LS1-Powered 1975 Jaguar XJ Coupe

This build utilized the engine, transmission, and ECU package from a 40k-mile Trans Am donor car, while the body was given a bare metal repaint in Porsche Lapis Blue. The interior has been re-trimmed in Connolly leather with Wilton wool carpets, and includes working A/C from the donor car, and the Jaguarâ??s Smiths instrumentation adapted to work with the much newer GM harness. Prior to being repainted in Lapis Blue, the body was fully taken down to bare metal, including the engine bay and door jams. The engine bay was seam-sealed prior to being painted. The exterior features 7â?³ Euro outer headlights, Halo HD lights, a Euro Stainless front bumper and lower grille, and a Series 3 electric antenna. The original rear end has been replaced with a 1995 Jaguar XJS rear end with 3. 55 rear gears, a limited-slip differential, and a finned aluminum differential housing. The suspension has been upgraded with a Series 3 Jaguar front crossmember and front suspension, Bilstein shocks front and rear, King Springs from Australia, a faster ratio steering rack, and outboard rear brakes from the donor XJS. The front end features new ball joints, bushings, bearings, and subframe mounts, and the assembly was sandblasted and painted with Glasurit semi-gloss. Interior alterations include a wood-rimmed Nardi wheel and an aftermarket stereo. An adapter harness was used to mate the GM electronics to the stock Jaguar instrumentation, and the GM automatic transmission from the Trans Am is controlled by the Jaguarâ??s slim T-handle automatic shifter. The Wilton carpets are new, as is the wood dash from Madera Concepts. The seats are upholstered in Connolly leather, as is the rear parcel shelf. The interior trim is leather lined as well, and the headliner is upholstered in black alcantara. The full interior, including the floors, bulkhead, package shelf, and trunk have been fitted with Dynamat. The engine and transmission were sourced from a Trans Am with 40k miles that had a rear-end impact. The builder wanted to use a complete LS1-powered donor car for this build rather than using a crate motor to give the final product a more factory-feel. The car incorporates the GM radiator, A/C condenser, dual radiator fan, power steering, ECU and fuse box, and LS3 exhaust manifolds. The Jaguar switchable dual fuel tanks have been retained.