XK180 Replica

21.01.2008 19:00 Auto - Source: Auto Express

Stunning Jaguar XK180 finally hits the road, with a little help from a kit car firm.

Have you ever fancied getting behind the wheel of an exotic concept car? If so, then this could be the motor for you.

At first glance this looks just like the stunning Jaguar XK180 show car that starred at the 1998 Paris Motor Show. However, closer inspection reveals that this is actually a copy cat! Despite million dollar looks it is actually a faithful glassfibre replica costing only 10,000.

The original car was handbuilt on a shortened XKR platform and featured a tuned 450bhp version of the company's supercharged 4.0-litre V8. Using a semi-auto five-speed gearbox, the XK180 could accelerate from 0 to 60mph in just 4.5 seconds.

Sadly, the copy has slightly less exciting mechanicals. Underneath the stylish exterior is an engine from an aging XJS. In fact, the XK180 replica uses the old coupe for most of its mechnical parts.

The exterior is still very convincing though. The man behind the project, kit car specialist Paul Banham, has spent years getting all the details right. It even features the same LED rear lamps and louvred bonnet.

The kit is available now, and for more details you can log onto XK180.com

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