Part 2 Jaguar XJC John Steed Replica Project

[@gerardbooth40]

Whilst you're taking inspiration from the tv car, ultimately you are actually producing a unique and individual restomod. I personally applaud your choices and anticipate that the finished vehicle will be an total one-off and all the better for it IMHO. Keep up the good work and remember that, in the end, the only person that you need to please is yourself.

[@sportscarstory]

Thanks! True enough!

[@robertbankier3940]

Fantastic, love this project! When it's finished you need to do a video with Harry, it would be great to see the comparison (and driving experience) between the V8 and V12. Looking forward to part 3!!

[@sportscarstory]

Thanks. Yes I’d love that too!

[@martinmcdonald4207]

Enjoying this project. Looking forward to part 3 .

[@sportscarstory]

Thanks! Should get more interesting!

[@robertbills4290]

So glad I found your channel. Always loved the John Steed Custom Jaguar. Looking forward to seeing this build

[@sportscarstory]

Thanks so much! I can’t wait for this car to be on the road.

[@3ducs]

One vote for wood dash here, seems to me an XJ needs the warmth of wood.

[@sportscarstory]

I kind of understand..

[@DanzigDemento]

Never saw the TV show but I like the design of the car. Wood and leather interiors scream English but I don’t see an engine turned dash as a negative. Can’t wait to see this running and driving!

[@sportscarstory]

Thanks! It’ll happen.

[@markgurney4659]

Great uploads, I'll enjoy following this project as the XJC has always been a fave of mine, especially John Steed's 76 Broadspeed. It's gotta be green, tan leather trim and wood dash + original instruments imo but go with what works for you. All the Best!

[@sportscarstory]

Yes. I’ll try and switch it to tan leather at some point !

[@666chew]

What a handsome car. Absolutely love it in red.

[@sportscarstory]

Thanks! Apologies for what I’m about to do ..

[@user-ig1xo3om2x]

You're right about only having a 3 speed slushbox as standard on most of the V12 Jaguar/Daimlers. Facias - I like the standard burr walnut, but I like engine-turned aluminium too.

[@sportscarstory]

You’ve got my dilemma!

[@romanoguttadauro6116]

I can't wait to see her in green thanks for posting and for the additional information cheers Romano

[@sportscarstory]

Green is coming soon. New video tomorrow night showing the body kit fitted.

[@modelmania825]

thanks for the mention of my video 🙂

[@sportscarstory]

No probs! I wish I’d seen it before!

[@sportscarstory]

Quick question: do you still have a set of race broadspeed wheels? Or know where there’s a set of steed wheels? Rgds, Pete

[@modelmania825]

@@sportscarstory i have 1 of the 16 inch rear wheels , and a rear 19 inch speedline wheel of the 77 racecar , the full set i had went to the midlands and they build a steed replica with it ,, to find another set will be near impossible ,i know of 3 sets , the set on chassis nr1 , the set i had , and another set that was sold on ebay a few years ago , and i doubt there where many more sets , because they only had one car , and the next season they went to the 19 inch speedline wheels so to find a real set of these wheels is near impossible , as i said image wheels can make a kent wheel to any size and width you want and need ,, their adress is Unit 3, Fountain Lane, Tipton West Midlands DY4 9HA ( sadly youtube does not alow email or websites )

[@modelmania825]

@@sportscarstory i still own 1 rear wheel of the 76 racecar , and 1 rear wheel of the 77 racecar , and i know the racecar chassis nr 1 has a set ,, i sold my full set to someone in the midlands near melton mowbray who build a steed replica with them a few years ago , and i have seen a set on ebay a few years ago , but they where of the racecar and will never fit a normal road car , you would need to narrow them and put steel insterts in them for the wheel bolts , and that is a very specialistic job because they are magnesium , than they also have to be crack cheacked with an xray , so in the end you d be looking at a 15.000 gbp set of wheels ,, easier and a lot cheaper would be to get a set made to the exact specs you need and want by image wheels , they do a center section of the kent wheel , but you can bolt these onto rim halves , and make up any size and width wheel you want , from 15 inch to 20 inch , and from 5 inch wide to 15 inch wide ,,, so to find a set of the real GKN kent style 16 inch wheels will be near impossible ,and when you do they will be so expensive , and still would not fit the car

[@sportscarstory]

@@modelmania825 thanks for that! Yes I’ve reached the conclusion I’d have to get copies made. If Wheel mania or image wheels can copy the deep dished Je

[@richardcarter1000]

Great project. Wanted the Steed car myself. The front suspension geometry will be interesting with the wide wheels. I understand it was tricky on the original car. Great engine choice. I did 150k miles in my XJR8, I didn't want to sell it. Should go well.

[@sportscarstory]

Yes I had an XJR8 too. Fantastic engine.

[@Millmiglia001]

You could have got a specialist to reprogram the ECU and override/delete/ignore the coding for the traction control etc and then program the ECU to suit the 4.0 litre engine and its bhp/torque rev range - it wouldn't have been cheap ,but,it can be done . But,as you wanted a manual box anyway then you saved yourself some money on the project. It looks like it's gonig to be a real monster on the road when it's finished . Good luck and i hope it goes well.

[@sportscarstory]

Thanks -& thanks for the info on the auto box. Yes prob could be done, but I do like a manual - as you’ll find out in next videos …

[@Millmiglia001]

@@sportscarstory You'll only need the rear boxes, also have you thought about using Oblong exhaust tips instead of the usual XJ ones?. I have put sport rear boxes on my XF and it's transformed the accelaration characteristics. It's now, seamless as exhaust breathes much better and freer so when you kick down it doesn't push you back in the seat - it just whooshes forward and the autobox doesn't have the rev needle jumping up and down as it accelarates - just a small smooth flicker.

[@smorris12]

"Keep it cheap" - As someone who favours ingenuity over throwing money at things (I'm mean, mean, mean) this makes a refreshing change.

[@sportscarstory]

Thanks! Trying to keep the costs down, because my other projects are really expensive!

[@smorris12]

@@sportscarstory Makes a nice change from the cheque book restorations. Keep up the good work!

[@bondbug73]

Definitely wood dash against the green exterior. I do like the Stead replica wheels option.

[@sportscarstory]

I’m going to check out the wheel makers. Thanks for the vote on the dash. Wood is winning!

[@eamoneejit]

@@sportscarstoryThe Broadspeed race cars retained the wood dash - or the one I saw at Goodwood did.

[@robbell4339]

Alloy dash for the win imo

[@sportscarstory]

Thanks for your vote!

[@bossbuick8615]

turned alloy dash for the win

[@sportscarstory]

Still undecided…

[@blacksquirrel4008]

@@sportscarstory Steed surely would have the turned dash to remind him of his old blower Bentleys. That’s why that Bentley sport had one.

[@kateandrews8506]

Great project. Interesting that you want the Steed authenticity in some aspects but go your own way in other aspects. Whatever you decide is fine. Good luck.

[@sportscarstory]

Yes. I’m veering towards an exact replica except for the black interior and manual gearbox - & I might try and get a biscuit interior at some point to get the full Steed look.

[@l9jjp]

I think the alloy dash would be better as the steed car was a version of a broodspeed race car .. great job, a very exciting project

[@sportscarstory]

Thankyou!

[@lesf4969]

Loving your Xj project, as a kid I loved Sdeeds Jag - the SD1 was a bit of a turn off in the later series of the avengers , but Purdy kept my interest from then on , growing up in the 80s 👍👍

[@sportscarstory]

Glad you like this project. Bodykit nearly fitted now at Fibresports, so keep an eye out for my next episode.

[@JonDingle]

The Series 1 XJ that you have is an absolute beauty by the look of it. Any chance you do a video on that car one day please? Regarding the XJ, for me the dash has to be wood. Other mods under the skin are fine enough but it needs to look authentic when looking at the inside.

[@sportscarstory]

I sold it, & I’ve missed it a lot. It was the first big project I did with the heritage car company. XJ series 3 engine, series 3 interior, complaint repaint by the famous Carl in Malton. It was a beauty. I might try and contact the guy who bought it from me to do a video on it.

[@BlackBuck777]

Thinking about ground clearance and speed bumps - have you considered a "lift kit"? I don't know much about them but understand they can be useful. Love this project, like others of a certain age I was a big fan of the Avengers and that awesome Jag. (I never had a coupe but enjoyed a lovely Daimler Double Six HE some years ago.)

[@sportscarstory]

Thanks! I’ve got a lift on my Lamborghini & it works well. I’ll def consider it if needed, but I’m hoping it won’t be too bad.

[@ladywithalathe3770]

bravo for the manual gearbox ..... as for dashboard... i would opt for the wood.... but as it is your car... you do you :o)

[@sportscarstory]

Thanks. I’ve settled on the wood now … I think!

[@mikeowen9667]

The right offset wheels will be important to fill up the flares. Maybe widen the steel wheels with the stock hub caps? We used a E type 2+2 gearbox and the stock XJ driveshaft fit right up.

[@sportscarstory]

Interesting. Was that a Steed replica you built?

[@equalevolution5563]

Do you have any vids/pics on you Jag series 1 as that's a stunner... Definitely stick with the wood dash, it's the only way to go with JAAGGG. Good choice on engine/gearbox. Keep up the good work.

[@sportscarstory]

No video of the XJ series one ☹️ I miss that car.

[@londonman8688]

love the conti t

[@sportscarstory]

Thanks. I miss it!

[@JACB006]

Walnut dash and standard instruments Please.

[@sportscarstory]

That’s your vote counted!

[@Millmiglia001]

Buy a pair of stainless steel sports exhaust boxes and you'll have an exhaust systen that will breathe properly under acceleration and also give you the burbble and rumble you want without being too loud..

[@sportscarstory]

I’ll look into it. Thanks!

[@craigvirgin8461]

I knew there was something familiar about the Broadspeed wheels, but couldn't place it! They are just Kent wheels with a massive dish, aren't they? Matt Armstrong often has Wheel Mania make custom wheels. Could they make the Broadsides replicas for you? Glad it won't be me paying for the billets 😂. Fascinating project.

[@sportscarstory]

Yes, I was thinking of contacting wheel mania. I’ll do it it before the next update.

[@marcholstten]

Keep it reeaaheead !!!!!

[@sportscarstory]

Too late!

[@ldwp6395]

Image wheels do kent style wheels in custom specs already, so they maybe worth contacting about the wheels.

[@sportscarstory]

Thanks for that. I’ll call them.

[@sixtring73]

I'm with you on the gearbox choice, it had to be a manual!

[@sportscarstory]

Thanks! I agree👍

[@chrisyates8115]

Red is a better look!

[@sportscarstory]

Oh. Too late!

[@robinking6201]

Have you got an umbrella, and a bowler hat ready , joking apart it will be a fantastic looking motor as the original was .

[@sportscarstory]

Thanks! Yes I must get a bowler, even just to leave on the parcel shelf.

[@oldieman730]

I was looking forward to hearing you sound like a Chipmunk in the timelapse clip.

[@sportscarstory]

Ha yes. Would have been funnier!

[@kavinskysmith4094]

Turned Alumiumn, huh I didnt even know you guys did that on the Bentley's, the old old firebirds from the 70's did that with their machine turned dashes, didnt look bad actually, but you might be able to integrated it into the dash via the gauges, like have their faces engine turned, or machine turned whatever the title is, and have it gold tinted like they did on the bandits trans am, that way you can have a bit of flash while keeping the old time english look the old jags are always known for. also honestly I would keep the back bumper chrome, as the fronts chrome with the grill, the headlamps and part of the bumper, and its in good nick as when you go painted you kinda then have to paint everything else to match, kinda like a 71 cuda they had these plastic composite bumpers you could get on certain color combos for them, same on the 71 GTO and some of the latter GM cars and the nash bridges car always had the front bumper painted, while the rear was chrome given they could never get the parts and it never looked right plus its only a bumper, it can just be taken off and resprayed whenever anyways, although a low profile composite bumper wouldnt look bad to match actually painted chrome like maybe source one from a latter jag that's half and half like the one on a XJ40, provided it fits

[@sportscarstory]

As it’s a Steed replica, the bumper has to be black and with the overriders removed. Funny enough though, I think the original was fibreglass.

[@kavinskysmith4094]

@@sportscarstory fair enough, and yeah it doesnt look stock and you cant paint chrome, atleast not back then, so that makes sense

[@jeppenordfosskristensen7319]

Top project 👌🏻🏁🇩🇰🇬🇧

[@sportscarstory]

Thanks!

[@racketman2u]

Existential question; if it doesn't have a walnut dashboard, is it really a Jaaaag?

[@sportscarstory]

True…

[@williamr3840]

What's price was the cheapest, solid and roadable E-type fixed-head you've seen recently --.tatty but solid? :0)

[@sportscarstory]

Not sure, not been looking. £60-70k?

[@williamr3840]

@@sportscarstory OK. Thanks! I can remember being a little kid and seeing a fixed-head E-type shunting into other cars in a banger race in a muddy field near Biggin Hill. Pretty sure it had no doors or rear hatch. Should have got my pocket money out of my post office account and bought one then! :0)

[@michaeloleary4071]

I think the kent style alloys make the car.

[@sportscarstory]

I agree. When the dust settles from the costs of the build, I’m going to try & get some made.

[@johnmoruzzi7236]

@@sportscarstoryNo rush… plus the car can be an interpretation or variant, not a faithful replica….

[@icooper5236]

Sort of a contradiction,want a manual box not correct well neither is the V8 so it doesn't matter and yes Steeds was auto, definitely not manual. Yours is a look a like so you do it as you want to drive it

[@sportscarstory]

Yes. I had no choice with the manual, but I’ll try and get the exterior look as correct as possible.

[@garyestcourt2377]

Is the car going to be sold when completed 🤔

[@sportscarstory]

No. It’s been an ambition of mine to have a Steed car for a long time.

[@garyestcourt2377]

@@sportscarstory Don't blame you , btw personally I'd go wood dash and either original dials or sunken, but that's just me 😅

[@brianstevenson9967]

I can understand why the previous owner changed the dash on the Bentley it’s because the aluminium dash looked bloody awful, just my opinion🤷🏻‍♂️.

[@sportscarstory]

I prefer the Ali on the T. Harks back to Blower Bentleys.

[@user-xn1pt4py7j]

Turned Ali looks magnificent & much rarer & high end than timber.

[@trevorb5978]

Wood has no place in this restomod. Use the ally dash

[@sportscarstory]

Still not sure! …

[@SB-vb8ch]

Blue silicone hoses...😩

[@sportscarstory]

I suppose they’re clean looking. Anyway, the illusion of classic Jag will surely end when I open the bonnet!

[@markbaker4309]

Wood dash all day, outside cadish thug, inside gentlemens club as steed would have had. Alloy looks cheap and nasty.

[@sportscarstory]

That makes sense.

[@garygriffiths2911]

Without wishing to labour the point I'm never going to agree that carving up a beautiful XJC like this is a good idea - but it's your car so I suppose you can do what you like to it. I also understand that your plan might be good for views on KZbin - and views equal money of course. However, I'm about the same age as you are and even I hardly remember the TV prop car you are attempting to replicate here - so you are creating something that in the longer term will mean next to nothing to the generations that follow us. Did the Stead car even drive especially well I wonder? Frankly it looks like it would have been a bit of a pig on the road - or is this intended to be track or show car only? I have to tell you I would not be the least surprised to learn that one day in the future someone will spend of lot of money attempting to undo what you are about to do to this car.

[@sportscarstory]

That’s possible I suppose. But Ive got such vivid memories of the Steed car, & that nostalgia is my motivation. I will try and make it drive well!

[@lotusgroup123]

I recall that it was indeed described as handling badly / being difficult to drive