5724]

Well done, but you cannot fool me 'using a sows ear to make a silk purse'. I would rather go without!

[@coldlakealta4043]

exactly. I would feel a total fraud out on the road.

[@trevorjlewis]

@@coldlakealta4043 honestly once you started to drive on you forgot all about it being a replica, that view down the bonnet and the sound of the XK engine nothing comes close

[@roygardiner2229]

Well, be fair, it IS "trying to be an E-type". If you stare at the centre of the steering wheel you see the "Growler" logo of Jaguar. Nevertheless, I do see the logic of your presentation. Of COURSE I would like one 🙂.

[@jackcowan7047]

Is it available in A left hand drive model?

[@tonylee-UK]

For sale at 49K ? The ad says a lot less!

[@getawayhs2856]

Recently sold at auction for £29,813 and now the clocking chancers at Arun want £45k for it.

[@blxtothis]

I’ll give them the £49,000 anyway!

[@stanleyreynolds7800]

Many people think the E type Jaguar is the most beautiful car ever made. If only the beauty were more than skin deep.

[@johnwattdotca]

I owned a first-year Jaguar XKE. Looking at it from behind was awkward, thinking it looked like a polliwog. This was a style of race car that had other versions manufactured in England, and some of those are as nice with nicer rear ends.

[@philipquinn766]

Do they export to the US?

[@philipshilling8665]

The dashboard looks XJ-6 and not like that of a Series I...or II or III. The much wider console with its different dimensions also spoils the illusion. The rear sticks up too high and the hood/soft top uses give-away clamps that the original does not have. Apart from all this it looks the part. Can anyone estimate the work and cost involved in reversing the discrepancies listed? I would also like to put in a non-XJ-6 4.2 with the triple carbs and ALL of the original's horsepower...as well as a proper E Type 160 mph speedo and NOT the XJ-6's 140 one! Given that the Triple C is lighter, I would guess that the performance would become quite exhilarating.

[@sprezzatura8755]

I'll take a c-type replica over this.

[@kelvinh8327]

Don't like the paint finish on the trailing edge of the door, eg at 1:15

[@finney67]

Or the chipping at the bottom back edge of the bonnet

[@trevorjlewis]

it's not a mint condition car and isn't presented as such, it 30 plus years old

[@VickersDoorter]

Err, except that's the trailing edge of the bonnet at 1:15 not the door. Always good to have your own house in order before taking pot shots.

[@mrofnocnon]

When a mini cooper was 500 quid, the e-type was 1200 quid. I bought the wrong one as I just could not afford the difference. seems laughable now.

[@Rust_in_Time]

You know that classic car prices have gone crazy when they start making replicas of mass produced cars. Impressive nonetheless though.

[@tednruth453]

It was made in the 80's when you could buy an original for peanuts.

[@dunmail7744]

The Challenger was made in the 80's precisely because the value of E Types, along with all 'classic' cars, was going through the roof with a crazy "investor boom". The market crashed in 1991 and production cost of the Challenger became uneconomical and CCC went bust. Beware, it could always happen again!!

[@larrysorenson4789]

Fiberglass replicas can always be spotted by looking at the fiberglass panel edges. I have never understood why they do not thin and properly shape all the visible edges.

[@kyivwithgeofftanya5546]

At the start the shot looking along the side does not bode well for build quality as it highlights so many imperfections on the door edge paintwork

[@dunmail7744]

They were last built over 30 years ago. The build quality was superb. Aged paintwork can be redone.

[@Eworlduni]

Where can I get one

[@paultasker7788]

It's a bit of a bargain given how much Eagle charge for their copy of an E-Type

[@squiggymcsquig6170]

My lifelong opinion: the E-type is the most beautiful post-war car made anywhere in the world. Sadly unattainable for me, even in this incarnation.

[@jamess7181]

Every collector of cars who has owned or driven an E Type have definitely not described the driving qualities as wonderful, or even good.

[@HamiltonSRink]

Best looking car ever made!

[@chasermalloy7406]

How could you blame anyone for wanting a car that looks like this ?

[@couttsy222]

Wonderful car but panel gaps and fit look pretty woeful, at least on this example.

[@trevorjlewis]

over 30 years old, easily sorted

[@edfederoff2679]

MUST. HAVE. ONE.

[@danielkane292]

Icons to be sure, the E Jag and the Ferrari Daytona...I'd love to own a replica of either one with a Chev 350 engine and an American transmission

[@peterlewis3540]

Any high quality replica or recreation will be better than the original. For instance, better quality materials will usually be used, more up to date and cutting technology The Argentinian car company PER SANG is a supreme example. Their Alfa Monza and Bugatti Type 35 models are exact in every detail to the originals, you simply cannot tell the difference, their that good.

[@paulelverstone8677]

This car is unlikely to change the minds of the purists and, if we're all honest, we'd probably still choose the original, given the choice. But if it was your own money then I think this brings the car to the everyman - or, at least, closer towards. I sometimes get a bit fed up with all the accolades thrown at the car but when you see it like this, there is no denying that its looks are beguiling. Bottom line: if Jaguar themselves are happy for CCC to faithfully reproduce this car, then who am I (or we) to say it shouldn't be...

[@harveyalan788]

If the replica has the look, feel and and sound of the original, I am all for it. Purists are entitled to feel otherwise, and I'm all for that sentiment, too, except when accompanied by a nose pointed firmly upward, and a sniff of disapproval. No one need approve of your choice.

[@RichardMichaelOwen]

Yes this replica is cheap for good reason; it is a rough copy of the E-Type with all the same E-Type maintenance costs. The joy of the original is its unified, lemans race winning design with amazing aftermarket support. Triple C went out of business because driver-condition E-Types came down in price and were a better option.

[@dunmail7744]

Challenger is not a rough copy at all, in many respects it is better and lower maintenance although the E Type was not costly to maintain when looked after correctly.

[@isleofauto]

Is there a website for this challenger company? How to buy one?

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

These were built in the 80s, so eBay or CarAndClassic are probably your best bet!

[@robgillam340]

The exterior is lovely, its a replica so it retains the originals' charm. The interior falls short, lacking the allure of toggle switches and finesse found in the original's thin-rimmed wheel. Nonetheless, cruising in it is sure to bring smiles to onlookers, quite unlike the experience of driving a Ferrari replica.

[@trevorjlewis]

much of the XJ6 Dash and wiring was used to keep costs down and ease of build. You have to remember these are not factory finished cars, they were sold as a KitCar even though we mounted the body on the chassis for them. Some owners have however over the years made more true to original aluminium dash with the correct switches.

[@encinobalboa]

330 kg lighter is an incredible result. Jaguar should have brought Triple C into the fold ala Mercedes and AMG.

[@dunmail7744]

Plus another 250kg lighter with a Rover V8 4.5 litre instead of that WW2 XK6 engine up front!

[@SlightReturn666]

I feel like the stance is a bit off. The tail looks too high. Am I misperceiving?

[@AccordQS]

Love it.

[@allenhanks7719]

My friend got a brand new v12 jaguar for his 16th birthday. I think it was 1964. He used to race it at the track and ruined it.

[@gitbas]

No V12 in 1964, you probably mean 1974?

[@allenhanks7719]

@@gitbas your right maybe a 1970. He dragged race raced it in the 1/8 mile drag strip and beat almost everyone and won a bunch of trophies.

[@BluBlade-k7b]

The E type is still the best looking . But for me I would need at least 400 HP MOPAR 340 with a 6 spd trans . For insanity put a Hellcat in there , now you got a cat that rips .

[@gwendogy]

What surprises me with the E is why no-one actually makes it. Jaguar must still own copyright and knocking something together this shape with modern tech would be wonderful. Instead, a plethora of "me too" bodyshops try to ape the real thing, a bit of a shame. And this, from the guy who didn't buy an XK120, 'cos it was a probable bucket of rust...

[@roystonvehicles9129]

Jaguar are rebuilding e types to as new under their reborn scheme

[@dunmail7744]

No "bodyshops" have made E type replicas since the Challenger ending in the early 90's and JPR Wildcat ending about the same time I think. I doubt JLR would permit any replicas now.

[@roystonvehicles9129]

@@dunmail7744 quite right too

[@keith7836]

shame they never copied the inside as well , the give away has always been the centre counsel being way too wide from an original car.

[@trevorjlewis]

it used the XJ6 parts to keep cost down and ease of build. Remember it was a kitcar not a factory finished car. Owners often built down to a budget.

[@OldLien1]

It's not for me I will keep to the real thing thanks

[@PRH123]

There were a lot of Jaguar xj6's in the us in the 70's and 80's. They were like american cars, just lower to the ground. Same handling, same (lack of) power, same mushy suspension.... Like a loose bucket of bolts rolling down the road...

[@keithprinn720]

if it looks the same wityh better more reliable drive line suspension breaks and tyres? of course sixty years of progress. the style was always the thing for it.

[@roystonvehicles9129]

People seem to think that this is a new car with non of the old jag problems, we'll it's basically an 1980s or 90s kit car using s1 xj6 mechanicals that are now 50 years old anyway, only vague advantage is non rust grp body, unless it's been engineered with de rated springs and shocks to suit the much lighter body than an xj6 I'd not trust the handling. I couldn't stand explaining to everyone it wasn't an e type either.

[@dunmail7744]

Challenger owners know how to spec the suspension for the lighter body etc.

[@roystonvehicles9129]

@@dunmail7744 yes, de rated springs as it'll be a lot lighter than an xj6.

[@robinconnelly6079]

Totally cool

[@user-vk8uu9nv7n18]

Very nice car!!!!!

[@matthewjenkins1161]

Many original E-Types had fiberglass fronts fitted by owners, after horror stories of the long steel bonnets decapitating occupants in front end collisions. No original car today would wear a fiberglass front, so this at least for frontal impacts, is likely a safer car. All the looks, lower weight, safer and not too precious to enjoy properly.

[@jwilkinson341]

still has the same rear axle a nightmare for brakes

[@wilkinsmicawber9541]

I want one!

[@gregstretton8584]

Can this be registered as a new car? Where I live, you cannot import a car more than two years old

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

These were built in the 1980s, so are already registered - you won't be able to buy a new one :)

[@gregstretton8584]

Thank you@@ClassicsWorldUK

[@guypike6402]

If it doesn't have Lucas electrics it's automatically better!

[@Sandhoeflyerhome]

They have spoiled the car for a hapeth of tar. The aluminium turned dash and console would would have added £30 and looked so much better. Plus the side video shots showed the door wobbling and a real poor fit

[@trevorjlewis]

the gauge panel was lifted directly from the XJ6 and yes the wood effect does look naff, many owners have changed this for a more period correct aluminium one

[@robertscheinost179]

Yeah, it looks nice and it's worth 1 3rd the price. You will find that out when you or your heirs go to sell it. I'll take an original, thank you (I had two). You get what you pay for.

[@James-ld2jc]

It looks like it has a wider track

[@roystonvehicles9129]

It has, based on an xj6

[@dunmail7744]

Later Challengers used XJ6 IRS narrowed to E Type track width.

[@roystonvehicles9129]

@@dunmail7744 good info bud

[@roystonvehicles9129]

@@dunmail7744 Morris minor and the e type shared the same track, 4'2" I think

[@daviddickmeyer5231]

The top of the windscreen looks a bit flat……

[@daviddickmeyer5231]

No, I mean really. To me I’m wondering if the original had a bit more crown in the top of the glass. Any comment on that?

[@dunmail7744]

The Challenger uses an original E Type windscreen and frame. Why would a different shape be used? E Type hardtops and hoods are also used so have to fit.

[@kenbradley5035]

Is it a problem getting the car accepted by DVLA or is it looked on as a kit car?!! and how old is this video.

[@trevorjlewis]

these cars were legally registered 30 years ago. So no issues now. New rules would probably make building these now impossible.

[@MichaelJones-ci6hq]

Beautiful car. Jags always have something going on. Lucas was the prince of darkness. If you’re going to own a jag, you have to own two so you have one to drive one of the other ones in the shop lol I have the privilege of restoring series 1 number 161 I still have the headlight covers and the ashtray

[@normanedwards7220]

I am not a purist , and this is not a E Type , it is a replica, a lookalike , and I would love to own one ,but let's not carried away , it's a mongrel , the original was a pedigree,

[@boataxe4605]

It’s probably more reliable.

[@jammynem]

“Every bit”

[@ColinMill1]

Sadly a fake is always just a fake however good (and this does not look good). What is the long term prospect for the value of a fake Rolex, or repro Tiffany lamp? I think this is in the same position.

[@chuckschillingvideos]

The E-Type was never that great a car. People fell in love with the styling is all.

[@philipgreer9811]

If you know an etype these cars are night and day

[@davidclarke7728]

Damn good fake , one recently on auction for fifteen grand

[@bobfrankish8883]

mmmm. not convinced I'm afraid. I can't think that I'd pay going on for £50K for that car. You can see that the panels don't really fit, the bonnet is wavy at the top where it meets the wing. and there is an obvious large chip out of the sill where the bonnet corner has clouted it. It is just a nice looking kit car (from a distance).

[@roystonvehicles9129]

Spot on bud

[@chrishalstead4405]

Thank God I’m not a purist. Some of the comments below would not be out of place in a primary school playground. You stick with your money-pit fossils, boys; I’m sure you’ll be happy (or probably not……)