Right Hand Drive Conversions

 There has always been interest in the XJS but now more than ever. This has caused a growing demand for the ultimate models and examples from enthusiasts and collectors. However, this has been a problem as so few late model vehicles were built, and the numbers of cars supplied to the UK and Europe extremely low. The answer to this was to search further afield and with an estimated 70% of vehicles going to the USA, it was the place to start looking. 

A shortage of early vehicles available for sale in the UK has never been a problem but finding rust free, low mileage, well cared for examples has become increasingly hard. Then to narrow your search to find the Ultimate XJS and future investment its pretty much impossible. 

 So, we came up with a solution if you cannot buy it…… build it! 

To find unmolested corrosion free cars our attention was turned to dry state vehicles from California and the like.. Something that has been done with the XK120, 140, 150 and E types for many years. The structural condition of these vehicles that have not been subject to the harsh wet weather and salting of the roads is second to none. Having said this, it is not as simple as one might think. Having too much of a good thing can cause its own problems. Many vehicles suffer from poor condition paint, convertible roofs, cracked veneer, poor leather and poor servicing and maintenance due to the limited number of Jaguars specialists in the US.  

Each vehicle is inspected by us before purchase.

Each vehicle is inspected by us before works undertaken.

The only way to find the correct cars for repatriation is to get on a plane fly out to the sunshine and look at them in person, it’s a hard life sometimes... but with 40 years+ experience the right cars can be found and obtained. Normally we have a short list of 10 or so potential vehicles with only maybe one or two the “unicorn” 6.0l special order cars on our itinerary. Once Sourced the select few are boxed up safely in containers and the long wait of around 8 weeks to land in the UK begins. All duties and taxes paid on UK shores by and the vehicles are then released to our care.

Finally, once back on home turf we start preparations for the cars. Some are designated as LHD vehicles to be UK registered and exported to Europe to our ever-growing European market. Others are kept in our care awaiting to attract the attention of their new owner via our website or classic car magazines.

Should you find a vehicle amongst our large selection and would like us to convert it from the left to the right we can!  The conversion is as much work as it sounds but thanks to our team it can be done with relative ease and is a straight-forward procedure having completed other builds in the past. Thanks to Jaguars manufacturing process the body shells are identical and not a single hole needs drilling or making so the cars stay as they were intended to be using genuine Jaguar parts throughout.

Firstly, for peace of mind nothing that Jaguar did not supply or make themselves. Obviously, the steering wheel and pedals need relocation but there is a little more than that required. The blend unit is removed and the main front harness along with the ABS harness for the controlling of the braking system, the steering rack is replaced and many other items that seem trivial but essential, headlights, number plate plinths, seat control switches, cruise control switches, Aux power the handbrake and much more.

 I have been asked if could I tell the difference between a car converted by us and an originally supplied UK vehicle. The simple answer is yes... but not for the reasons you may think. Side by side you could not tell the difference and the cars are identical, most enthusiasts you spoke to could not.

 The devil is in the detail and as soon as you opened the bonnet or looked underneath the car the game would be up. The stunning condition would give it away. UK cars Rarely look that good!  

Take some time to browse through the pictures of a few conversions we have done and any questions you my have please ask. All vehicles are in the UK at our premises and available for viewing and inspection with prior arrangement. 

We are always happy to discuss in further detail and any requirements you may have.