Following its previous transformation of a James Bond stunt car earlier this year, British design company Callum has returned to re-engineer a Jaguar C-X75 for its second customer commission.

The company, headed by car designing ace Ian Callum, has worked meticulously with the original owner of the C-X75 to perfect the bespoke commission down to the tiniest details and now features a re-engineered drivetrain, active aero and contemporary interior. It was the customer’s wish to create a capable, refined and elegant supercar.

Ian Callum led the team that created the original car in 2010 and described the C-X75 as “the one that got away” and “a car brimming with unfulfilled potential.”

Powertrain and Aero Package

Thanks to Callum’s in-house team of engineers, the C-X75 is now powered by a supercharged V8 mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Sharper gear shifts enable the car to switch seamlessly between comfortable driving as a road car and being pushed to its limits in sport mode, resulting in more immediate throttle response and an enhanced soundtrack from the exhaust tuned by an acoustic expert.

The C-X75 has also benefitted from a newly developed advanced active aero package to complement the increased performance. When travelling above 37mph, additional downforce is provided helping increase stability and handling for a better driving experience. An air braking function gives a better level of control when at high speeds, while a hydraulic front lift suspension gives better practicality for city driving.

Exterior

The bespoke commission sits on 20” front and 21” rear wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, made to suit both road and occasional track use.

Over 1,000 hours of work went into perfecting the precisely aligned bodywork, which is finished in Willow Green and benefits from subtle yet distinctive touches. These include aluminium window surrounds, a bespoke filler cap, carbon fibre accents on the intakes and diffuser and a polished metal grille. The C-X75 emblem is etched on the exhaust pipe and enhanced light diffusion from the rear lights.

Interior

Inside is a minimalistic affair, with the driver-focused cockpit finished in a mix of dark green and cream, chosen deliberately to reflect both the comfort and sporting nature of the car. A variety of leather textures have been used and meet with a metal ‘arrowhead necklace’ feature that runs from the cockpit to the centre console. The supportive seats have been upholstered in Bridge of Weir leather and are fitted with three-point seat belts.

The driver has use of three rotary controls, each with cleanly integrated touchscreens. A wireless charging pad and use of Apple CarPlay offer modern practicality and easy use, while a bespoke sound system is worked behind Callum’s signature deconstructed tartan.

The cockpit also has retro aircraft-inspired touches, with a roof-mounted console containing the start button and a variety of other controls. In contrast, contemporary touches like a digital rearview mirror, electronic park brake and immobiliser with ‘blipper’ key show its transformation into a modern day car.

Growing Number of Projects

While Callum continues to work on one-of-one bespoke commissions like this, the company also has its hand in a number of other projects. Lightweight sports cars continue to be electrified and a there’s been limited run of its take on the Aston Martin Vanquish. Most notably is the Callum Skye, a multi terrain EV that has been fully designed, engineered and created in house. Exciting things continue to happen in at Callum’s Warwick facility.

words: Mike Booth
pictures: CALLUM