Restomod Drama: TWR Supercat XJS

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Post on Nov 20, 2024

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Restomod Drama: My TWR Supercat XJS Nightmare (and Triumph!)

Hey gearheads! So, you’re into restomods, huh? Thought you'd seen it all? Think again. Buckle up, because my experience with a TWR Supercat XJS was a rollercoaster – a seriously expensive, heart-stopping, gut-wrenching rollercoaster. Let me tell you, this wasn't your average restoration project. This was a full-blown Jaguar XJS saga.

<h3>The Dream: A TWR Supercat XJS</h3>

I always loved the lines of the Jaguar XJS, always have. That sleek, almost aggressive shape. But the original engine? Let's just say it needed... some help. That's where Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR) comes in. Their Supercat upgrades were legendary. A proper Jaguar XJS conversion promised upgraded suspension, a beefed-up engine, and a whole lot more style. I found one, a neglected beauty, and I fell in love. Hard. This was going to be my masterpiece. I envisioned late-night cruises, the wind in my hair (okay, maybe the AC blasting), and the heads turning. I even started a Jaguar XJS restoration blog to document it all! (Which, honestly, saved my sanity later on.)

<h3>The Reality: A TWR Supercat XJS Restoration Hell</h3>

Let’s just say the reality was, shall we say, less than ideal. The car, while beautiful on the outside, was a complete Frankenstein's monster underneath. Wires were everywhere, some spliced together so poorly I'm surprised it ever ran. The engine? Forget about it. It was beyond a simple tune-up; it needed a full rebuild. I'd found a rare and valuable gem, but the original owner clearly hadn't cared for it in years.

I spent weeks, maybe months, just trying to figure out the wiring. I mean, seriously, the previous owner had made so many modifications that it was beyond any sort of logical sequencing. There were spare parts everywhere and I swear I even found a stash of old candy wrappers. It was an absolute disaster, a total mess. My carefully planned budget? Gone faster than a Jaguar XJS V12 hitting the gas. There were days I wanted to set the whole thing on fire (metaphorically, of course).

<h3>Lessons Learned: Restoring a TWR Supercat XJS (or any classic car)</h3>

This whole ordeal, while painful, taught me a ton. Here's what I wish I'd known before starting my Jaguar XJS restoration:

• Thorough Inspection: Seriously, before you buy anything, get a professional inspection. This will save you tons of money and heartbreak. Even a seemingly small issue can snowball into a huge problem. A mechanic’s evaluation is worth more than it costs; trust me. I wish I hadn't skipped that step.

• Realistic Budget: Restoring a classic car is expensive. Like, really expensive. Always double, maybe even triple, your initial budget. Factor in unexpected repairs, sourcing parts (some TWR parts are ridiculously hard to find!), and labor costs. It adds up quick.

• Documentation is Key: This is where my blog really helped. Taking photos and notes at every step makes the process much more manageable. It helps you track what you've done, where you are, and where you're going next. And it's great for troubleshooting.

• Find a Good Mechanic: This is non-negotiable. Find someone experienced with Jaguar XJS cars, especially those with TWR Supercat modifications. This project would have been impossible without my skilled mechanic.

<h3>The Triumph: Driving My TWR Supercat XJS</h3>

After what felt like forever (and a considerable dent in my bank account), the moment finally arrived. I fired up the engine. The sound… it was pure magic. The power, the handling… it was everything I’d dreamed of and more. That feeling of accomplishment was incredible. It was totally worth the stress, the frustration, the near-constant stream of profanity-laced exclamations.

My TWR Supercat XJS is a testament to perseverance and the power of a well-executed restomod project. It taught me the importance of patience, planning, and the value of a really good mechanic. And honestly? It taught me to appreciate a nice, clean wiring harness. Who knew?