Category: News

Posts related to News

We received this video from YouTube vlogger, Martyn Stanley. Hear what he had to say about the increasingly popular XJS, and why he thinks restoring with KWE is the way forward.

In line with growing investment potential, and as the car comes up to its landmark 40th anniversary, the XJS continues to get drivers’ hearts racing.

If, like Martyn, you’d like to restore a classic car back to its former glory, get in touch. We pride ourselves on our ability to back to ‘better-than-new’ quality, in line with your specifications.Call us on 01635 30030, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

Currently enjoying their new ‘classic car’ status, many iconic models from the 1970s are becoming popular all over again. This is evident from the number of articles appearing in classic car media, highlighting models from the era and looking at ‘ones to watch’ in terms of investment potential. For example, Classic Car Magazine’s lead article this month, entitled ‘70s scorchers’, looks at the Ford Capri, BMW 3 series, Triumph Dolomite Sprint, Ford Escort and the Opel Commodore.

Of course, the Jaguar XJS would be at the top our list of classic cars from the era, but there are a few other cars we think are worth a mention – ones that have in some way influenced car design or the progress of automotive technology. None of these cars, in our opinion, match the XJS in terms of durability or lasting elegance, but are influential none the less.

Saab 99 Turbo (1978 to 1981)

KWE’s classic car news round-up (April-May)

Here are a few news highlights from the classic car industry from the last couple of months…
Classic and vintage cars now seen as a stand alone investment (Live Trading News)

The Knight Frank Luxury Investment Index notes that classic cars have beaten everything from art, watches and coins over the past 1 year, 5 years and 10 years. This is telling people that classic and vintage cars are a viable investment asset class.

The focus on classic and vintage cars is not about collecting now but about investing. The strong returns have attracted many in the classic and vintage car world seeking financial gain as the primary goal.

 

Five alternative investment options… including classic cars! (The Telegraph)

Along with buying art or wine, a classic car is one of those investments that can potentially bring you joy while you own it, as well as providing a smart place to hold your money. And let’s face it, when you can take the top down off your very own E-type Jag and cruise

We’ve recently completed the restoration of this now-stunning classic car. We were asked by the client to source a low-mileage donor car – it had to be blue, V12 and a convertible.

F28 RYV

The car we found was actually Solent blue (a mid metallic blue). It was stripped back and repainted in Jaguar Westminster blue (a gorgeous dark navy).

Is your Jaguar XJS ready to shine this summer? If not, then why not call on our professional valet and paint protection services and treat your classic car to a thorough spring clean.

Select from three levels of valeting and a leather refurbishment service, prices start from £90.

For a long-lasting shine, we also offer Advanced Nano Coating paint protection. This is a highly developed nano-scale protective film that lasts – with yearly polishing – for up to 15 years. To find out more, visit our website or call 01635 30030 for an appointment.

Advanced Nano Coating paint protection

Here’s one we did earlier – a KWE-restored Jaguar XJS in solid black with paint [...]

A brief history of the Jaguar XJS

With the Jaguar XJS celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, we took a look back at this iconic car’s somewhat turbulent history.
In a league of its own

Design plans for the XJS got underway in 1965, with the first production car being sold in 1975. The car was primarily designed by Malcolm Sayer, with input and control from Sir William Lyons. With Jaguar struggling financially at the time, the XJS needed to be a big success.

The highly anticipated XJS was seen by many as a direct replacement to the very popular E-Type. However, when the XJS was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1976, it was clear that the car was intended to be in a league of its own.

Externally, the XJS is most noticeable for its ‘flying buttresses’, sweeping from the top of the rear roofline down to the rear of the wings. Although initially widely criticised, this design gave the XJS an excellent drag coefficient – better than the E-Type, and allowing the XJS to reach speeds of comfortably over 150mph.

As interest in the Jaguar XJS market heats up, it’s definitely becoming harder and harder to spot reasonably priced, good quality examples. Nonetheless, here are this month’s pick of the best Jaguar XJS cars that Theresa has selected from a number of different websites.

We haven’t viewed any of these cars in person, so we’d recommend a full professional assessment to check the bodywork, powertrain and other mechanics before parting with any cash!

 

1. 1990 Jaguar XJS 5.3 V12 red coupe

1990 Jaguar XJS V12 red coupe

Described as in ‘beautiful condition with fantastic bodywork’, this red coupe is for sale in Hertfordshire at £5,650. It has a light Oatmeal interior, 75,000 miles on the clock and full service history.

 

2. 1996 Jagu [...]

As more and more customers recognise the classic Jaguar XJS as a good investment opportunity, we are pleased to report that business is booming here at KWE. To meet growing demand, we’ve expanded our operations on Greenham Business Park and taken on two new recruits.

We’d like to introduce Andy Branning, our new Production Manager, and new Technician, Phil Alexander. These additions bring our total employee count to seven. Here we all are enjoying the spring sunshine yesterday – see photo below.

 

We have also acquired an additional plot of land next to the existing premises. The new plot has been designed so that we can park customer cars while restoration work is waiting to be carried out or is in progress – ensuring maximum workshop efficiency.

 

Stay up to date with our latest news and receive useful tips on classic Jaguar cars by signing up to our newsletter via our website: www.kwecars.com.

It’s a debate that is likely to go on amongst motoring enthusiasts for the foreseeable future: which are better – classic or modern cars? On the face of it, modern cars seem like the better option; they’re safer, cheaper to run and better for the environment, right? However, for those drivers looking for a sense of excitement and individuality – you can’t beat a quality classic.

The real question is: why choose a classic vehicle over a newer model?

 

1. A sustainable alternative

Driving a classic car can be perceived negatively – particularly when it comes to the environment. Environmentalists sometimes view classic cars as being gas guzzling planet destroyers, due to their poor fuel efficiency. In reality, salvaging a classic car is in fact an excellent example of recycling – maximising the use of something rather than just disposing of it.

Keeping an old motor running, rather than just replacing it at the

It would appear the recent revival for 1970’s fashion isn’t just limited to the high street. This is good news for classic cars from the era and for us here at KWE. Over the last few months we’ve seen a rush of interest in the Jaguar XJS and have enjoyed an influx of customers coming to us for work on their seemingly-now-fashionable XJS cars. And as a direct result, we’ve taken on two more engineers in the workshop to help cope with the demand.

It’s not just about trends in fashion though – at last the Jaguar XJS is more widely recognised as a great investment opportunity. In an article written by Autocar last week, the Jaguar XJS was second in a list of only five cars highlighted as having great investment potential right now.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity!

If you are thinking about buying a classic Jaguar XJS, read our buying tips first.

Back to top