The original '51 C had four louvers on the hood and this model uses only two and, from an aesthetic point of view, it might even look better this way. The rear is certainly Cobra-esque, and the rounded rear only serves to keep the lines fluid and sexy, taking nothing from the design. As this kit was built in a manner that the general public would be most inclined to buy and build, a street-legal windshield was added instead of those sexy Brookland numbers (small, semi-circle windscreens typically found on '30s and '40s-era racers). SVC made their street-legal Jag setup using a Jeep CJ7's windshield frame and their own Cobra windshield.
The engine of choice should have been the Jaguar 3442cc straight-six, but after toying with installing a 351 Windsor mill, SVC opted to go with the bulletproof Ford 302 that most KIT CAR readers use to power up their rides, though this car may get a supercharger at a later date.
The pedal box is set up like the old Cobra racers, with the gas pedal far forward and the brake and clutch aligned closer to the driver. The shift is set for racing but is very comfortable for street use as well. You can, of course, set the pedal box and shifter to your own specs when you build your own Cat.
The seats are most comfortable, due in part to being well padded and upholstered in black simulated leather. The padding is something the original Cat never had, but should feel good on long road tours. One other change will be the addition of a convertible top, designed specifically for this car by Shell Valley, but it would almost be a crime to ever have the top up on this feline beauty.
The BasicsThe Shell Valley '51 Jag sits on the test- and track-proven SVC 2x4-inch rectangle tube chassis modified slightly from the one that serves as a platform to their line of Cobras. With a wheelbase of 98 inches (the original had a 96-inch wheelbase), the black powdercoated frame is accentuated with a narrowed Ford 9-inch rear, unequal-length four-link setup, and 250lb rear coilover shocks (350lb coils in the front). The car employs Mustang II spindles and steering box, Granada rotors and Chevy calipers, and Dayton 15x6-inch wheels that are shod in BFGoodrich Radial/TA 215/65-15 tires.
Along with the Blue Oval 302 (set up with a 9:1 compression ratio) under the hood, SVC installed a 60-amp GM alternator, 2-inch steel exhaust, and color-coded SVC valve covers. The mill is topped by an Edelbrock Performance manifold, an Edelbrock 650-cfm carburetor, and a Ford electronic distributor. An '89 Mustang TKO five-speed transmission with a B&M short-throw shifter helps put the power (estimated at 300 horses at 4,200 rpm) to the pavement.
A specially made Jaguar replica front grille is both exciting and sexy, and the one-piece nose opens easily, fastened to the body with a very classy and traditional quality leather strap. For the color, one might think a black panther would be sexy, but British Racing Green is both perfect and traditional for this English replica, so SVC chose a DuPont British Racing Green with a high-flow clear coat for the exterior.
The headlights are standard, and will soon be encased in Lexan for better aerodynamics (as SVC does with its Daytona Series 1 Coupe). The cockpit uses a custom fiberglass design by Roger Reed and is fitted with Daytona gauges, Painless Performance wiring, and a Mr. Roadster steering wheel. Those comfortable SVC seats were upholstered by Stitches Upholstery of Genoa, Nebraska, and are accompanied by black carpet.