Jaguar has developed two F-Type Convertible rally cars, taking design cues from the F-Type Chequered Flag Limited Edition (road car), to continue its celebration of 70 years of sports car heritage since the XK 120 was first revealed in 1948. The F-Type rally cars also pay homage to the legendary Jaguar XK 120 (registered ‘NUB 120’) which, in the early-1950s, driven by Yorkshire motor dealer and rally enthusiast, Ian Appleyard, completed three consecutive Alpine Rallies, without incurring a single penalty point, and won both the RAC and Tulip events.
Both of the rally-specification F-Type Convertibles are powered by Jaguar’s 296bhp 2.0-litre Ingenium four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine. With modifications overseen by Jaguar Design and Engineering, the cars were built to full FIA specification, with comprehensively uprated brakes and suspension fitted alongside a protective roll-cage, race-seats with six-point harnesses, bonnet-mounted light pod and fire extinguisher system.
Ian Callum, Jaguar Director of Design, stated: “The opportunity to design a rally car doesn’t come along very often, so I was fascinated to see how we could take our modern-day sports car onto that platform. The result is a fitting tribute to the XK 120 and all of the great Jaguar sports cars, since its introduction 70 years ago, including the latest F-Type Chequered Flag Limited Edition.”
The rally F-TYPEs feature upgrades to the brakes, suspension and drivetrain including the addition of grooved discs, with four-piston calipers front and rear. Hand-built competition dampers and softer springs ensure that the high-performance cars can be driven flat-out over rough rally stages. Three-way adjustable dampers allow the cars to be tuned for different surfaces and feature spherical bearings for added precision. With motorsport-spec wheels and tyres designed for use on gravel, a limited-slip differential improves the power delivery on loose surfaces, while a hydraulic handbrake helps the driver to tackle hairpin bends.
The celebratory models were put through their paces at Walters Arena rally stage, South Wales, to demonstrate their performance credentials and will also attend a series of Jaguar events over coming months.
The Jaguar F-Type Chequered Flag Limited Edition is available from £62,335 (prior to FCD discounts being applied) and can be configured at www.jaguar.co.uk, where you can read more about the F-Type Chequered Flag Limited Edition. If you want to view the video produced of the build and testing of the F-Type rally cars, you can do so by clicking on: https://youtu.be/YsUcDmCmLMg .
