Jaguar design boss Callum reinterprets classic Mark 2 for himself [w/video]

Fri, 29 Aug 2014

As the man behind the styling of basically every Jaguar since the mid 2000s, two things should be known about Ian Callum – he's a big fan of the brand, and he can bloody well get whatever kind of Jag he wants.

His newest car, though, is not what you might expect. Rather than an F-Type or an XJ, Callum has gone old school, and commissioned a custom, resto-modded Jaguar Mark 2.

Designed by Callum and built by Classic Motor Cars in Shropshire, England, the Mark 2 was an 18-month project between the designer and the garage. The essentially new car draws its power from a 4.3-liter engine that's been pilfered and modified from an XK. It's mated to a five-speed manual transmission.

The suspension has been dramatically altered, with a new independent rear suspension, and upgraded springs and adjustable dampers at all four corners, as well as new front and rear roll bars. The result is a ride that sits 1.18 inches closer to terra firma. A new power steering system should also add some life to the Mark 2's rack.

Aesthetically, Callum has crafted a stunner. 17-inch, split-rim, multi-spoke wheels start the excellent design, while new, functional louvers have been fitted into the Mark 2's fenders. The interior is a leather masterpiece, done in a shade of red that is usually reserved for couples behind closed doors. As Callum's creation is meant to be a more modern version of a classic vehicle, a new flip-out touchscreen system has been fitted that will allow the designer to bump whatever tunes he sees fit.

"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," Callum said in a statement.

Objective completed, Mr. Callum. Take a look below for the press release and the video on the Mark 2 by Callum, and then scope out the gallery of images up top.

MARK 2 BY CALLUM UNVEILED

Ian Callum puts his personal twist on the famous Mark 2

Thursday 28th August 2014 – A unique Jaguar Mark 2 redesigned by Ian Callum, Director of Design at Jaguar Cars, and reengineered by leading restorers Classic Motor Cars Limited (CMC) has been unveiled at the opening of the company's new headquarters in Bridgnorth, Shropshire.

The building was officially opened by motorcycle and Formula One Grand Prix world champion John Surtees OBE and the car was unveiled by Jaguar's legendary test driver Norman Dewis.

CMC's new building complex is one of the biggest of its kind in the UK. Fitted out to the highest standards and with new paint and trim shops, it provides some 40,000 square feet of production space, allowing CMC to cover every aspect of a car's restoration in-house, except for chrome plating. Another 24,000 square feet is provided for bespoke classic car storage.

This exciting 18 month joint project between Ian Callum and CMC has endeavoured to retain the integrity of the original Mark 2, whilst making it even 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."

CMC and Ian Callum would like to thank Clarion, Royal Air Force Museum Cosford, Severn Valley Railway and VDC Trading.

By Brandon Turkus