Jaguar Classic created a modified XJ6 Series 3 to accommodate Nicko McBrain, a rock star.
Jaguar Classic unveiled a bespoke Series 3 XJ6 to Nicko McBrain (drummer with Iron Maiden), a long-time Jaguar fan. This kicks off a year celebrating the XJ 50th anniversary. The 1984 XJ6 was unveiled at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show. However, the project has been ongoing at Jaguar Land Rover Classic Works, Coventry, and is being managed by Wayne Burgess, Jaguar Design studio director.
This project required more than 3,500 hours of labor, and more than 4,000 parts were redesigned, replaced, or refinished. To create Nicko’s dream XJ, it incorporates major modifications to the exterior, interior and drivetrain. Nicko says, “This is my ultimate XJ – my third, and affectionately named ‘Johnny 3’.” It was a labor of love between Jaguar Classic, myself. It’s a great honor to have it completed and to show it off at Geneva.
It’s a testament to the craftsmanship of Jaguar Classic team. It couldn’t be better timed, as this is the 50 th Anniversary of Jaguar XJ – my favorite Jaguar. Series 3 is a reworked version of Nicko’s original XJ. It was parked in the backyard of Steve Harris, Iron Maiden’s bass guitarist, for many years before Nicko moved to America. The Jaguar leaper hood-mascot that first attracted Nicko, who bought the car in 1984, as well as the original ignition keys, are among them. The 4.2-liter six-cylinder in-line engine has three 2-inch SU carburettors, which Nicko prefers, and the custom exhaust has quad tailpipes. The suspension has been upgraded and fitted with adjustable rear dampers. Additionally, the bodywork was reworked in order to fit 18-inch wire wheels and 235/45 R18 Pirelli P Zero tire.
Other body modifications include unique front and back bumpers that blend in with the flared wings, bespoke Chrome Brightwork, flush-fit U.S. Side Markers, flush-fit U.S. twin fillers and Series 2 XJ Door Handles, bullet wing mirrors and LED headlights with halo-daytime running lights. Modified sills are also available and rear-door pressings. The entire project is finished with a mauve finish. Interior has been completely reworked. It now features hand-trimmed leather seats in Pimento Red, with embossed headrests and black piping. The dashboard is made from dark grey-stained Sycamore veneers, the same material that Nicko uses for his favorite snare drums.
The unique mascot Nicko has created for Nicko – the “Eddie Growler”, first seen on his 2013 Jaguar XKR–S. Modified seat foams, modern door sealing for reduced wind noise, uprated air-con, additional sound deadening, and an integrated touchscreen-operating sat-nav, phone, rear-view camera and in-car entertainment all add to the car’s refinement. The 1100-watt system features machined aluminium controls based on the control knobs from Marshall amplifiers and drum kit-inspired pedals in chrome and black.
Tim Hannig, Jaguar Land Rover Classic director, says that “Creating the ‘Greatest Hits XJ’ XJ and the entire process of bringing someone else’s automotive dreams to life has been extraordinarily rewarding.” It’s been a pleasure working with Nicko and we look forward to the reactions to this project. You can find more information about Jaguar Classics on the website or read our article on Jaguar Land Rover Classics HQ . This is not Nicko’s first Jaguar project. He took delivery of a modified Jaguar XKR in 2012.