Callum’s Mark 2 Jaguar showcases Shropshire restorer’s new base
A UNIQUE Jaguar Mark 2 redesigned by Jaguar Design Director Ian Callum, and re-engineered by Shropshire-based Classic Motor Cars has been unveiled at the opening of the restorer’s new headquarters in Bridgnorth.
The building was officially opened by motorcycle and Formula One Grand Prix world champion John Surtees and the Mark 2 was unveiled by Jaguar’s legendary test driver Norman Dewis.
CMC’s new building complex is one of the biggest of its kind in the UK. Fitted out with new paint and trim shops, it provides 40,000 sq ft of production space, allowing CMC to cover every aspect of a car’s restoration in-house, except for chrome plating. Another 24,000 sq ft is provided for bespoke classic car storage.
The 18-month joint project between Callum and CMC endeavoured to retain the integrity of the original Mark 2 – made famous as the car used by Inspector Morse – while making it even more exciting in shape and performance.
Callum said: “This is a very personal statement. A long held notion that, although the Mark 2 has always been a beautiful car, it could be even more exciting in shape and performance. Whilst maintaining the purity of the car’s form, I wanted to add a number of modern twists to the design. Simplification and clarity was my objective.”
