Its builder, who at this point remains anonymous, apparently feels that a massively underperforming air-cooled Harley v-twin makes the perfect synonym for a smooth V12, while the raked out custom frame hidden underneath the plastic leaper should do a good job of eliminating the good handling more often associated with the brand. Of course, all this will be the last thing on its rider’s minds; they’ll be way too focused on the excruciating riding position created by the rear-axle-mounted foot pegs and way-forward bars. [T3 via Autoblog]

After seeing that beautiful DOTS E-Type, it's hard not to yearn for a genunine, pre-Malaise XKE. The prices for nice ones are pretty brutal, unfortunately, but an enterprising gearhead such as yourself should be able to find a diamond-in-rough Jag and turn it into an envy-generator in no time! When you get a California car, such as this '67 XKE coupe, you don't even need to worry about rust... oh, wait. All right, this one does have rust, but you can breathe a sigh of relief upon learning that the spare tire well is solid. It was wrecked in the early 80s- that's right, nearly 30 years ago- and has been stored ever since; think of the low miles! Some stuff is missing, it goes without saying that every component involving electricity, fluid, or moving parts will need complete rebuilding and/or replacement, but look at the price tag!

Maybe the XKE just doesn't do much for you, or maybe the long-nosed Jags are just too common. You want something German, by Gott, and you don't want any damn snooty Mercedes-Benz or nobody's-ever-heard-of-it Borgward or Glas. How about an old BMW? Everyone's got a 2002, and those Isettas are just too silly... but hold on a second- what about a BMW 502? V8 power, great lines, and luxury fit for a wealthy postwar-recovery-boom industrialist. They're tough to find in North America, but Murph has helped us out by spotting this '56 BMW 502. Priced at just $11,500, this super-steal bargain will leave plenty of money in your Hell Project for trips to Germany to buy parts. And you'll need plenty of parts, because there's no getting around the fact that this thing is extremely rough. The condition is given as "Used," which- though uninformative- is definitely the truth (we think "trashed" would be more apt, but that's just us), but there's a V8 motor that might even be something other than a small-block Chevy, and it looks like more than 5% of the interior is still there!

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There's not much of a chance — or need — to move Jaguar, as a brand, into the stratospheric luxury level, but it wouldn't be hard for the company to follow the model of Mercedes-Maybach, VW-Bentley and BMW-Rolls Royce. In fact, Daimler already enjoys positive name recognition in Europe for their earlier cars. [Times Online]

10.) Honda
9.) BMW
8.) Infiniti
7.) Acura
6.) Mercury
5.) Lincoln
4.) Lexus
3.) Buick
2.) Cadillac
1.) Jaguar

Jalopnik Snap Judgement: In this less-than-profitable auto market, dealerships are working harder to maintain ties with customers by offering a better service department experience. Makes sense to us.

Full press release below:

Overall Satisfaction with Dealer Service Increases

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif.: 17 July 2008 — Overall customer satisfaction with dealer service improves considerably in 2008—with more than two-thirds of the 37 ranked brands demonstrating gains—according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Customer Service Index (CSI) StudySM released today.

The study, now in its 28th year, measures satisfaction among vehicle owners who visit the dealer service department for maintenance or repair work during the first three years of ownership, which typically represent the majority of the vehicle warranty period.

After remaining relatively flat since 2005, overall satisfaction with dealer service increases to 882 on a 1,000-point scale in 2008—an improvement of 6 points from 2007. The improvement is primarily due to a combination of an increase in the proportion of maintenance work performed and improvements in satisfaction with repair work. Customers who visit the dealer for routine maintenance tend to be more satisfied (894), on average, than are repair customers (862). The proportion of customers bringing their vehicles to the dealer for repair work has declined to a historic low in 2008, averaging 35 percent. Customer satisfaction with repair work increases notably—improving by 9 points since 2007—with gains made by both premium and non-premium brands. However, satisfaction with maintenance work increases only slightly in 2008.

"Improved levels of vehicle quality have led to a decline in the need for vehicle repairs during the first three years of ownership," said David Sargent, vice president of automotive research at J.D. Power and Associates. "Despite the fact that the majority of service visits—65 percent—are for maintenance work, dealers are very focused on the need to satisfy their repair customers. Given today's market conditions—where dealers are finding it extremely difficult to achieve profitability—it is vital that they not overlook the importance of ensuring their service customers are satisfied. Not only does meeting and exceeding the expectations of customers through after-sales service result in increased likelihood that those customers will return for service, but it also results in increased likelihood that those customers will stay loyal to the brand when they are next in the market for a vehicle."

For a second consecutive year, Jaguar ranks highest in customer satisfaction with dealer service. Jaguar achieves an overall CSI score of 923 and is closely followed in the rankings by Cadillac (922) and Buick (919).

"Jaguar dealers receive very high satisfaction scores among repair customers, particularly in the service initiation, service advisor and user-friendly service measures," said Sargent. "Cadillac improves by one rank position in 2008. This is also attributable to its particularly high levels of satisfaction among repair customers. Buick has strong performance among non-premium brands, and its continuing efforts to improve quality have resulted in a decreasing incidence of repair visits among the brand's customers."

The study also finds that communicating with customers after service work has been completed has a notably strong impact on satisfaction particularly through increasing customer perceptions of fairness of charges and the value of service received. For customers that receive an explanation of work performed or an explanation of charges, satisfaction is approximately 100 points higher, on average, than if no explanations were provided. Approximately 82 percent of customers report that they received explanations of the work performed on their vehicle, while 58 percent say they received an explanation of charges, when necessary.

"Many times, it is the quality of communication provided by service personnel that makes the difference between a satisfied customer and a true advocate," said Sargent. "When customers are provided with clear explanations as to why the work performed on their vehicle was necessary, as well as the reasoning behind the charges, it improves satisfaction with the value of the work performed, as well as perceptions of the fairness and honesty of the dealer. Consistently following these relatively simple steps helps to foster trust among customers, which is critical to building loyalty for future service work as well as future sales. For example, 78 percent of customers who rate the fairness of charges as 'outstanding' say that they will return to the dealership for routine maintenance after the warranty expires, while only 49 percent of customers who provide 'average' fairness ratings say the same."

The study also finds the following key patterns:

* While 5 percent of customers say that they would prefer to schedule their service visit with the dealer via the Internet, only 1 percent of customers actually do so. The vast majority of customers—74 percent—call the dealership to schedule an appointment, while 25 percent of customers just drop in.
* When vehicles are returned to the customer cleaner than they were when received by the dealer, satisfaction scores average 48 points higher than scores provided by customers whose vehicles showed no difference in cleanliness. However, there is a particularly large decline in satisfaction—202 points, on average—if vehicles are returned less clean than when they were received.
* Among customers who report speaking to a service advisor immediately upon arriving at the dealership, satisfaction scores average 927—224 points higher than among customers who say they waited more than 5 minutes to speak to a service advisor.

The 2008 CSI Study is based on responses from 87,302 owners and lessees of 2005 to 2007 model-year vehicles. The study was fielded between January and April 2008. J.D. Power and Associates measures dealer service in various countries around the world, including Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand and the UK.

[Source: JD Power]

OK, well, you would be able to listen to it purr if it actually stayed running. But isn't that why we take on projects like this, just to suffer the pain of anticipation? We can't wait 'till he gets it out on the street. Sure it may not be as powerful or reliable as a well-built Ford V8, but who cares? It's a V12!
[Miata.net via VWvortex]

JAGUAR CELEBRATES 60 YEARS OF XK AT THE BRITISH INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW 2008Jaguar will showcase a new look for XK in celebration of 60 years of the iconic nameplate at this year's British International Motor Show. The new XK60* will take pride of place alongside representatives from the full Jaguar model range, each with a success story for 2008.

XK
In 1948, Jaguar created what would become one of the most famous automotive names in the world, as the all-new and highly advanced XK engine made its debut in the revered XK120 sports car. Now, to celebrate the 60th anniversary of that iconic car, Jaguar is launching a very special series of the current XK for the UK market - the uniquely equipped and aptly named XK60, a car that pays homage to the legendary performance of its predecessors.

Complementing the XK60 on the stand will be the recently introduced XKR-S, a limited edition sports coupe in Ultimate Black designed to give an even more focused, high speed performance driving experience. Capable of 0-60mph in 4.9 seconds and with a maximum speed extended to a limited 174mph (280km/h), this is the fastest Jaguar since the XJ220 supercar. With just 50 available in the UK, every XKR-S is already spoken for.

XJ
Sitting alongside the two XK models will be Jaguar's acclaimed XJ 2.7-litre diesel, which was recently crowned 'Britain's Greenest Luxury Car' for the second year running - voted for by the Environmental Transport Association. The award was given in recognition of Jaguar's commitment to delivering CO2 and fuel consumption advantages** to XJ customers, with the development of an industry-leading diesel engine and the application of an advanced lightweight aluminium body structure.

XF
With over 7,000 orders in the bank in the UK and more than 21,000 worldwide, the introduction of the multi-award winning Jaguar XF has been a resonating success for the brand. Both the 4.2-litre SV8 and the 2.7-litre diesel XF will be on display at the show; the latter wearing 'Car of the Year' stickers to celebrate the What Car? magazine win earlier this year.

Other notable XF Awards include: 'Car of the Year' from What Diesel magazine, 'Design of the Year' from Autocar, 'Limo of the Year' from Top Gear magazine, 'Interior of the Year' from CAR magazine and 'Car of the Year' from The Sun Motoring.

X-TYPE
Completing the Jaguar stand at the show will be the new X-TYPE Estate which now offers the combination of diesel power with automatic transmission - pairing the 2.2 litre diesel with a six-speed automatic, and the one-touch control of Jaguar Sequential Shift - broadening the new model's appeal to buyers who previously could not have this combination in an X-TYPE.

The new X-TYPE automatic diesel - on sale from March - combines high levels of refinement with optimised performance and economy, and promises more choice and even greater luxury, to appeal especially to a younger, more family-orientated audience. With an even better value-for-money proposition for buyers, sales are up 41% versus 2007 since the March on-sale date.

[via PistonHeads, GTSpirit]

I haven't been able to get my greasy mitts on many of these cars, so I can't claim any great depth of E-Type knowledge. However, I'm going to guess this is a '66 model (based on the dash and taillights) and hope that I'm pretty close. Jaguar experts, feel free to weigh in on this burning question.


This car sold new for $5,580, which was about a thousand bucks more than a '66 Corvette Stingray coupe with 427 and 4-speed (that info is for those of you who wish to price out the cars in the Jan & Dean song "Dead Man's Curve"). The 427 Corvette was way faster (at least in a straight line) and orders of magnitude more reliable, but just look at this thing (wolf whistle).


But we're not going to have a Corvette-versus-Jag poll today (since we've already had one in Project Car Hell). No, we're going to pick our favorite British car found parked on the non-mean streets of Alameda. Sure, the E-Type is the prettiest... but what about that super-rare MGC-GT? And the '59 Morris Minor takes its owner on a 15-mile commute every day, Lucas Electrics and all!

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For instance, the gaudy gorgeous S-type grille above runs a mere $750. A gold-plated BMW M3 badge? A steal at $70. How about a four-piece dress-up kit for your Mini Cooper? They're giving 'em away at a mere $300. With prices like that, we're assuming you've all rushed over to outfit your rides with the latest in stylish and conservative auto accessories, 'cause nothin' says distinctive like a gold-plated Honda Civic Type R. [Goldstriker]

First, the company already has a significant infrastructure already in place in the state. Second, it's a much shorter flight to New York from Mumbai and London, reducing executive jet lag. Third, Ratan Tata loves Springsteen. In fact, at a recent concert, Tata was heard to scream "Play Darkness On The Edge Of Town" repeatedly. [Photo: Getty Images, Auto News (Subs. Req.)

The Jaguar XJ-S may well be the quintessential Project Car Hell vehicle. It sold for gigabucks, packs a V12 under the hood, looks gorgeous, you can get one cheap, and... Lucas Electrics! We had one beckoning to you from the fiery gates to Project Car Hell not long ago, but the lure of the XJ-S is just impossible to resist and we have no choice but to return to our V12-powered friend. Feds found this '79 Jaguar XJ-S with a somewhat steep asking price of $3,500 Canadian, but we're pretty sure that price is highly negotiable. As Feds says, "Regardless of how good or bad the car is, you can't ignore the fact that it is dirt(bag) cheap...a British car that very likely smells of du Maurier's and Labatt's 50." We don't learn much about the car from the seller's description, though "Some minor oil leaks and car will need a paint job soon" seems about par for the XJ-S course. Does it run? Is there rust? Electrical gremlins? Wait, no need to even ask that last question!

When you're trying to sell a couple of rusty heaps vintage machines built during an era when craftsmen were busting scab heads on the picket line took pride in their work, what's the best approach to photographing those cars? That's right- use the "sepia" option in your photo-editing software! If not for the newer vehicles visible in the background on one of the shots, you'd think you were looking at 60-year-old photos... of prematurely aged cars. The seller here doesn't find it necessary to provide any description of the cars for sale, and that includes such inconsequential information as year, make, and model. It appears that you can purchase a 1940 Plymouth and a Dodge of the same era for two grand Canadian. Mechanical condition? We can't tell you. Rust? Sure looks that way! But the Dodges and Plymouths of that era share lots of parts- you should be able to make one nice runner out of the pair, powered by a 440 pulled from the first New Yorker you find at the junkyard. As Feds so eloquently puts it: "Based on the excellent copy, I suspect Sophia is trying to sell these cars out from under the nose of her no-good-nik common-law husband."

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Spy Report Our U.K. operative has just snapped our first look at the mid-cycle facelift for the Jag XK—in both XK8 and XKR trim. Visual changes consist of new front bumpers with new outer air-inlets below the headlights. Judging from the surface development that appears to differ on the prototypes, the XK8 and XKR variants will get unique styling touches. New tail-lights are also in the works, with a greater percentage of red-lens and clear signs that LEDs will be be employed. The rear bumpers on both prototypes also show signs of a redesign.

When the XK first bowed, it was saddled with a clunky power-retractable antenna; a quick-fix for 2008 saw the antenna integrated into the rear spoiler. These new prototypes show that Jag is finally bringing the XK up-to-date both visually and technologically, with the addition of a proper shark-fin antenna applied to the deck lid.

No serious engine upgrades are expected, but Jaguar will be applying the XF's Jaguar Drive transmission interface to the XK, thus modernizing and streamlining the Jaguar lineup. We expect that the interior changes necessary for this will inspire some visual and material upgrades to the XK's interior.

We expect to see the facelifted XKs to bow officially later this year, although a Geneva debut in the Spring could also be a possibility.

1.) Frankenstein's Monster- 2006 Ford Mustang GT

Engine: Supercharged 4.6L V8
Ford Racing Exhaust System
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Suspension: Progress Technology adjustable coil over front struts and rear shocks
Progress Technology adjustable rear lower control arms
Progress Technology adjustable panhard bar
Wheels: 18" 2007 Ford Mustang Cobra wheels
Tires: Front- Toyo Proxes T1R 255/45 ZR 18
Rear- Toyo Proxes S/T 285/45 ZR 18
Brakes: Brembo Disc Brake System
Stunt Modifications: Roll Cage
Kirkey Aluminum Racing Seats
RCI 5 point harnesses
RCI fuel cell
CNC Hand Brake
Battery moved to battery box in trunk

2.) Machine Gun Joe's Ram- 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 4wd

Engine: 5.7L V8 Hemi
Transmission: 5 speed automatic
Suspension: Rancho 9000 Shocks for front and rear
Firestone Air Bags for front and rear
Custom fabricated rear sway bar
Drivetrain: Removed front axles and front differential
Replaced rear axle with 1 ton dually axle
Wheels: Front- Stock 20" Dodge Ram wheels
Rear- Stock 16" dually wheels
Tires: Front- Stock tires
Rear- Toyo Open Country 265/75R 16
Stunt Modifications: Roll Cage
Sparrco Racing Seats
RCI 5 point harnesses
RCI fuel cell
Tildon secondary hydraulic brake system
Battery moved to battery box in trunk

3.) Pachenko's Chop Top- 1966 Buick Riviera

Engine: Stock 430c.i. V8 "Nail Head"
Crane Ignition System
Transmission: 3 speed automatic
Suspension: Big block springs
KYB Gas Adjust shocks
Wheels: 17" Eagle Alloy Wheels
Tires: Front- Toyo Proxes T1R 255/45R 17
Rear- Toyo Proxes S/T 285/60R 17
Stunt Modifications: Roll Cage
Kirkey Aluminum racing seats
RCI 5 point harnesses
RCI fuel cell
Tildon secondary hydraulic brake system
Battery moved to battery box in trunk

4.) 14K's 1980 Porsche 911

Engine: Stock 2.7L 6cyl.
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Suspension: Front and rear Bilstein adjustable coil shocks
Eibach racing springs
Wheels: 15" NASCAR style steel wheels
Tires: Front- Toyo Proxes TPT 225/60R 15
Rear- Toyo Proxes S/T 295/50R 15
Brakes: Stock Braking System
Stunt Modifications: Roll Cage
Kirkey Aluminum Racing Seats
RCI 5 point harnesses
CNC hand brake
Jazz Aluminum fuel cell
Custom fabricated battery box

5.) Colt's Jag - 1989 Jaguar XJS

Engine: V12
Transmission: 4 speed automatic
Suspension: KYB Gas Adjust Shocks
Eibach Racing Springs
Custom fabricated front and rear sway bars
Wheels: 15" Aero Beadlock wheels
Tires: Front- Toyo Proxes TPT 225/60R 15
Rear- Toyo Proxes S/T 295/50R 15
Brakes: Stock Braking System
Stunt Modifications: Roll Cage
Kirkey aluminum racing seats
RCI 5 point harnesses
CNC hand brake
RCI fuel cell
Battery moved to battery box in trunk

6.) Grimm's 300: 2006 Chrysler 300C

Engine: 345c.i. V8
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Suspension: Air Ride Technologies air suspension kit
Wheels: 20" American Racing Wheels
Tires: Front- Toyo Proxes 4 245/45ZR 20
Rear- Toyo Proxes 4 255/45ZR 20
Brakes: Stock braking system
Stunt Modifications: Roll Cage
Kirkey aluminum racing seats
RCI 5 point harnesses
Tildon hydraulic secondary brake system
Custom fabricated fuel cell
Battery moved to battery box in trunk

7.) 1972 Buick Riviera "Boat tail"

Engine: 350c.i. V8
Crane Ignition System
Transmission: Turbo 350 3-speed automatic
Suspension: Big block springs front and rear
KYB Gas Adjust shocks
Custom fabricated rear sway bar
Wheels: Stock 1971 Buick Riviera wheels
Tires: Front- Toyo Spectrum 225/70R 15
Rear- Toyo Proxes S/T 275/60R 15
Brakes: Stock braking system
Stunt Modifications: Roll Cage
Kirkey aluminum racing seats
RCI 5 point harnesses
RCI fuel cell
Tildon hydraulic secondary brake system
Battery moved to battery box in trunk

8.) 1979 Pontiac Trans Am

Engine: 350HO V8 Crate motor
Transmission: Turbo 350 3-speed automatic
Suspension: Big block coil springs
KYB Gas Adjust shocks
Custom fabricated rear sway bar
Wheels: 17" American Racing wheels
Tires: Front/ Rear Goodyear 215/65R 17
Brakes: Stock braking system
Stunt Modifications: Roll cage
Kirkey Aluminum Racing Seats
RCI 5 point harnesses
RCI fuel cell
CNC hand brake
Wilwood secondary rear brake calipers
Battery moved to battery box in trunk

9.) 1989 BMW 735i

Engine: 6cyl.
Transmission: 4 speed automatic
Suspension: KYB Gas Adjust shocks
Eibach Racing coil springs
Wheels: 18" American Racing wheels
Tires: Front/Rear Toyo Proxes T1R 255/40ZR 18
Brakes: Stock braking system
Stunt Modifications: Roll Cage
Kirkey Aluminum racing seats
RCI 5 point harnesses
Custom fabricated aluminum fuel cell
CNC hand brake
Wilwood secondary rear brake calipers

10.) The Dreadnaught

There are no words to describe this onslaught of mechanical strength called "The Dreadnaught." Check out the video to get a taste. Come on back later this week when we do a sit-down with Jason Statham and ask him what car he's got in his driveway.

Those who wanted to buy a new Mercedes-Benz 190SL roadster back in 1958 had to come up with $5,020, about $1,400 more than a new Corvette and about the same as a '58 Lincoln Capri hardtop. We're talking about quite the high-buck machine (though you had to spend twice as much to get its mighty 300SL sibling), and much in demand today. It's got some German notoriety, too, being known as the Nitribitt-Mercedes after the murdered Frankfurt call girl who drove one. If you've got $27,800 to spend on your next project- or even if you don't- why not blow it all invest it wisely in this '58 Mercedes-Benz 190SL (go here if the ad disappears)? Look at it! Sure looks nice... so nice that you shouldn't fear that "light rust on the floor," because the seller says right in the ad that it's an "easy restoration." Right! It's even got a rebuilt engine "that is bolted in the car," yet for some reason it's not running. Maybe a few turns of some carb screws, perhaps some futzing with the distributor, and it'll roar to life! It looks like most of the trim is still there, and maybe the interior is good enough, which leaves you plenty of time to puzzle out the drivetrain problems.

What are you, some kind of cheapskate? Only 28 grand, and for a German car? Where's the fun there? What you need is a super-rare Jag, say one of only 32 1956 XK140 dropheads with automatics and left-hand drive (go here if the ad disappears). Not only that, the seller wants to make it perfectly clear that this car was once ARBOUR GREEN, and that you'll need to get up off of $49,000 if you want to take it home. Whew, almost 50 grand! That's perfectly understandable when you learn that the seller estimates that "the car is 90 to 95% complete as to parts." Skeptical types might try to rain all over your parade by pointing out that 5% or 10% of an automatic-equipped 52-year-old Jaguar is a helluva lot of parts, but we'd counter by saying that maybe the missing stuff is the easiest 5 or 10 percent! Don't try to lowball this savvy seller, though, because it says right in the ad (twice) that "THE PRICE IS FIRM!!!" Thanks to htrodbldr for the tip!

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Saw this parked on the street in front of Chez Panisse yesterday. Chatted with the owner for a bit. He's owned the car for 25 years and restored it twice. In good weather, he drives it three times a week or so. It was his dream car as a kid growing up in England; he's kept everything correct whenever it's needed repair; cool thing about the car and proof of its driver status: a City of Berkeley parking sticker on the rear bumper.
Rök.
DGJ.

"Sources report that the XF-R will get a new supercharged 5.0-liter V8 making a minimum of 500 horsepower, so Jaguar clearly appears to have the likes of the BMW M5 and AMG E63 in its sights."

We caught our best shots yet of the Jaguar XF-R as it rolled through the city streets in the UK. Hood vents, a deeper, more aggressive front air dam, and a new mesh treatment to the grille coverings signify the hottest version of the XF. The XF's side vents are also blacked-out for a more sinister look. Large turnbine-style wheels (likely to be 20-inchers) are taped up a bit, but their aggressive design is clearly visible. Quad exhaust tips round out the visual changes. The XF-R's body mods are subtle, yet very pursposeful to set it apart from lesser XF models.

Sources report that the XF-R will get a new supercharged 5.0-liter V8 making a minimum of 500 horsepower, so Jaguar clearly appears to have the likes of the BMW M5 and AMG E63 in its sights.

Nissan and Jaguar have both developed pop-up bonnets that help absorb impact from hitting pedestrians and cyclists. Also, Swedish auto part maker, Autolive Inc., has developed an external airbag that deploys from the bottom on the windshield. What's one more airbag? Modern cars have airbags all over the place so is asking for just one more that horrible? [Motor Authority]

Here's a perfect example of the type of asks the Sultan would make to automakers. The V8 Vantage of the '90s was an awesome piece of brutish British muscle. In our mind, the only way to make it more badass was to add more doors, and it would appear the Sultan was of the same mindset as the Brunei royals ordered Aston Martin to convert some Virages to Lagonda-badged sedans and wagons. Some were even converted to Vantage technical specification.

Done in-house by Aston Martin Works, the Aston Martin Special Series 1 was styled to look like the classic DB4 Zagato. But while the old DB4 had to make do with an inline-six, the Series 1 rode on a V8 Vantage platform complete with twin-supercharged V8 power. Because when you've got the money to make it happen, you make it happen.

Where the Series 1 was pure retro, the Series 2 was the culmination of contemporary. Striking a nice balance between elegant and aggressive, the Special Series 2 was also believed to be based on the V8 Vantage. Sounds like a nice way to counter-balance the design of the Series 1. Or at least the Sultan seemed to think so.

The AM3 was the most non-traditional design of all the custom Astons. Perhaps this was because it was bodied by Pininfarina in Italy. The lights were given a smoked treatment to blend in with the black plastic front fascia. And like all great contemporary designs, it still looks modern today.

Although the AM4 was much more conservative than the AM3, it too was designed by the denizens of the clay workshops of Pininfarina. Also on the V8 Vantage chassis, we think it looks something like a big DB7.

Before the Porsche Cayenne or Cadillac Escalade, if you wanted an SUV with a stuck-up sense of over-built purpose, there was only the Range Rover. Unless you were the Sultan, in which case you'd commission Bentley to construct a batch of SUVs with a unique Bentley chassis and Range Rover 4WD systems. At least they didn't ride on 24" spinners.

Originally the Java was a concept to show what a Bentley based on a BMW 5-series might look like. Apparently the Brunei royals liked it enough they had Bentley build a convertible version of the show car. The gleefully exorbitant brand-bastard madness didn't stop with the drop-top, as it appears he had some wagons built as well. Though from what we understand they didn't actually use a BMW for these functioning examples of concept gone crazy.

We told you this guy loved wagons — and an extended-end Bentley is certainly an expensive way to show that love. While we're not too keen on the I'm-Lovin'-It McDonald's themed interior on the jaundice-colored Bentley, we adore the styling on the silver one. What's better, if you believe the badges, these were equipped with four-wheel-drive. Think of it as a Volvo wagon — except symbolizing the opposite of every ideal of the Swedish brand.

Back when all Bentleys were styled starting with Lego models, the Rapier was designed to be a modern and forward-thinking interpretation of the brand. The flowing lines are still more sleek that the current lineup from Crewe. Although now, the front view might cause people to initially confuse it for a Jaguar XF.

The BMW 850CSi was the best you could get from Bavaria, but that wasn't good enough for the Sultan. This version of the big coupe is tuned by Alpina and called the B12. In addition to those fancy stripes and vents, the car had a V12 pumping out about 350 HP.

Yes, that's right, with a 16-cylinder engine made from two V8s stuck together, the Cizeta-Moroder V16T was one of the most ambitious hypercar projects ever attempted. The engine was mounted in a Fiero-like sideways fashion, instead of the longitudinal way you'd expect in a Lamborghini. Even the headlights were over-the-top, it had two flip-up lamps on each side.

Known as the Dauer 962 Le Mans, it's an extremely limited edition street-version of Porsche's dominant 962 race car. It's also said up to five of these once lived in the Brunei royal garage, but we're told this yellow example was apparently the favorite. At one time, they were arguably the fastest road cars in the world. That is, if you actually consider them "road cars."

The Ferrari 456 is arguably the most elegant car to come from Maranello in recent years. That being said — why stop with mere elegance when you're a Sultan. No, a Sultan demands indulgence. Which we're assuming is why he built himself a four-door sedan and wagon version of the Italian stallion. With a wave of his hand, he commissioned design-shop Pininfarina to build some super-sized versions. We're even told the Sultan reportedly had them set up shop on the royal grounds, just for this sort of special project. Must have been why they tossed in that sexy drop-top 456 Spider at no extra cost.

The Ferrari F40 only came in red, right? Not if you're the Sultan. It's ironic to see the most exciting car of its day in the most drab color imaginable, but we think it's awesome.

Obviously, this wasn't the only McLaren in the garage, but where else are you gonna find one in yellow? And we all know what yellow is good for. We can see it now — the Sultan cruising — one chick magnetically sealed to each side due to the raw yellow magnetism of the McLaren. Yeah, or else he had so many credit cards in his pockets, the stripes on the back actually became magnetized. Whatever the reason, we're assuming the man doesn't need a yellow McLaren. But we're also assuming that wasn't his reasoning behind the color either.

Essentially a re-bodied SL, the Argento Vivo design was originally a Honda concept car by the same name. But what sets a Honda concept apart from a Mercedes is all about what's under the hood. In this case, an AMG 7.3-liter V12, the same engine used in the Pagani Zonda.

Yet another awesome wagon, the special S-class Touring model was designed just for the Sultan. Of course, it never hurts to have some extra power to drag around all that extra cargo room, so AMG installed another one of their 7.3-liter V12s under that pretty hood.

No, that's not just a sheet-metal restoration. It's been restored by HWA, the people that made the CLK-GTR, and was given modern underpinnings from a (then) new S-class. Style of the old, power of the new. We like that combination.

The Sultan didn't just use HWA for the 600 above. Like many tuning houses, the Sultan of cars had them take a swing at a few four-wheeled wonders. Like the Mercedes above. Sure, it looks just like a normal 300 SL, but it's got a modern drivetrain. That gives it plenty of "go" to match the gullwing "show."

Ok, so this wasn't actually called "The Panty Dropper" or "The Shaggin Wagon" but it might as well have been. Why else would you have a yellow Mercedes Sprinter with a red interior? We're wondering if those seats fold down conversion van-style. What happens in Brunei, stays in Brunei, right?

What could be better than the Rambo-Lambo? How about a wagon version? Just looking at this thing pumps enough testosterone into our system to make us want to go on a Lion-hunting expedition. In the middle of a war zone.

Think Jaguar's XJ220 is just too ugly? Of course not. So why would you have one re-styled by Pininfarina? Because you can, and because the end result looks absolutely fantastic.

Nowadays, it's common to see stretched Escalades and Navaigators, but this Range Rover was stretched long before big SUVs were played out. We wonder how it'd do off-road? Our bet is we'd find out right about the first time we tried to scale a rock taller than a foot.

Styled by Bertone, this one-off Roller dubbed the Majestic is distinct enough to be noticed by those in the know, but subtle enough to be overlooked by most everyone else. Much less vulgar than say, a current Phantom.

What collection would be complete without a basic stretched Rolls-Royce? We're sure the Sultan had plenty of limos like these, but something about this Roller just gives it the quintessential "rich guy" flavor.

Photo Credit: Supercars.net
[Information gathered from a variety of sources including but not limited to: AstonMartins.com, bentleyspotting.com, benzworld.org, classicdriver.com]

Those postwar Jag saloons sure are pretty, aren't they? For most of us, ownership of such a rare and valuable cat has seemed so far out of reach that we've never even contemplated it. It turns out we've all been too pessimistic! You can get a 55-year-old Jaguar saloon for the price of a 15-year-old beater Civic! Can't believe it? Take a gander at this 1953 Jaguar Mark VII, my friends, and witness the easy attainability of your classic-Jag dreams! The seller is asking for $1,500, which means there's plenty of negotiating room when it comes to the wheeling and dealing. The car will need some TLC, no denying it. There's rust. Oh yes, plenty of rust. The upholstery is "petrified cracked and can be used possibly as a pattern." Not very shockingly, we find that the XK engine doesn't run. You could attempt a full restoration, and we have nothing but admiration for anyone insane devoted enough to take on such a task. Or you could swap in a V12 out of a junked XJ-S, head down to Tijuana for a diamond-tucked purple satin interior job, and leave the paint looking just as it is now. Add some Cherry Bombs and some rusty wire-spoke wheels and you'll be lookin' good on a budget!

When you're talking serious Hell Projects, two not-so-little words come to mind: Hydropneumatic Suspension! That Jag is pretty sweet, we'll give you that, but it rides on plain ol' harsh springs! Your backseat passengers will be liable to spill their champagne every time you hit a pothole, and that just won't do in a fine European luxury sedan. Those geniuses at Citröen put a very effective hydropneumatic suspension setup in their DS, and you could benefit from their brilliance by handing over 22 Benjamins to the seller of this 1969 Citröen ID19. I think the description of this car works best if laid out like a poem:

Project car.
Lost interest.
The best thing about this car is that it runs great.
Needs TLC with the hydraulic leaks,
upholstery
and paint.

Why the heck didn't Jaguar put truck beds on their cars straight from the factory? Take the XJ-S, for instance: V12 torque, comfy leather interior, beautiful lines- in short, everything you want in a cartruck! Obviously, it falls to the Jaguar owner to deal with this shortcoming. Those of you who have been planning to build your own XJ-Schero can save many months of hard work by starting with this Rancheroized 1990 Jaguar XJ-S as the basis of your project. For some inexplicable reason, this car failed to sell for the chump-change price of two grand, and that means the seller is likely ready to deal! The seller, clearly unaware of the naming convention for cartrucks, has named this '90 XJ-S a "Jagmino," but the inclusion of a free '85 parts car makes up for the incorrect name. Yes, you get two Jags for the price of one here! There's no fuel tank, no back window, and no bed floor, and of course you get some funky E-Type carburetors to make things more interesting. Those minor headaches will be nothing compared to the pride you'll feel cruising your V12 Jagchero around town, however- a few repairs, some fabrication... how hard can it be? Thanks to BZR (who already has a PCH Tipster T-shirt) for the tip!

We like a V12 cartruck, that's for sure! But what if the future really will be about the electric car? You won't want to be caught driving weenie plastic bubblecars, and of course nobody is going to be able to afford the Tesla. No, if the electric-car future really happens, the Jalopnik-Approved™ approach will be something more along the lines of what Plasma Boy has done with his electric Datsun 1200. That's right, a drag racer that burns electrons! Of course, a rear-engined/rear-drive machine gives you better traction off the line, but that doesn't mean your high-voltage machine needs to be a VW or even a Porsche. Leave those machines to the conformists, because you'll be blasting out of the lights in this electric 1968 Renault 10 (go here if the ad disappears), which is available for just $1,500. What we have here is a 40-year-old French car with a 28-year-old electric conversion that's been sitting for decades, so you have to figure on at least a few hours of tinkering before it's ready to be used as an environmentally friendly daily driver. The daily-driver stage will be a temporary way station on your way to taking on Plasma Boy at the strip, however, and that means you'll need to get busy beefing up the chassis to handle the mighty torque of a monster electric motor and the weight of batteries. Hey, maybe rust isn't even a major factor here! Thanks, plus a half-credit towards a PCH Tipster T-shirt, to LTDScott.

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Lanchester
This one is easy. Based in Birmingham, England, the Lanchester Motor Company made cars from the late 19th century until 1930 when it merged with Daimler.

Daimler
This one is somewhat more confusing. There's Daimler and Daimler. Daimler of Germany is formerly Daimler-Benz, DaimlerChrysler and now Daimler AG. This isn't to be confused with Daimler of Britain, which made cars using Gottlieb Daimler's engines. That company traded hands to the British Small Arms Company, then to Jaguar and then to Ford through PAG. The last Daimler made was the Jag XJ-rebadged Daimler Super Eight. With the purchase of Jaguar and Land Rover, Tata inherits British Daimler.

Rover
Chinese Automaker Shanghai Auto (SAIC) merged with Nanjing Auto, which purchased the struggling Rover brand and all its assets. Well, not quite all of its assets. BMW had the Rover brand years ago and never parted with the name. Unwilling to sell it to the Chinese, who were forced to call their cars Roewe, the company sold it to Ford, a better steward and a company that didn't want Rovers out there being confused with Land Rovers. But now, with this deal, that name gets transferred to Tata.

This means that, in theory, we can have Indian built Nanos rebadged as Daimlers or Rovers while actual MG/Rover products are being built in China under the name Roewe. If we were Tata, we'd consider selling the Rover brand to SAIC.

[Auto News Europe via AutoBlog]

When you're showing up at the track with your $500 race car, four cylinders under the hood is ho-hum. Six is a little better, and eight will get you some respect. But when you pop the bonnet and reveal a V-12 beneath, the resulting shocked silence in the pits will be gratifying indeed. Now, there's no way in hell you'll ever get a German V12 machine for under $500 (well, no way that will convince the LeMons judges, at any rate), but folks have this completely justified totally irrational fear of the V12-equipped Jaguar XJ-S... and that means it's deal time! Say, a deal such as this 1991 Jaguar XJ-S (go here if the ad disappears) with an asking price of $500 (which smells like an actual price of more like $300, or some "game room things"). It comes with two V12s, so you have to figure you can make one runner, right? Hell yes! Then you're sure to be able to sell off plenty of unneeded parts on eBay (hey, if I can sell $350 worth of parts off an '84 Volvo, anything is possible) after you've gutted the half-ton of leather and wood from the car. Now, since it's a '91 you'll need to deal with some of the Lucas electrics if you want the engine ECU to function, but maybe all those Prince of Darkness jokes have no foundation in real experience! Get a rollcage in it, put some Cherry Bombs on that sweet-sounding V12, and get ready to leave those peasants in their lesser cars in your dust at the race!

Roaring onto the track in a V12 Jag would get you some respect, all right, but you wouldn't appear to be a total madman with that choice. Sure, your team would look like the greatest mechanics who ever lived if your Jag managed to finish 25 laps under its own power, but where's the Lunatic Factor? That's why you need to consider a car with a 5/95 weight distribution, primitive suspension, and a flimsy fiberglass body. Something, for example, such as this VW-based dune buggy with Olds Toronado transaxle assembly (go here if the ad disappears), which has a