Steed was a "club" man, so the interior should be walnut and leather. Turned aluminium dashboards are a contemporary Bentley "footballer bling" confection and not appropriate in my opinion.
The car looks gorgeous. However, to be true to John Steed, one has to consider the poshest bits of England in the 1960’s. Basically, the ambience of Pall Mall Clubland. So yes, Connolly leather, Wilton carpeting, walnut-wood dashboards, fitted leather luggage etc.
As a 1st time offered viewer of this show, and a lover of Derek Bell, i applaud your efforts. As a man with copious taste, opportunity, determination, AND enough money to do this right, I'm with you through to the end. I thank you from the USA.
As a lifelong Jaguar fanatic and being honest a purist, I look forward to this project. Like you say, a mint and fine example would need preserving, however, an example that is not perfect then yes I would consider it because staying with a Jaguar engine is positive for the project. Some American restomods are great and they use their Chevy V8 engines and such like which is fine. Harry's XJC is painted in an Aston Martin colour so not exactly original, but still, it is a beautiful and worthy example.
Back in the 80s I knew Bob Kerr who found and rebuilt the 3rd Broadspeed race car. What a monster, there were 4 x drain pipe sized exhausts which came out under the drivers door. A blip on the throttle flattened the grass for several yards
@@sportscarstorybefore videos I think. Saw it at the Knockhill hill climb. The story was that Bob found the body shell in a scrap yard and was going to build a replica. He had lots of contacts and when it became known he had a body shell someone would call and say “I’ve got an engine”. He found that it appeared to be an engine from the race cars, then someone would offer the transmission, then a custom wiring harness which just dropped into the body shell and connected to all the right points. Someone involved in engineering the race cars then told Bob that he had the “lightweight shell” (dipped in acid to thin the metal). It became apparent that all these bits were indeed from the race car.
Great project; Can't wait to see it progressing. Harry's car is cool but I do like seeing these XJ coupes lowered and with wider alloy wheels on, like the Retropower car- Your Steed style rims are a cracking choice!
@@sportscarstory Harrys car was well rotten. But he has bottomless pockets. Ive got one of the very last S2 XJ6 SWB New Zealand assembled. UK stopped SWB in 1974. Mines NZ April 1975. Ive also got a light blue 71 SWB which is 90% rot free but needs a lot of work.
Looking forward to see this one develop- the XJC is one of my all time favourite cars, and Steed’s beast was always a thing of beauty. I watched the series on Harry Metcalfe’s XJC with interest - that one turned out brilliantly- as I am sure yours will!
Fantastic project, thank you to bring it in. It's a real icon for some of us and one of the most "badass" car in the History ! And so so rare. I was a bit sad that Harry didn't go that way even if I love his XJ Coupe. I wish you the best.
Love the project. Steed's car has been my dream since I watched the New Avengers back in the day. Personally I like the dashboard proposals. Best of luck.
The later AJ-27/32 engine was (finally) a fully sorted and well-developed lump. The second generation 4.0 and 4.2 litre engines as fitted to x308 (4.0, obviously), x100, x150 and eventually x350/358 had all the early (and overblown) issues of the AK-26 ironed out and became pretty bullet proof as long as they were properly maintained. I wholeheartedly approve of this engine choice and have subscribed to see more.
YES!! Finally someone that want tò make this beautiful car, the best of all the series of John Steed surely I follow the Channel in this super interesting work!! 😊
Interesting project. I have only ever seen The Avengers with Ms. Rigg. I will have to add to my collection. I built a 1964 TR-4. It was a Chyrsler slant-six in it. Chrysler rear diff. Konis all round (eliminated the lever shocks). 4 wheel discs. Braided hoses et cetera. I am looking forward to following your projects now that I know about it.
I will follow this with great interest, as I hoped that Harry would do this to his XJC (albeit I think he made the right decision as his car does look and sound fantastic). The wheels are a problem....I take it that it is impossible to obtain the originals now - who made them? I did like the webbing/spokes on the Steed car. Will the Compomotive's fill the front arches out enough. Anyway, fascinating project, and Yes, IMO, you are doing the right thing
Thanks for the support! I will try and obtain the exactly right wheels, but I think these will do for now. At the moment I’m wobbling about the turned aluminium dash. I think that might be a step too far , and will take it away from a John Steed replica
Its not for me to tell you what to do with your project....but if it was me, I wouldn't, it will be a big job, and whilst it will hark back to Bentley Blowers, it wont be as per the Steed car.@@sportscarstory
Hello from West Palm Beach in Florida, I'm looking forward to following your progress with your car and love what you have planned for her its going to be epic. Cheers Romano originally from Bramhall. Cheshire in the UK.
Thanks Romano. The cars due back from having the body kit fitted @ Fibresport this week. Can’t wait! I’ll do a video of it asap but I’m away in spain for a week at Easter.
Very interesting Sir ! Went down this road in the early 90's, bought a kit (Pre fire) from fibresports and found a donor XJ12C for the conversion. I used a Jaguar specialist in SW London and had the bodykit sent to them. The problem as you are well aware is that XJC's are prone to rust and corrosion (Leylands build quality issues as ever) so the first thing was the donor car body which was pretty nasty. It was the glorious 'carriage brown' so the body paint matched the rust 🙂. After a long time and working intensely with the garage, and lots of £££'s the project had to be cancelled, because it was just too much to maintain. I have owned over five XJ12c's all of them horrendously rusty and needing so much time and money on the bodywork alone before even thinking about the engine auto box, etc,. Sadly I decided to sell my projects cars for a massive loss, but thats the problem of having a passion for classic jaguars. On the plus side, XJC's are one of the best looking cars ever and my preference over the E-type. One of the nastiest things is the rear electric window with its complex "S" path to retract the glass into the body, but also ensure that the rear windows maintained good seal when up to prevent the ingress of road noise. Was a tricky thing from an engineering perspective but Jaguar engineers did a good job at the time, Some interesting facts re the original XJ12 purchased for conversion for TV Original colour: 'tasteful lavender blue' - well no accounting for the colour available at the the time, but didn't matter since the car was to be resprayed anyway,. The engine was a 'base' 330hp V12, but used the round fuel delivery pipes that were prone to shearing and spraying fuel everywhere (corrected later with the improved square fuel rail delivery pipes fitted to the "HE May fireball V12's) The sound in the TV series were 'dubbed in' but if you look a tHarrys Garage and his restoration of a beautiful XJC the sound of his car in the video is not exactly 'untuneful' but for TV the car needed to sound 'fierce' The British Racing Green (and there are many variation on this theme) paint was apparently loaded with metal gold flake to give it some depth, and some cost depth as well ! The GKN Kent allow racing wheels were a nightmare to get the spec of and I used to speak with Harry at Image wheels to re getting these manufactured but the costs were high as you can imagine back in the 90's and it seemed to be a bit of a 'dark art' to get spot on. The V12 (5343 cc) engine is of the 'over square design' and was told that these can be stretched to ridiculously high cubic capacity for things such as marine racing applications. I owned a 'santa pod' red XJC, very fast and aggressive, lightened clutch, brake line locks, you get the picture, but deadly, you could not afford to take your eye off the road for an instant, nearly caught me a couple of times 🙂 For many years i tried to track down the original tv car to buy but years of searching got me nowhere, lots of 'leads; but nothing concrete, The original tv car had the light beige interior (needed for filming to reflect sufficient light) and apparently had lots of 'holes' in the interior trim due to mounting of camera rigs etc. In fact the XJS used in "return of the saint' had filming cars with beige interiors but black interiors for still and promotional shots. Re your project car, I hope that the 'proper' lower skirt gets resolved with Fibresports, that was the one thing that was a major headache for me at the time, and finding a good fibre glasser that would take on the job, Thanks, Nic
Thanks for all the info Nic. Adrian at ADR has cleaned and replaced the rear side windows. Both working to an adequate level. Hopefully you’ll see the car pretty soon in my next video when it comes back from Fibresport (it’s been delayed because Steve’s had a bad dose of Covid) thanks again for the info. Pete
Lovely looking car, Retropower built a resto mod xjc v8 and are currently working on a mk2 coupe, proper craftsmanship, might be able to give you some advice.
I had a 3 dr Cosworth that I road and track day car, it was completely rust free, the problem with 3dr sierra’s is the large door opening so they flex a lot and I didn’t want to put a cage in it so found a trick that early drift cars did to stiffen the shell which was better than a cage for stopping body twist. Which is to use structural foam which is a two pack resin product it is used in the boat industry and very hard. I put it in the chassis and sills and A & B posts this did really stiffen the shell up as I was using really hard springs as well L stopped at the front crossmember so the front section could still crumble in a crash. Believe me it really does work but very messy.this will mean you won’t have to worry about the roof. As for tyres try Northants tyres they specialise in American tyres and wheels which are on the old Corvettes which are wide and not low profile, I hope this helps
We did the same thing to a rally car in the 1970's and I had forgotten all about it. I was going to point out the same as you, the roof is not weak it is the atrocious body rigidity that is the issue. Mazda solved the issue with a bolt in under floor bracing frame for the MX5 so that may be worth a look as well.
In an ideal internet world ,‘Twould be nice to fabricate the body kit in METAL , maybe a set of mk 1 escort metal bubble arches would be a close match for starters ??? , I’d second staying with the jag dash . Definitely the coolest iteration of an XJC, the steed version , also five dark triangular decals stuck to the wheel centres would bring your current wheels closer to the TV car look. Great project well done , especially on engine choice .
If you look at the uk cobra replica scene you will be fairly happy at the power onoeod these diffs can take. Also a good source for suspension upgrades. 3.54 powerlock LSD from a XJS 3.6 Manual wound work nice with a 5 speed manual gearbox. XJC is a beautiful car, I remember seeing a metalic BRG XJC with this body kit in Newport Gwent in about 1984 when I was an apprentice.
If this was my build I would be going down the LSD route, there will be to much power for the open diff unless you like to burn rubber on the tire with the least traction
I fully agree with a Steed mod on the outside and a modernised restomod underneath. I'd probably have gone for as much XJR power train as possible from the get go. Definitely the diff. The 4.2 SC unit has a lot of torque, even compared the V12. As for the dash and interior... if you're keeping it then make it the car you want. That's half the joy, IMO. The 1955 Studebaker Speedster had a turned aluminium dash and it looked sensational. I think it will in this, too.
As the Steed car was so inspired by the motrosport car would a quality roll cage be worth considering to solve the stiffness issue ...? (BTW I think the wheels are a really good match)
@@sportscarstory Well, I never saw the actual car, but I've seen every episode of the show several times, and never noticed any metallic paint, which I did notice on your model.
My father had an XJ12. It used eye watering quantities of fuel, yet really lacked torque and power you would expect from a thirsty motor of that size. The injection system was very complex, prone to not working, and complicated (ie cost) any work done on the car. When you bought it, the water pumps needed replacing about 30,000 miles later. The 6, on the other hand, is legendarily robust and all round a much better proposition. In oz, in the day, conversions to a Chev V8 was not uncommon, and probably the best option.
Yes. Chevy / Ford option would have made sense then. But there are so many cheap Jag V8’s knocking around in the UK at the moment, & they’re a great engine - & still a Jag!
Always loved the XJC as you said not really that many left , as only a small jumber stayed on thin side of the pond, the anericans have ruined enough with their over modding , glad this one is atleast keeping a jag lump of some sort 👍
In the seventies Chevy Camero had a issue if you raced them or just built them with a lot of horse power they would twist cad crack the c pillar so you could bolt on frame stiffeners I do t know much about them but it's probably like the frame reinforcements of a convertible
Concerning the roof and cracking - You are correct the old cellulous paint was too stiff, hence the vinyl. New paints are very flexible as they are often used on plastic panels.
Fair play for building a John Steed beast.. i loved that JAAGGG. The shape, the arches & the wheels are amazing.. just a though but i would love to own one of these as a shooting brake.
I've always wondered if the John Steed car could be created from the x350 chassis. I know the proportions aren't the same as the old XJ XJR x308 & that's what put a lot of old school JAAGGG fans of.. but chop some arch of & it slightly you might get somewhere
I don't even know if it would look anything like the old XJ's.. I guess the only reason why I'd try to is because the X350's chassis is aluminium & it's bigger & wider with JAGs awesome V8.
Great project I’ve been waiting a long time for someone to do.. there is an American TH-camr building an interesting XJC with a strengthened body with steel tubes also V8 with many engineering improvements however he went quiet a year ago. Your wheels look a good match.
To homologate the large lip spoiler for the boot on the Broadspeed race cars, 500 XJC v-12 cars were supplied with the 3-part spoiler kit loose in the boot. It would balance the large chin air dam, and I think your car would look good with it - even if the Steed car lacked it.
Excellent idea. I see the model has a sunroof... I always wondered why the XJC didn't offer sunroof (unlike the pillarless Mercs). Window sealing will be a problem. Jaguar were idiots (IMHO) not to offer the '70s XJ saloons or coupes in V8 form - so yours is a great improvement
Brilliant project! Please definitely upgrade the diff (essential that it be a limited slip unit imo), suspension and brakes. Remember even the original V12 had under 300 bhp compared to 400 plus with the new engine. Also careful with the fuel return. The XJC has twin tanks selected from the dash, you’ll need a solenoid valve fuel return system, essentially the same as on the selectable fuel feed but to return the fuel to the correct tank.
@@sportscarstory It will be good to see a Supercharged V8 version to compare with his Straight 6… I’m sure he would help with advice… interesting that his is red !
I seem to recall that The New Avengers Annual had a nice two page spread all about Steeds Jaguar and its modifications. The original tyres, before they found production ones, were racing slicks with hand cut tread, I think it stated (?)
In the photos of Steeds car it looks like the tyres were very low profile, and as a result didn't fill up the wheel wells enough, I think your idea of more sidewall will look much better ,of course the diameter could be dictated by what rear gearing you want . Personally I would paint it in as dark a green as you've chosen ,but non mettalic. I look forward to seeing the end result, I always liked Steeds car .👍
I agree, the tyre profile just looked too low - especially in the real Steed car when it was pulled out of a shed. Maybe the original tyres had been replaced in the 80’s?
@@sportscarstory I picture your car with vintage racing style tyres from "AVON" , maybe even with the bold white sidewall lettering? , I'm not sure, but I think they sell something like that for street use.
I suggest that you reinforce the roof. It will stiffen the chassis and increase crash worthiness. I remember seeing a video from a small Japanese performance shop where they were elegantly welding formed steel panels to the A and B pillars and strengthening the factory structural roof components.
One of the Car Magazines late 70s early 80s did a Feature on a Guy that Built Factory Replica , the Factory Race Team were shutting up shop & they gave him the steel Body Kit & if i mind right all the parts required to make a Factory Replica. I had the Magazine for years until my Wife Threw it OUT.
I have always 2 door cars (coupe) especially in large luxury cars.. This jaguar is the perfect long distance tourer.. Very comfortable seats..very large boot and a large relaxing engine.. I think your take on Steve's car is very good...especially the metal dash I have seen that dash on many modern Bentleys It does give it a more racing and original Bentley 1920s and 1930s look ..Which Steve would have appreciated... Timmy Birkin was an aristocratic and Bentley boy... I would say...that Steve's Broadspeed enhanced the looks of the original car Will look forward to future developments Kind regards Ken ❤
Avengers car 100% I would have used an LS with a Tremec 6 speed. But keeping it Jag is good if it floats your boat. Always thought the V12 was ott. But if this car gets driven as it should and not another C locked up for some kind of investment purpose then win win!
Yes I’ve got a tremec in my e type coupe (see last video) & it’s a great box,but as the diesel 6 speed was so easy to mate to the v8 it was cheap! This cars definitely going to be driven - a lot! Thanks !
John steeds car was xjc v12 lister with wide body was it not as I have search so on old lister pics and the xjc is shows nwk60p as the car. Is broadspeed a modern day conversion company. Dad had lister xjs but always wanted the xjc
I think it will end up looking great and handling nicely as well and I like the engine -- definitely suits the car better. The only thing I do not like is the design of those wheels. I know they were probably what was on the Avengers car but I think they were a bad choice. I think something like the dark grey magnesium wheels used on the Bullit movie Mustang would look much more tasteful and serious. If you have to use them to save money then I would have them painted in a matte dark grey or black. Just my 2 cents though. Cheers and good luck with the build!
Soooo nice... V12 offers a fuel economy and maintenance nightmare. 1990s 4.0 six commonly goes for 200k+mi even with supercharged. v8 is really the best, looking forward to seeing how it turns out!!
I always thought that steed looked out of place in the jag,he was a sophisticated gentleman with great taste,and the jag looked cumbersome and very boy racer.😃🇬🇧
Gave a subscribe like No 128. Before my time but I love the Steed car. Great wheel choice. Always thought the original was under tyred. I like where you are going. But stance is utterly critical how the wheels sit in those arches and also arch to wheel gap. You can have a car with power and brakes but bad stance just spoils looks. I'm a motoring artist and I notice things like that. I dislike the Lamborghini Miura for example as it looks like it has a sack of potatoes in the rear. I seen Miuras in person. I preferred the AMC Amx3 so much nicer stance wise saw that also it was gorgeous. I love the Broadspeed but it was not perfect stance wise. Glad it survived.
@@sportscarstory I would love to one day see when finished if you plan to show it. Great project. Certain cars I'd love to draw and a proper Broadspeed or replica is one I've yet to see in person.
Good on you for taking on the project. You asked for comments? My 2p: Watched video with a growing sense of Chinese whispers: a lot of small changes in themselves don't seem to be much, but overall won't really be recognisable as what you are aiming for. It won't look (in or out) like the Steed car the way you are going. However, a few changes back will :) Definitely wooden dash and plush leather inside. Also you can procure - tho pricey - custom made wheels. Would save machining Jag hubs etc too. Again, just asked for thoughts 😊 Looking forward to see progress 😀
Good choice. Parted-out supercharged 5 litres are relatively rare & obviously expensive - but that's a great combination. The 6 speed will transform it. The Drivetribe XJR conversion was interesting as was Tom Lenthall's XJC conversion.
I'm old enough to remember the opening sequence of the "New Avengers"! I always loved the Jaguar. I'm looking forward to follow this story!
Thankyou! I hope I’ll do it justice.
Brilliant. I remember it from The New Avengers and have always loved the XJC. Great job.
Thanks! I hope I can do it justice!
Steed was a "club" man, so the interior should be walnut and leather. Turned aluminium dashboards are a contemporary Bentley "footballer bling" confection and not appropriate in my opinion.
I agree. A trashy dashboard would be as wrong as a tattooed Mrs Peel in a thong, or swapping Steed's bowler for a baseball cap. 🤭
Steeds own, original car in the series is a 1929 4 1/2 litre Bentley, with an engine turned dash....so an engine turned dash isn't out of character
Turned aluminium is an old coach built trim used on cars pre WW2
I think you’re right. I’m going to pivot to a walnut dash through popular demand.
Totally agree. Should be brown leather with British racing Green. You could stain the seats the right colour to save retiming them🤔
The car looks gorgeous. However, to be true to John Steed, one has to consider the poshest bits of England in the 1960’s. Basically, the ambience of Pall Mall Clubland. So yes, Connolly leather, Wilton carpeting, walnut-wood dashboards, fitted leather luggage etc.
I think you’re right. I’m switching to walnut dash. Watch this space! …
@@sportscarstory I'd HAVE to fab those arches in steel!
Hello from Australia, Loved that show as a kid and will be ecstatic to see it completed👍
Thanks! I hope I do it justice.
I remember seeing the John Steed car up for auction at the NEC and tried to persuade my dad to bid, but he wouldn't - was so sad!!!
I wish I’d seen it. Might have had a go, but it went for a lot of money.
This comment is from a non English automotive fan! Congratulations on this masterpiece! Truly awesome work sirs!
👍🇦🇺
Thankyou! Keep watching, ‘can’t wait for it to be on the road!
I have wanted to make this replica for 35 years so far, I have got as far as buying the same model toy you have got :)
It’s a great model right enough!
Love to know where i might buy the model please?
As a 1st time offered viewer of this show, and a lover of Derek Bell, i applaud your efforts. As a man with copious taste, opportunity, determination, AND enough money to do this right, I'm with you through to the end. I thank you from the USA.
Thankyou so much. I’m hoping I have enough money!
As a lifelong Jaguar fanatic and being honest a purist, I look forward to this project. Like you say, a mint and fine example would need preserving, however, an example that is not perfect then yes I would consider it because staying with a Jaguar engine is positive for the project. Some American restomods are great and they use their Chevy V8 engines and such like which is fine. Harry's XJC is painted in an Aston Martin colour so not exactly original, but still, it is a beautiful and worthy example.
Thanks - I agree.
Ahh the "broadsteed"!! Nice looking forward to seeing it finished. Top man👍
Thankyou!
Love it. Put a four-point roll cage in it. That will solve the stiffness/roof concern.
I might well.
Back in the 80s I knew Bob Kerr who found and rebuilt the 3rd Broadspeed race car. What a monster, there were 4 x drain pipe sized exhausts which came out under the drivers door. A blip on the throttle flattened the grass for several yards
Wow! I wish there was a video of that!
@@sportscarstorybefore videos I think. Saw it at the Knockhill hill climb.
The story was that Bob found the body shell in a scrap yard and was going to build a replica. He had lots of contacts and when it became known he had a body shell someone would call and say “I’ve got an engine”. He found that it appeared to be an engine from the race cars, then someone would offer the transmission, then a custom wiring harness which just dropped into the body shell and connected to all the right points. Someone involved in engineering the race cars then told Bob that he had the “lightweight shell” (dipped in acid to thin the metal). It became apparent that all these bits were indeed from the race car.
It's the first time that I have seen this car, and I love it. Sporty and elegant to, very British.
Thankyou! I hope I can do it justice !
Great project; Can't wait to see it progressing. Harry's car is cool but I do like seeing these XJ coupes lowered and with wider alloy wheels on, like the Retropower car- Your Steed style rims are a cracking choice!
Thanks! I agree. The standard car is beautiful, but with muscular arches and wide wheels, the Steed car stirs my soul.
@@sportscarstory Harrys car was well rotten. But he has bottomless pockets. Ive got one of the very last S2 XJ6 SWB New Zealand assembled. UK stopped SWB in 1974. Mines NZ April 1975. Ive also got a light blue 71 SWB which is 90% rot free but needs a lot of work.
You've gone and made me so nostalgic for my youth.....
That’s why I’m doing this car! Thanks for watching! Please subscribe! More coming!
Great project , the XJC is one of my favourite cars and with the steed look completes the car,
Thankyou!
Why would you ruin such a beautiful rare unique body style?Would you ever do this to an xke?
Looking forward to see this one develop- the XJC is one of my all time favourite cars, and Steed’s beast was always a thing of beauty. I watched the series on Harry Metcalfe’s XJC with interest - that one turned out brilliantly- as I am sure yours will!
Thankyou! I hope I can do it justice.
Looks like a great project ,one tip is to use stock upper shock bushes as hard ones will crack the inner fender mounting point.
Thanks for the tip.
Or these mounting points need to be reinforced.
Fantastic project, thank you to bring it in. It's a real icon for some of us and one of the most "badass" car in the History ! And so so rare. I was a bit sad that Harry didn't go that way even if I love his XJ Coupe. I wish you the best.
Thankyou. I’ll try to do it justice!
Love the project. Steed's car has been my dream since I watched the New Avengers back in the day. Personally I like the dashboard proposals. Best of luck.
Im bottling the dash proposal at the moment, going for walnut I think!
@@sportscarstory Shame! But then it will be fab either way. Looking forward to following.
Incredibly exciting project, can't wait to see how this turns out!
Thankyou!
Would not an engine from an X350 XJR have been a better choice? It had many improvements over the X308 one.
Maybe. Money was part of the decision, & we found this low miles engine.
The later AJ-27/32 engine was (finally) a fully sorted and well-developed lump. The second generation 4.0 and 4.2 litre engines as fitted to x308 (4.0, obviously), x100, x150 and eventually x350/358 had all the early (and overblown) issues of the AK-26 ironed out and became pretty bullet proof as long as they were properly maintained. I wholeheartedly approve of this engine choice and have subscribed to see more.
@@gerardbooth40 thanks!
Brilliant project well done taking it on.
Thanks. ‘appreciate it!
YES!! Finally someone that want tò make this beautiful car, the best of all the series of John Steed surely I follow the Channel in this super interesting work!! 😊
Thankyou!
Thank you!
This is a great improvement over stock!!! Standing out is a great thing!!!!
Thanks! It was a hard decision, but I think it’s going to be worth it.
Thanks!
My thoughts go full steed replica,looking forward to progress either way,good luck
Thanks for the support! It’s going to Fibresport’s next Monday, so no going back now!
Interesting project. I have only ever seen The Avengers with Ms. Rigg. I will have to add to my collection. I built a 1964 TR-4. It was a Chyrsler slant-six in it. Chrysler rear diff. Konis all round (eliminated the lever shocks). 4 wheel discs. Braided hoses et cetera. I am looking forward to following your projects now that I know about it.
Thanks!
Great project. The interior gauges can’t help thinking they should be smiths
Yes. I think there’s enough interest in this being a steed replica, that I’m going to go standard
@@sportscarstory Must be Smith's instruments. You can't put Ameriac crap in it...
Dithering on that. See next video
@@sportscarstory Well, Steed would have had Smiths. The new engine is hidden but the clocks are not.
Yes please!! Since I was a kid I've dreamt of doing this.
Thanks. I hope I do a decent job.
Awesome project, one of my all time favourite cars. Where is the original car from the series?
I’ve had one person say that it’s got a 7 litre v12 installed- so maybe the restoration is progressing?
Love the original Steed car💪💪💪 I think Harry’s engine rebuild was more like over 30 k
Wow. I want to keep my total spend under £30k !
I will follow this with great interest, as I hoped that Harry would do this to his XJC (albeit I think he made the right decision as his car does look and sound fantastic).
The wheels are a problem....I take it that it is impossible to obtain the originals now - who made them?
I did like the webbing/spokes on the Steed car.
Will the Compomotive's fill the front arches out enough.
Anyway, fascinating project, and Yes, IMO, you are doing the right thing
Thanks for the support! I will try and obtain the exactly right wheels, but I think these will do for now. At the moment I’m wobbling about the turned aluminium dash. I think that might be a step too far , and will take it away from a John Steed replica
Its not for me to tell you what to do with your project....but if it was me, I wouldn't,
it will be a big job, and whilst it will hark back to Bentley Blowers, it wont be as per the Steed car.@@sportscarstory
Fantastic project can't wait to see this come to life ..excellent !
Thankyou! It’ll happen. Next video out soon with things I forgot to say.
Hello from West Palm Beach in Florida, I'm looking forward to following your progress with your car and love what you have planned for her its going to be epic. Cheers Romano originally from Bramhall. Cheshire in the UK.
Thanks Romano. The cars due back from having the body kit fitted @ Fibresport this week. Can’t wait! I’ll do a video of it asap but I’m away in spain for a week at Easter.
Thanks again, looking forward to seeing her. Enjoy Spain and Easter @@sportscarstory
I’ve had a few jags….. and this model was one I wanted but never had……. Steeds motor was always a favourite of mine.
Good luck😎👌🏽
Thankyou!
I wonder why you haven't moved the engine rearward?
I’ll check with Adrian the engineer, but I think the shell dictated where the engine went.
Amazing project! Following close! 😎
Thanks!
Great Video with the JAAAG 👍Looking forward to seeing your work on this beautiful vehicle 👍👍
Thanks! Please subscribe, next one out tomorrow.
Not a Jag fan , but of all the jags steeds was my favourite , so good luck with your build.
Thankyou!
Very interesting Sir ! Went down this road in the early 90's, bought a kit (Pre fire) from fibresports and found a donor XJ12C for the conversion. I used a Jaguar specialist in SW London and had the bodykit sent to them. The problem as you are well aware is that XJC's are prone to rust and corrosion (Leylands build quality issues as ever) so the first thing was the donor car body which was pretty nasty. It was the glorious 'carriage brown' so the body paint matched the rust 🙂. After a long time and working intensely with the garage, and lots of £££'s the project had to be cancelled, because it was just too much to maintain. I have owned over five XJ12c's all of them horrendously rusty and needing so much time and money on the bodywork alone before even thinking about the engine auto box, etc,. Sadly I decided to sell my projects cars for a massive loss, but thats the problem of having a passion for classic jaguars. On the plus side, XJC's are one of the best looking cars ever and my preference over the E-type.
One of the nastiest things is the rear electric window with its complex "S" path to retract the glass into the body, but also ensure that the rear windows maintained good seal when up to prevent the ingress of road noise. Was a tricky thing from an engineering perspective but Jaguar engineers did a good job at the time,
Some interesting facts re the original XJ12 purchased for conversion for TV
Original colour: 'tasteful lavender blue' - well no accounting for the colour available at the the time, but didn't matter since the car was to be resprayed anyway,.
The engine was a 'base' 330hp V12, but used the round fuel delivery pipes that were prone to shearing and spraying fuel everywhere (corrected later with the improved square fuel rail delivery pipes fitted to the "HE May fireball V12's)
The sound in the TV series were 'dubbed in' but if you look a tHarrys Garage and his restoration of a beautiful XJC the sound of his car in the video is not exactly 'untuneful' but for TV the car needed to sound 'fierce'
The British Racing Green (and there are many variation on this theme) paint was apparently loaded with metal gold flake to give it some depth, and some cost depth as well !
The GKN Kent allow racing wheels were a nightmare to get the spec of and I used to speak with Harry at Image wheels to re getting these manufactured but the costs were high as you can imagine back in the 90's and it seemed to be a bit of a 'dark art' to get spot on.
The V12 (5343 cc) engine is of the 'over square design' and was told that these can be stretched to ridiculously high cubic capacity for things such as marine racing applications.
I owned a 'santa pod' red XJC, very fast and aggressive, lightened clutch, brake line locks, you get the picture, but deadly, you could not afford to take your eye off the road for an instant, nearly caught me a couple of times 🙂
For many years i tried to track down the original tv car to buy but years of searching got me nowhere, lots of 'leads; but nothing concrete,
The original tv car had the light beige interior (needed for filming to reflect sufficient light) and apparently had lots of 'holes' in the interior trim due to mounting of camera rigs etc. In fact the XJS used in "return of the saint' had filming cars with beige interiors but black interiors for still and promotional shots.
Re your project car,
I hope that the 'proper' lower skirt gets resolved with Fibresports, that was the one thing that was a major headache for me at the time, and finding a good fibre glasser that would take on the job,
Thanks,
Nic
Thanks for all the info Nic. Adrian at ADR has cleaned and replaced the rear side windows. Both working to an adequate level. Hopefully you’ll see the car pretty soon in my next video when it comes back from Fibresport (it’s been delayed because Steve’s had a bad dose of Covid) thanks again for the info. Pete
Stiffen the frame rails and the roof won't be a big deal. It will help the new suspension also.
Thanks.
Lovely looking car, Retropower built a resto mod xjc v8 and are currently working on a mk2 coupe, proper craftsmanship, might be able to give you some advice.
They’re brilliant. Yes I’ll try & contact them.
I had a 3 dr Cosworth that I road and track day car, it was completely rust free, the problem with 3dr sierra’s is the large door opening so they flex a lot and I didn’t want to put a cage in it so found a trick that early drift cars did to stiffen the shell which was better than a cage for stopping body twist. Which is to use structural foam which is a two pack resin product it is used in the boat industry and very hard. I put it in the chassis and sills and A & B posts this did really stiffen the shell up as I was using really hard springs as well L stopped at the front crossmember so the front section could still crumble in a crash. Believe me it really does work but very messy.this will mean you won’t have to worry about the roof. As for tyres try Northants tyres they specialise in American tyres and wheels which are on the old Corvettes which are wide and not low profile, I hope this helps
That’s brilliant! Thanks. I’ll def get the structural foam.
We did the same thing to a rally car in the 1970's and I had forgotten all about it. I was going to point out the same as you, the roof is not weak it is the atrocious body rigidity that is the issue. Mazda solved the issue with a bolt in under floor bracing frame for the MX5 so that may be worth a look as well.
@@duster8100 thanks for the advice.
In an ideal internet world ,‘Twould be nice to fabricate the body kit in METAL , maybe a set of mk 1 escort metal bubble arches would be a close match for starters ??? , I’d second staying with the jag dash .
Definitely the coolest iteration of an XJC, the steed version , also five dark triangular decals stuck to the wheel centres would bring your current wheels closer to the TV car look.
Great project well done , especially on engine choice .
Good idea about the decals. It’ll def help to get the look.
Bloody marvelous.
Love it.
Thanks!
If you look at the uk cobra replica scene you will be fairly happy at the power onoeod these diffs can take. Also a good source for suspension upgrades. 3.54 powerlock
LSD from a XJS 3.6 Manual wound work nice with a 5 speed manual gearbox. XJC is a beautiful car, I remember seeing a metalic BRG XJC with this body kit in Newport Gwent in about 1984 when I was an apprentice.
Thanks! Great advice!
If this was my build I would be going down the LSD route, there will be to much power for the open diff unless you like to burn rubber on the tire with the least traction
@@boatslave1 The S-Type R never had an LSD !
I fully agree with a Steed mod on the outside and a modernised restomod underneath.
I'd probably have gone for as much XJR power train as possible from the get go. Definitely the diff. The 4.2 SC unit has a lot of torque, even compared the V12.
As for the dash and interior... if you're keeping it then make it the car you want. That's half the joy, IMO. The 1955 Studebaker Speedster had a turned aluminium dash and it looked sensational. I think it will in this, too.
Thanks. Interesting!
This will be great once done , just a pity that the TV car is rusting away in a lock up the last I read
I wish I’d bought that. Saying that, if it was restored, it would be too valuable to use.
As the Steed car was so inspired by the motrosport car would a quality roll cage be worth considering to solve the stiffness issue ...? (BTW I think the wheels are a really good match)
Thanks! Yes will consider a quality roll cage. Good idea.
Thanks for the £££ info. Often left out of rebuild sagas.
I will do a money breakdown at the end of the project. But I’ve gone into it, with the view to keeping the costs sensible.
I think it was "Brooklands Green", a dark "straight" green colour, that was a factory option on the XJ6/12/C, and eventually on the XJ/S as well.
Interesting. I was so influenced by that model, that I went with dark Metallic. At least it’s a BL colour.
@@sportscarstory Well, I never saw the actual car, but I've seen every episode of the show several times, and never noticed any metallic paint, which I did notice on your model.
My father had an XJ12. It used eye watering quantities of fuel, yet really lacked torque and power you would expect from a thirsty motor of that size. The injection system was very complex, prone to not working, and complicated (ie cost) any work done on the car. When you bought it, the water pumps needed replacing about 30,000 miles later. The 6, on the other hand, is legendarily robust and all round a much better proposition. In oz, in the day, conversions to a Chev V8 was not uncommon, and probably the best option.
Yes. Chevy / Ford option would have made sense then. But there are so many cheap Jag V8’s knocking around in the UK at the moment, & they’re a great engine - & still a Jag!
Always loved the XJC as you said not really that many left , as only a small jumber stayed on thin side of the pond, the anericans have ruined enough with their over modding , glad this one is atleast keeping a jag lump of some sort 👍
Thanks!
i loved that car in the show,i wonder how many of these are on the road? being a 70's car they just rotted away.go for it,it will be a head turner.
Thanks!
Got my sub fella. Look forward to seeing it finished!
Cheers!
Hi do it as you feel it’s your car . Look forward to see it finished.
Thankyou!
Thanks!
In the seventies Chevy Camero had a issue if you raced them or just built them with a lot of horse power they would twist cad crack the c pillar so you could bolt on frame stiffeners I do t know much about them but it's probably like the frame reinforcements of a convertible
Yes. I’m going to try and beef it up a bit
Concerning the roof and cracking - You are correct the old cellulous paint was too stiff, hence the vinyl. New paints are very flexible as they are often used on plastic panels.
Thanks! I heard that, but. Any remember who from.
Can’t
@@sportscarstory there are numerous examples of de-vinyled XJCs that do not have any issues including my own
@@glynnepritchard2526 thanks! Reassuring.
i remember watching the tv show as a kid and always remembered Steeds Jag
Yes so do. Very nostalgic.
Fair play for building a John Steed beast.. i loved that JAAGGG. The shape, the arches & the wheels are amazing.. just a though but i would love to own one of these as a shooting brake.
Hmmm. Shooting brake would be cool, but I think I’ll leave that to someone else! Thanks for your support.
I've always wondered if the John Steed car could be created from the x350 chassis. I know the proportions aren't the same as the old XJ XJR x308 & that's what put a lot of old school JAAGGG fans of.. but chop some arch of & it slightly you might get somewhere
Sounds like a lot of work!
I don't even know if it would look anything like the old XJ's.. I guess the only reason why I'd try to is because the X350's chassis is aluminium & it's bigger & wider with JAGs awesome V8.
Great project I’ve been waiting a long time for someone to do.. there is an American TH-camr building an interesting XJC with a strengthened body with steel tubes also V8 with many engineering improvements however he went quiet a year ago. Your wheels look a good match.
Thanks! I’ll check that out!
To homologate the large lip spoiler for the boot on the Broadspeed race cars, 500 XJC v-12 cars were supplied with the 3-part spoiler kit loose in the boot. It would balance the large chin air dam, and I think your car would look good with it - even if the Steed car lacked it.
Funnily enough, when the steed car was pulled out of the storage it was in, it had a rear spoiler on it I believe.
@@sportscarstory Well, I hope that incentivises you to add the spoiler to your replica.
Excellent idea. I see the model has a sunroof... I always wondered why the XJC didn't offer sunroof (unlike the pillarless Mercs). Window sealing will be a problem. Jaguar were idiots (IMHO) not to offer the '70s XJ saloons or coupes in V8 form - so yours is a great improvement
The Steed car had the sunroof fitted after market I think.
Please tell me about the model, what scale and made by whom?
Sorry away at the moment. I’ll reply with details when we get home.
The roof on the model hhass a sliding panel. How would the extra weight and a hole effect the torsional stiffness?
Yes, I think it should be fine.
Brilliant project! Please definitely upgrade the diff (essential that it be a limited slip unit imo), suspension and brakes. Remember even the original V12 had under 300 bhp compared to 400 plus with the new engine.
Also careful with the fuel return. The XJC has twin tanks selected from the dash, you’ll need a solenoid valve fuel return system, essentially the same as on the selectable fuel feed but to return the fuel to the correct tank.
I think Adrian has the fuel return issues in hand, but I’ll check.
Did you see Tom Lenthal’s modified XJ-C ? He put later front and rear subframes in…
Yes. I only saw it after Adrian had done the work. But I trust Adrian, he knows his stuff.
@@sportscarstory It will be good to see a Supercharged V8 version to compare with his Straight 6… I’m sure he would help with advice… interesting that his is red !
Yes. I nearly did a red steed car! But then it wouldn’t have been a steed replica…
Never considered the force fed V8 for the XJC, but great choice. Turned aluminium dash 👍✊
Thanks! Wobbling about the dash …see next video.
I seem to recall that The New Avengers Annual had a nice two page spread all about Steeds Jaguar and its modifications. The original tyres, before they found production ones, were racing slicks with hand cut tread, I think it stated (?)
Yes. I think the original tyres were terrible. I might try and find that annual! Thanks!
Have you seen the retro power one ?
I’ll check it out.
I am contemplating using an x type to make something on those lines
Interesting.
How much are you budgeting for this project? I think it will be more than 20k pound.
All in will be more like £30k
I wanted to buy the original Steed car when it came up at auction a while ago. Anyone know where it ended up?
I think it’s being built at a Jaguar specialist in the North of England, but I’m not sure.
Fascinating ! Subscribed...
Thankyou!
Love it 🥰, I have a complete uncut engine loom and ecu for that engine 🤟🏻
Glad you like it!
In the photos of Steeds car it looks like the tyres were very low profile, and as a result didn't fill up the wheel wells enough, I think your idea of more sidewall will look much better ,of course the diameter could be dictated by what rear gearing you want . Personally I would paint it in as dark a green as you've chosen ,but non mettalic. I look forward to seeing the end result, I always liked Steeds car .👍
I agree, the tyre profile just looked too low - especially in the real Steed car when it was pulled out of a shed. Maybe the original tyres had been replaced in the 80’s?
@@sportscarstory I picture your car with vintage racing style tyres from "AVON" , maybe even with the bold white sidewall lettering? , I'm not sure, but I think they sell something like that for street use.
@@sportscarstory wasn't it on different wheels by then? Yours looks magnificent.
When they pulled the Steed car out of the barn, it had its original wheels I think, but the tyres looked very low profile. Not sure.
I think so. The original looked to be 70 profile....60 at the least.@@sportscarstory
Funny, I like it better without the flares, but the wider stance must handle much better.
We’ll see. It may tramline badly. They said the original car did. Let’s see how it turns out!
I suggest that you reinforce the roof. It will stiffen the chassis and increase crash worthiness. I remember seeing a video from a small Japanese performance shop where they were elegantly welding formed steel panels to the A and B pillars and strengthening the factory structural roof components.
Yes that might well be the way to go. Thanks.
One of the Car Magazines late 70s early 80s did a Feature on a Guy that Built Factory Replica , the Factory Race Team were shutting up shop & they gave him the steel Body Kit & if i mind right all the parts required to make a Factory Replica. I had the Magazine for years until my Wife Threw it OUT.
😂 I’d love that magazine! Steve @ Fibresport bought the molds from that guy I think.
I have always 2 door cars (coupe) especially in large luxury cars..
This jaguar is the perfect long distance tourer..
Very comfortable seats..very large boot and a large relaxing engine..
I think your take on Steve's car is very good...especially the metal dash
I have seen that dash on many modern Bentleys
It does give it a more racing and original Bentley 1920s and 1930s look ..Which Steve would have appreciated...
Timmy Birkin was an aristocratic and Bentley boy...
I would say...that Steve's Broadspeed enhanced the looks of the original car
Will look forward to future developments
Kind regards
Ken ❤
Thanks so much !!
Have you seen the lister xjc? Think that looks better than the steed car.
Looks great yes!
Your a lucky man, I am sure you will do it justice.
Thankyou! I’ll try!
Avengers car 100% I would have used an LS with a Tremec 6 speed. But keeping it Jag is good if it floats your boat. Always thought the V12 was ott. But if this car gets driven as it should and not another C locked up for some kind of investment purpose then win win!
Yes I’ve got a tremec in my e type coupe (see last video) & it’s a great box,but as the diesel 6 speed was so easy to mate to the v8 it was cheap! This cars definitely going to be driven - a lot!
Thanks !
This is interesting!!! Love from Sweden
Thankyou!
Wasn’t there one done many years ago ? I’m sure a replica was created before.
Yes I think there are a few on the road.
Very interesting project👍🏻
Thanks. I appreciate your support!
John steeds car was xjc v12 lister with wide body was it not as I have search so on old lister pics and the xjc is shows nwk60p as the car. Is broadspeed a modern day conversion company.
Dad had lister xjs but always wanted the xjc
I’m not sure of the connection between Lister and Broadspeed. I shall research.
@@sportscarstory NWK 60P was a standard 5.3
I think it will end up looking great and handling nicely as well and I like the engine -- definitely suits the car better. The only thing I do not like is the design of those wheels. I know they were probably what was on the Avengers car but I think they were a bad choice. I think something like the dark grey magnesium wheels used on the Bullit movie Mustang would look much more tasteful and serious. If you have to use them to save money then I would have them painted in a matte dark grey or black. Just my 2 cents though. Cheers and good luck with the build!
Thanks! Wheels are the biggest talking point. Check out my next video where I carry on the discussion.
Soooo nice... V12 offers a fuel economy and maintenance nightmare. 1990s 4.0 six commonly goes for 200k+mi even with supercharged. v8 is really the best, looking forward to seeing how it turns out!!
Thankyou! I hope I can do it justice.
The original was for sale about 10 or so years ago. Needed full restoration don't know what happened to it
Neither do I. I hope it surfaces!
been waiting years for this, could u reload with audible soundtrack please
Perhaps try using captions?
@@sportscarstory have done....just trying to help for others using average monitors / phones... U might also find my dozen or so links of interest?
I always thought that steed looked out of place in the jag,he was a sophisticated gentleman with great taste,and the jag looked cumbersome and very boy racer.😃🇬🇧
Yes. Boy racer look on Jag really worked for me, but I take your point.
Instant subscribe! Thanks for your content!
Thanks! Appreciate it!
Those wheels would look great on my metro 😉🤣
They probably would 🤣
Gave a subscribe like No 128. Before my time but I love the Steed car. Great wheel choice. Always thought the original was under tyred. I like where you are going. But stance is utterly critical how the wheels sit in those arches and also arch to wheel gap. You can have a car with power and brakes but bad stance just spoils looks. I'm a motoring artist and I notice things like that. I dislike the Lamborghini Miura for example as it looks like it has a sack of potatoes in the rear. I seen Miuras in person. I preferred the AMC Amx3 so much nicer stance wise saw that also it was gorgeous.
I love the Broadspeed but it was not perfect stance wise. Glad it survived.
I agree. Stance is important. I’m going to work really hard on getting the tyres right.
@@sportscarstory I would love to one day see when finished if you plan to show it. Great project. Certain cars I'd love to draw and a proper Broadspeed or replica is one I've yet to see in person.
Good on you for taking on the project. You asked for comments? My 2p:
Watched video with a growing sense of Chinese whispers: a lot of small changes in themselves don't seem to be much, but overall won't really be recognisable as what you are aiming for. It won't look (in or out) like the Steed car the way you are going.
However, a few changes back will :)
Definitely wooden dash and plush leather inside. Also you can procure - tho pricey - custom made wheels. Would save machining Jag hubs etc too. Again, just asked for thoughts 😊
Looking forward to see progress 😀
I’ve def been persuaded back to a walnut dash, & I will take a look at getting some exact replica wheels made.
I love the XJC , the steed version looks stunning , cannot wait to see this finished 👍
Thanks! It’ll happen!
Moss green would be nice with them wheels
It’s too late! I’ve already done the ubderbonnet and door jams in dark metallic. Sorry!
Which version of the supercharged V8 have you fitted?
4.2 from a late S type
-& I forgot to mention a 6 speed manual from a Jag Diesel which fits straight on to the bell housing.
Good choice. Parted-out supercharged 5 litres are relatively rare & obviously expensive - but that's a great combination. The 6 speed will transform it. The Drivetribe XJR conversion was interesting as was Tom Lenthall's XJC conversion.
where did you find the wheels ?
EBay!