At the Geneva Motor Show yesterday, March 6, Jaguar Classic proudly presented Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain’s custom-built “Greatest Hits” Jaguar XJ6 to kick-off the XJ model’s 50th anniversary celebrations in 2018. The bespoke commission is a collaboration between Nicko, the expert engineers and craftsmen at the Jaguar Land Rover Classic Works in Coventry and Jaguar Design Studio Director Wayne Burgess. The project involved more than 3,500 man-hours of work, with more than 4,000 parts refinished, replaced or redesigned.
Unlike any 1984 XJ6 before, it incorporates substantial modifications to the exterior, interior, drivetrain and suspension. Tim Hannig, Jaguar Land Rover Classic director, said, “Creating this ‘Greatest Hits’ XJ, and the whole process of bringing someone’s automotive dream to life, has been extraordinarily rewarding for the Jaguar Classic team. It’s been a pleasure to work with Nicko and we’re looking forward to hearing the reaction to this project.”
The car features unique front and rear bumpers — seamlessly blended into the modified fenders with custom chrome “brightwork” and flush-fit U.S. side marker lights. The fenders have been flared to accommodate special 18-inch wire wheels fitted with 235/45 R18 Pirelli P Zero tires. Suspension front and rear has been upgraded, with the rear dampers now adjustable, and the headlights have been converted to LED units with “Halo” daytime running lights. There’s also an integrated touch screen operating satnav, phone, rear view camera and a custom audio system (what else?) with USB connectivity, featuring guitar amplifier-inspired control knobs machined from aluminum.
The leather seats are hand-trimmed in Pimento Red with black piping and embossed headrests, while a black hand-crafted carpet and Alcantara headlining finishes off the interior trim. The dashboard features dark grey stained Sycamore veneers — the preferred material for Nicko’s favorite snare drums. Further nods to the owner’s art include machined aluminum rotary controls on the dashboard inspired by the control knobs of the guitar amplifiers created by Nicko’s friend Jim Marshall, and drum kit-inspired pedals finished in chrome and black. Bespoke soft down lighting illuminates the revised dashboard, which houses the state-of-the-art Alpine touch screen controls for the 1100-watt sound system.
A number of reconditioned parts from McBrain’s original XJ6 have also been incorporated, including the classic 4.2-liter in-line six-cylinder engine, which now features three two-inch SU carburetors from the E-Type. Topping it all off is a unique Mauve paint finish. Customer enquiries for Jaguar Classic vehicles should be made through info@classic.jaguar.co.uk
