Thornley Kelham unveils European GT Roadster

They’re busy boys and girls at Thornley Kelham right now. Following its incredible Lancia Outlaw builds and stunningly restored European RS 911, there’s now a new version of the Jaguar XK120-derived European GT: behold the Roadster. Pitched as nothing less than a ‘refined and exhilarating evolution of one of Britain’s most iconic sports cars’, the Roadster made its debut at Salon Privé over the weekend. 

The spec broadly follows that of the hardtop, with a rebuilt XK straight-six that’s both 30 per cent lighter and up to 200hp more powerful than the original. Which is a fairly auspicious place to kick off from. The 25 Roadster customers will be able to choose from a standard 300hp tune of the now-3,868cc engine, or an optional 360hp ‘fast road’ derivative. Either sounds like plenty with less than 1,200kg to move (actually less than a ‘120, thanks to the aluminium alloy bodywork), especially with a five-speed manual and limited-slip diff to really get stuck into the driving experience. Max power is at 6,500rpm, it revs to 7, and Thornley Kelham says the sound is ‘spine-tingling.’

As was the case with the European GT, the Roadster benefits from an extensive chassis overhaul as well. Aiming to ‘deliver the best handling Jaguar XK ever’, TK fits this car out with bespoke aluminium wishbones up front and rear trailing arms instead of the original live axle/leaf spring arrangement. Eibach springs are paired with Intrax dampers (with adaptive items available as an option), with steering via a Quaife rack and pinion setup that offers up 2.5 turns lock-to-lock. Those who want power assistance can have it. 

Whichever options are plumped for, all Roadster buyers get the same stunningly rebuilt body. Handcrafted in aluminium and styled by Paul Howse – once of McLaren, recently responsible for the Lanzante 95-59 – this European GT gets the same sort of overhaul: lower, wider, more modern and more assertive, without losing the fundamental prettiness of an XK120. Howse added: “Alongside the open top design, the bodysides now have real curvature – which, together with the wider front and rear arches, delivers a much more sculpted shape.” Any colourway is possible, of course; of the 6,000-plus hours invested in making a Roadster, more than a thousand of those are spent in the paint shop. 

The inside is just as lavish, decked out with Connolly leather and Wilton carpet; concessions to modernity include climate control, Bluetooth, heated seats and even an adjustable steering column, so drivers of all shapes and sizes should fit. It certainly looks like a fabulous place to spend a sunny Sunday morning. 

“Jaguar XK European GT Roadster is our tribute to what the XK could have become if Jaguar had continued to develop it in-period,” said Simon Thornley, director of Thornley Kelham. “It’s respectful of the original but bolder, more focused, and ready for the open road in every sense.” The price is from £750,000 – best get seeking out a donor car…