This Radically Supercharged Jaguar XJS Could Be Crazy Unique Fun For $12k

So, you like the idea of a UK body powered by raw American muscle but hate the Jensen Interceptor? You could always go with an AC Cobra from the 1960s, provided you have a spare $500,000 laying around. Or you can just turn to eBay, where you can acquire this lovely 1983 Jaguar XJS in Michigan for the sum of $12,000. And yes, that price includes the Chevrolet 383 stroker V8 capped with a supercharger, dual carbs and a scoop that sits up nearly as high as the roof.

I love this creation. It’s like the odd couple of motoring - the elegant lines of the XJS paired with a brash, drunk, professional wrestler of an engine that can bench press tanks while consuming raw meat. Per the auction description, this engine has all the right old-school parts, right down to the Holley carburetors, roller rockers, MSD ignition and the massive B&M 8-71 supercharger.

It’s connected to a built TH350 automatic that the seller claims can handle all that power. Let’s hope so, because this Jag is also tubbed with a Ford nine-inch solid axle rear end, supporting a pair of rear tyres wider than a politician’s fake smile. In case you haven’t figured it out yet, this particular Jaguar XJS is decidedly not built to take corners. It’s a dedicated quarter-mile monster, and I’m willing to bet it’s humbled a good many American muscle cars.

What I like most about this machine isn’t the tower of ‘Murica sticking out the bonnet. Monster motor and tubbed rear end notwithstanding, this XJS stays true to its British heritage. There are no Jeg’s or Summit Racing stickers on it. There’s no big wing. It still has the XJS bumpers, and the chrome mirrors, and even inside it’s pure Jaguar, with the exception of a few extra gauges.

I see this car yelling and screaming at the starting line, tearing down the strip to a win, then rolling back to the pits for a spot of tea while telling war stories. America is filled with hot rods, and though I respect the work that goes into them, they really are a dime a dozen. When something different like this comes along, it renews my faith in the creative minds of hot rodders.

Though I doubt the seller’s claim on this car being easily streetable with long-distance highway driving “not an issue,” there aren’t many other cars for $12,000 that will top this. It has the crazy horsepower petrolheads crave, the shock value and uniqueness that everyone loves, and it still manages to pay homage to a beautiful, timeless design. Well done, chap. Well done.