ERA Jaguar V12 Special

[Jim Holden]

Folks:

Progress has been slow, but I thought I might post some pictures of the ERA-Jaguar V12 Special project. The motor and TKO trans are located, front and rear suspension bolted on with splined hubs and Jaguar XKE knockoffs. So, it's reached the "roller" stage and the next chapter will be developing the body shape. I do not want to copy any particular car, but rather evoke the look of the circa 1958-9 "specials", Recently I traveled down to Delaware to talk to Chuck Hadley about doing a rusteration on my 66 XKE FHC and while there spotted a Devin body up on a shelf in his garage that he has owned since he was 19 (he's now 40+/-). So, we have been chatting about the possibilities...

Jim

[ERA Chas]

Jim-Six Webers I hope??
Masonite panels for mock-up??

[kgs365]

would be pretty neat

[Jim Holden]

Webers they will be... they're stacked up like cordwood on the bench.

As for molding the body, I have been looking at all sorts of ways to do it; from foam to masonite to... Some folks advise that it is easier to start if you have some sort of body to work off of. Thus the consideration of the Devin even though I am not a fan of the nose (it looks like Donald Duck to me).

Here are some inspirations for the project:











Jim

[JWheaton]

I like the green cars shape!

[Fullchat289]

Did you see this one at SAAC?





- Allen.

[ERA Chas]

In the manner of your Slab, you can't go wrong with these 1955 proportions:

[john chesnut]

I love all of those cars. The Green is an Aston Martin I believe. The blue and silver cars are Byers. Great project.

[Buzz]

With a bit of doing, it might be possible to rework a Devin SS into something resembling the awesome, but ill-fated XK-SS...

[Jim Holden]

...and the Hagerman Jaguar was what got me on this journey in the first place.

Jim

[Jim Holden]

The Hagerman in action against a Maserati and a Lister, both great cars of the era (pun intended).

[1985 CCX]

Very Cool Jim!

[xb-60]

I had a look at the video of #86. A nice looking car.
1955 Hagerman Jaguar - Classics - Jay Leno's Garage
Would you do a fairing behind the driver as on the Hagerman?
Cheers,
Glen

[tkb289]

Jim,

Good progress on your ERA-Jag project, getting the car to the roller stage is a big milestone. Please keep us posted as things move along.

Easy to see the Hagerman Jaguar as inspiration, it's an absolutely beautiful car and it just sounds wicked (thanks posting Glen!).

- Tim

[rpatton3]

Have you thought about using a floor, doors and headrests from a donor like a Solstice or Saturn?
That is not cheating in my book.

[Jim Holden]

Here is a potential starting point for the body-buck; a "wide body" Devin.



I do like the look of the headrest fairings on the Hagerman (and on the 300 Mercedes, etc.) so that too is part of the plan.

As for use of modern interior components, that would not be something that I would consider... it's just not what my "esthetic" would be. (As an example, I am struggling with the thought of putting a Kirkey vintage race seat in my FIA; the GT350R model driver's seat presently in the car is correct, but very uncomfortable after an hour or two.)

Presently, I have my 66XKE seats in the ERA JagV12 chassis to set up the steering wheel location, dash clearance, cowl height, etc. I have a line on some 68 XKE seats, which are about as "modern" as I plan to get.

Jim

[PANAVIA]

WOW -- talk about custom crafted - !!! looks like a lot of work, but I am sure you will turn out something special. - XKs unlimited might have some nice updates to make the engine easier to manage for you. - cant wait to see build photos.

--Steve

[xb-60]

Jim - what about customizing the Devin nose to be Ferrari Monza -esque?
Could be an easy way to loose the 'Donald Duck' look?
Cheers,
Glen

[HealeyRick]

Originally Posted by Jim Holden

As for use of modern interior components, that would not be something that I would consider... it's just not what my "esthetic" would be. (As an example, I am struggling with the thought of putting a Kirkey vintage race seat in my FIA; the GT350R model driver's seat presently in the car is correct, but very uncomfortable after an hour or two.)

Presently, I have my 66XKE seats in the ERA JagV12 chassis to set up the steering wheel location, dash clearance, cowl height, etc. I have a line on some 68 XKE seats, which are about as "modern" as I plan to get.

Jim

Agreed. Nothing looks as jarring as a Kirkey in a classic car. Obviously, safety has to take precedence over form on the track, but it sure does kill "the look". Here's a source for some nice classic seats that might fit with what you have in mind: Porsche seats - leather car seats - custom car seats - Recaro car seats - classic car seats Something along the lines of what you're thinking of is the "Sammio" roadster for a Triumph Herald chassis:



Kind of a cool idea: Home

[john chesnut]

I purchase the fiberglass body pictured in the previous post. It is called the Sammio Spyder and it designed asa re-body for a Triumph Herald. It is being made in England. I had it shipped to me in NY.
I have stripped down a Miata to the drivable tub and am adding a tubular bolt in structure to stiffen the tub and to allow for mounting the body. The goal is a lightweight, inexpensive, and EASY to build little sports car that looks like it came from the 50's but has the handling of the Miata. Any upgrades, including V8 kits, designed for the Miata could be used.

The Miata is 7 inches wider than the car pictured. So, I am modifying the body to fit. So that it is not recognizable as a Miata I am not using the Miata windshield or doors. I am using a Porsche 356 DOT approved Speedster windshield. I also removed the doors. My bolt in structure bolts into the door hinge and latch points. (along with other points) I am not sure if I will put doors in my car but classic looking doors can be incorporated. Something in line with the Cobra doors. The car will be able to be registered as a Miata.

I have the body in my possession in my shop in UpState New York. I have 1 of my 2 Miata's stripped down and am working now on this project.

Not meaning to Hi jack the thread. Just thought that it was interesting as a picture of the car came up.

Here are a couple of photoshop pics showing it wider. Obviously in these pictures it has a polycarbonate windscreen.