Restomod Drama: TWR Supercat XJS

BREDO

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Post on Nov 21, 2024

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

Hey everyone, buckle up, because this is a story about a car—a seriously cool car—that almost broke me. We're talking about a Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR) Supercat Jaguar XJS, a resto-mod dream that became a bit of a...well, let's just say a challenge.

I’ve always loved the lines of the XJS. Sleek, sexy, and totally 80s. But, let's be honest, the original drivetrain? A bit…underwhelming. That's where the TWR Supercat comes in. This isn't your grandpappy's XJS; these babies were upgraded with beefed-up engines, better handling, and a whole lot of attitude.

The Dream: A Supercharged Beast

Finding one wasn’t easy. It took months of searching online car classifieds, scouring forums (seriously, I spent hours on Jaguar forums!), and even cold-calling a few specialist garages. I finally found her – a 1988 TWR Supercat in a sort of sad, neglected state, but with amazing potential. The photos didn’t do her justice. I was in love! The price was steep, but worth it, I convinced myself, or so I thought.

The Reality: A Wrenching Experience

Then came the reality check. This wasn't some simple weekend project. Oh no. This was a full-blown restoration. First, the engine needed a complete rebuild. I thought I could handle some of the work myself, but let me tell you, working on a Jaguar V12 is NOT a beginner’s job. There were countless hours spent hunched over the engine bay, wrestling with stubborn bolts, and questioning every life choice that led me to this point. I even managed to strip a bolt, leading to a frantic search for a replacement part, only to learn that these things aren't exactly lying around the corner store.

Major Lesson Learned #1: Unless you're a professional mechanic, finding a reputable shop for a resto-mod project is crucial. You save tons of time and avoid costly mistakes—I swear I spent more than I should have due to time spent learning things the hard way.

The Nightmare: Parts, Parts, Everywhere

The next hurdle was parts. Finding genuine TWR parts for a nearly 40-year-old car? It's like searching for a unicorn riding a unicycle. Some parts were completely unavailable, requiring creative solutions, custom fabrication, and a lot of patience. There were days I wanted to give up, toss the whole thing in a ditch, and buy a reliable Toyota Corolla. But the project was too far along.

Major Lesson Learned #2: Before you even start, research parts availability thoroughly. Create a detailed parts list; this may seem tedious, but trust me, it will save you so much time and frustration later.

The Triumph: Back on the Road

After what felt like forever – and way more money than planned – the Supercat was finally ready. The roaring V12, the upgraded suspension, the handling...it was everything I’d dreamed of and more. Driving it was exhilarating. All the stress, the setbacks, the near-constant cursing…it all faded away. The feeling of accomplishment was incredible.

Major Lesson Learned #3: Document EVERYTHING. Photos, videos, notes—it all helps. You’ll need this to troubleshoot issues, remember what you did, and avoid repeating mistakes. Plus, it's awesome to look back on the journey.

The TWR Supercat XJS is more than just a car. It's a testament to perseverance, a lesson in patience, and a reminder that sometimes, the most rewarding projects are the ones that push you to your limits. Would I do it again? Probably not…but it was an experience I will never forget. So if you are considering your own restoration project, be warned, and take note of the advice I gave. You've been warned!