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Jaguar has developed two F-Type Convertible rally cars, with design cues from the F-Type Chequered Flag Limited Edition, to continue its celebration of 70 years of sports car heritage since the XK 120 was revealed in 1948.
The rally cars also pay homage to the legendary Jaguar XK 120 registered ‘NUB 120’ which, in the early 1950s in the hands of Ian Appleyard, completed three consecutive Alpine Rallies without incurring a single penalty point, and won the RAC and Tulip.
Built to FIA spec
Both rally-specification Convertibles are powered by Jaguar’s 221kW 2.0-litre Ingenium four-cylinder petrol engine.
The new F-Type Chequered Flag Limited Edition Coupés and Convertibles will be available in South Africa from April 2019. Pricing will be announced closer to the time.
READ: F-Type Chequered Flag celebrates 70 years of Jaguar sports cars
With modifications overseen by Jaguar Design and Engineering, both cars were built to FIA specification, with comprehensively uprated brakes and suspension fitted alongside a protective rollcage, race-seats with six-point harness, bonnet-mounted light pod and fire extinguisher.
"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 to a similar character," said Ian Callum, Jaguar Director of Design.
Demonstration of performance
"These models are a fitting tribute to the XK 120 and all the great Jaguar sports cars since its reveal 70 years ago, including the latest Chequered Flag Limited Edition."
Image: Motorpress
The cars 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 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.
Image: Motorpress
Motorsport-spec wheels and tyres specifically for use on gravel were added, and a limited-slip differential improves power delivery on loose surfaces while a hydraulic handbrake helps drivers tackle hairpin bends.
Drawing inspiration from the family
The celebratory models were put through their paces at Walters Arena rally stage, South Wales, to demonstrate their performance credentials and will now attend a series of Jaguar events over the next few months.
Image: Motorpress
The rally cars’ livery takes design inspiration from the new Chequered Flag Limited Edition, which features a range of subtle exterior visual enhancements, including unique 20" Gloss Black wheels with a Diamond Turned finish and a Black Contrast roof on the Coupé.
Inside, the luxurious Ebony Windsor Leather interior features Performance seats with embossed Chequered Flag headrests and a Dark Brushed Aluminium centre console trim finisher.
