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SCF XJ13 Jaguar Replica in Full ProductionThe SCF XJ13, a replica of the famous Jaguar XJ13, is in full production at The Sports Car Factory in Frederick, Maryland. According to the company's owner, Richard Dommers, units are currently being assembled and delivered to customers. This follows a period of developing additional tooling and working out several finishing details to ensure the highest-quality replica.
The SCF XJ13 is a close replica of the original Jaguar XJ13, a 1965 record-breaking Le Mans race car that never competed, but is a legendary car in Le Mans history. The Jaguar XJ13 was developed to compete head-to-head and win against the leading Le Mans contenders of the time. In addition, it was Jaguar's introductory platform for the 5.3L, quad-cam, V-12 engine. Further development and time conspired to keep the XJ13 from actually competing. A displacement rule change during the intervening period forever disqualified the XJ13 from racing. However, it did make it into the history books on its initial test run at MIRA, where it broke lap records and reportedly exceeded 200 mph on the straightaways. A later promotional run ended in a collapsing wheel and the near complete destruction of the XJ13. The test driver, Norman Dewis, was not buckled in, but he walked away from the crash. Painstakingly rebuilt, the original XJ13 is on display at the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Museum, and it makes rounds on the show circuit.
Historically, the XJ13 has been a costly car to replicate. However, The Sports Car Factory has embraced modern engineering and fabrication to bring this fine replica to market at a competitive cost. The SCF XJ13 chassis is fabricated from high-strength, corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy and is TIG-welded for maximum strength and rigidity. "This is a true modular, monocoque chassis on the outermost cutting edge of chassis fabrication," according to Dommers. On the surface, the SCF XJ13 looks just like the original XJ13. However, under the skin is a modern platform on which builders can finish the replica without the painstaking need to duplicate every nuance and cost of the original XJ13. The aim was to produce a replica that looks like the original, but to use contemporary parts, materials, and fabrication techniques to permit a faster and more cost effective way to a high-quality finished car.
The end result is a great-looking replica that can be completed at an estimated cost between $75,000 and $95,000. This bodes well for builders who've eyed other XJ13 replicas at much higher costs.
The Sports Car Factory currently offers the SCF XJ13 in self-build form with a base offering and a deluxe offering. Both base and deluxe offerings include a body and chassis assembly, DOT-approved windscreen, windows, headlight covers, and motor cover. The deluxe offering includes the complete suspension and steering assemblies, vintage gauges, wheels, and the like. For more information, visit www.sportscarfactory.com, or call 240-0441-1401.
LCS Raffle Car Ready To WinThe Cobra 427SC raffle car for the 2007 London Cobra Show is finished. It's a Unique Motorcars creation (www.uniquemotorcars.com).Check out how great the car looks! We're sure it drives even better, with a Ford FE big-block powerplant and all-independent underpinnings. Cobra raffle tickets are $20 each. The dates for the '07 event are June 19-24, 2007. The first two days will be track days at Mid-Ohio Racetrack. On June 21, prominent Cobra replica manufacturers will host barbecue picnics. On Friday, June 22, three scenic tours will embark from the event's host hotels. Saturday's festivities include a Cobra parade and quarter-mile drags down one of London, Ohio's main streets. Also on Saturday, there'll be a silent auction, dinner, VIP speakers, and the Cobra raffle giveaway. Finally, on Sunday, June 24, the ever-popular autocross will be held. Proceeds from the London Cobra Show go toward research for a Cystic Fibrosis cure. For more information, visit www.londoncobrashow.com.