share on BufferThe Mark 2 was an 18-month project between the designer and the garage. The basically new car draws its electrical power from a 4.3-liter engine that’;s been pilfered and modified from an XK. It really is mated to a 5-velocity manual transmission.
The unique Jaguar Mark 2 – created in 18 months – has been unveiled at the opening of the company’s new headquarters in Bridgnorth, Shropshire and will make its first outing to Salon Prive on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th of September at Syon House in Brentford, TW8 8JF.
Below we report the official story behind the project.
Front the official Press Release:
This 18 month joint project between Ian Callum and CMC has endeavoured to retain the integrity of the original Mark 2, whilst making it more exciting in shape and performance.
Ian Callum said: “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.”
The car has been redesigned by Ian for his own personal use and, working with CMC’s engineers, it
now boasts a huge number of aesthetic and technical modifications that make this a practical, reliable,
enjoyable and exciting everyday vehicle.
Featuring a modified and uprated 4.3 litre XK engine, 5-speed manual gearbox, unique independent
rear suspension and upgraded front brakes, the Mark 2 by Callum provides an intuitive driving
experience.
Commenting on the specifications, Ian said: “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 17” 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.”
The suspension has been designed and reengineered by CMC. The front incorporates a bespoke power
assisted rack, uprated coil springs, roll bar and wishbone bushes, adjustable dampers and solid
subframe mountings, repositioned to improve anti-dive characteristics. The unique independent rear
suspension now includes uprated coil springs, blade control wishbones, outboard disc brakes, an anti-
roll bar and adjustable dampers.
The car has been fitted with Clarion’s NZ502E single DIN multimedia station, a high technology in car
entertainment system with a 16cm flip-out touch screen, amongst other features, and component
loudspeakers in specially-designed housings. The cabling has been provided by VDC Trading, as used
in the world’s top recording and mastering studios, such as Abbey Road.
Peter Neumark, Chairman of CMC, 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.”
Ian said: “Every time I go to CMC it excites me to see so many wonderful machines being worked on
with passion. I always leave feeling a much happier person.”
John Surtees OBE 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”.
Norman Dewis said: “I have been associated with Jaguar for more than 60 years and was their Chief
Development Test Engineer for 33 years. I have always been excited to work with them and over the
years I have come to know and respect the work that CMC have carried out restoring Jaguar’s heritage.
Mark 2 by Callum is something special and I was delighted when I was asked to unveil the car. It is
something that both Ian Callum and CMC should be very proud of”.
(Source: Classic Motor Cars)
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