Autotune Aristocat Sports:CKC Guide 2009
11/10/10
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Autotune Aristocat Sports
Coupé
Over 25 years of manufacture FORMED IN 1969 by Anthony and Carolyn Taylor, Autotune can rightly claim to be one of the elder statesmen of the industry, and its Aristocat Jaguar replicas have been on the market since 1984. With a passion for both classic Jaguars and competitive racing, it is hardly surprising that when Anthony moulded from a genuine XK140, he then successfully campaigned the very first Aristocat in the inaugural ’84 kit race series. This prototype still races hard if time allows. For all that, the Aristocat Sports is very much a road car, with a focus on practicality and affordability with sound engineering. The kit uses 80 per cent of the donor Jaguar, including all major mechanical components and even seats, dash, loom etc. Allied to the big cat’s standard suspension, it means the Aristocat can be built for as little as £9500 based on a tight budget, but it rides and performs as you would expect from a car using so many quality Jaguar parts. There is usually a good market for re-selling the cars at a later date. To maintain continued use of Jaguar donors, an alternative chassis for the Aristocat Sports has been developed to take in later Jaguars from 1986, the XJ40 and subsequent XJ6 cars, again using much of the top flight donor. Those looking for period authenticity can browse the options list, where items such as the chrome split windscreen can be found, plus budget alternatives. A Coupé version with more focused period appeal is also available, having a dimensionally exact bodyshell, but allied to an updated spaceframe chassis more suited to modern roads.
SPECIFICATION CHASSIS: Multi-tubular spaceframe made from 16-gauge 1.5in square tube steel. Pre-drilled and fitted with all mounts. Side impact bars and rig-tested at Manchester Metropolitan University. BODYWORK: Fibreglass bodywork sections supplied in self-coloured gelcoat finish which does not require painting. DONOR CAR: Jaguar XJ6 or V12 1968 to 1985. Option XJS. New donors: XJ40 or X300 1986 onwards. ENGINE OPTIONS: Jaguar straight-six or V12. SUSPENSION: Unmodified Jaguar front and rear with re-rated springs (rear track shortened for Coupé). STEERING: Jaguar XJ6 power steering rack and column plus extension. BRAKES: Unmodified Jaguar vented front discs and four-pot calipers with solid in-board rears. KIT PRICE: Sports: Chassis £1900 Body £2225. Coupé: Chassis £2225, Body £2850 (all prices plus VAT). BUDGET BUILD COST: From £9500, but have been done for much less!
SUMMARY – A unique blend of affordability and genuine period glamour make the Aristocat Sports an appealing but realistic package. Jaguar power and running gear provide a pleasurable driving experience.
Recycling a Jaguar XJ
Autotune Ltd, Unit 1J Riverside Industrial Estate, Rishton, Blackburn, Lancashire BB1 4NF T: 01254 886819 E: mail@autotuneuk.com W: www.autotuneuk.com
THE COMPLETE KIT CAR GUIDE 2011
www.completekitcar.co.uk
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