The sleek supercar with a supercharged V-8 has returned—and now it’s street-legal.
Jaguar’s C-X75 supercar, which never made it past the concept stage, first debuted at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. Plans for production were announced soon after, but they were ultimately shelved due to the global recession. However, the C-X75’s story didn’t end there. The sleek coupe went on to feature in the 2015 James Bond film Spectre, and earlier this year, the car’s designer unveiled a street-legal conversion. Now, Ian Callum has completed yet another one.
Like the original, this car is one of the seven stunt vehicles crafted by Williams Advanced Engineering for the 24th James Bond film. After filming wrapped, four prototypes were sold to private collectors. Callum’s company had the chance to work on one of these vehicles again, after making chassis 007 street-legal. This time, he aimed to bring chassis 001 even closer to what the C-X75 might have been if Jaguar had produced it a decade ago.
The Willow Green bodywork required over 1,000 hours to finish, featuring active aerodynamics that activate at speeds above 37 miles per hour. Another significant enhancement is the installation of a hydraulic lifter on the front axle, enabling the vehicle to navigate potholes and speed bumps without risking damage to its valuable underbody. For stopping, there’s now an air brake. Updated software enhances ride quality after the C-X75 was fitted with a license plate.
Like the other stunt cars created for Spectre, this C-X75 features Jaguar’s supercharged 5.0-liter V-8 engine. The original concept, however, had a completely different powertrain, utilizing a turbocharged and supercharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine paired with dual electric motors at each axle. In this new conversion, the mid-mounted V-8 sends its power to the rear axle via a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Inside, the cabin is much more refined than the initial conversion we saw in February. The three round screens on the center console evoke the Bugatti Tourbillon. Callum Designs has added a new steering wheel crafted from a solid block of aluminum. Additionally, there’s wireless smartphone charging, Apple CarPlay connectivity, and a digital rearview mirror. A roof-mounted console also houses the start button and other controls.
We believe this is precisely the type of car Jaguar needs to regain its footing. Unfortunately, the opportunity for internal combustion engines has passed. The Tata Motors-owned brand is transitioning to an all-electric lineup, with production of most ICE vehicles ceasing in preparation for its relaunch in 2025 as an EV-only ultra-luxury automaker. Meanwhile, the transition has been “hugely frustrating,” according to Jaguar’s managing director, Rawdon Glover.
It’s worth noting that the C-X75 isn’t the only exotic car refurbished by Ian Callum and his team. Shortly after leaving Jaguar to establish his own company in 2019, the designer revitalized the original Vanquish with a limited edition of 25 cars featuring over 350 modifications.
