IAN CALLUM UNVEILS 'NEW' JAGUAR MARK 2

Callum's unique take on the 60s-era classic - which will be his own personal car - debuted this week at the opening of CMC's new headquarters in Bridgnorth, Shropshire. The building was officially opened by motorcycle and Formula One Grand Prix world champion John Surtees OBE, with the car unveiled by Jaguar's long-standing test driver Norman Dewis.

The modernised Jaguar is the result of an 18 month project between Callum and CMC, with a brief of retaining 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 Callum Mark 2 boasts a huge number of aesthetic and technical modifications that make it a practical, reliable, enjoyable and exciting everyday vehicle.

Powered by a modified and uprated 4.3 litre XK V8 (the original Mark 2 ran a 2.4, 3.4 or 3.8-litre six-cylinder engine), the car also features a 5-speed manual gearbox (4-speed manual, 3-speed auto on original Mark 2), unique independent rear suspension and upgraded front brakes.

Commenting on the specifications, Callum 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 inch 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."

CMC designed and reengineered the unique suspension. The front end incorporates a bespoke power assisted rack, uprated coil springs, roll bar and wishbone bushes and adjustable dampers, while solid subframe mountings have been repositioned to improve anti-dive characteristics. The unique independent rear suspension includes uprated coil springs, blade control wishbones, outboard disc brakes, an anti-roll bar and adjustable dampers.

Inside, 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."

Callum added: "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 thanked Clarion, Royal Air Force Museum Cosford, Severn Valley Railway and VDC Trading for their assistance with the project.

Following its unveiling at CMC headquarters, the car will be presented at next week's Salon Prive concours in London, at Syon House in Brentford, from September 3-5.