Byfield's Legacy: Australia's Finest in Custom Car Crafting

Maestro Works - In the realm of automotive craftsmanship, success often hinges on the skill of the creator. Historically, the spotlight has shone on talents from the Western hemisphere, particularly Europe and America, where the automotive industry flourishes with well performance-driven vehicles while boasting elegant exotical designs. However, it might surprise you that a remarkable custom car, called Byfield Jaguar XJS HE V12 aka 'Buttercup' emerged from the southernmost corner of the globe – Australia. It built in nine years from 1995 to 2003 based on the Jaguar XJS,

It's the Byfield Jaguar XJS HE V12 aka 'Buttercup,' a custom sports car built based on Jaguar XJS-HE V12 by Cliff Byfield. (Picture from: AutoPuzzles)

This extraordinary creation is credited to Cliff Byfield, a legendary car builder based in West Australia. Byfield, widely recognized among Australian car enthusiasts, has spent over 60 years crafting unique, hand-fabricated road and racing cars. His journey into car design commenced after retiring from military service, during which he flew missions over Europe in the Royal Australian Air Force during World War II.

The Byfield Buttercup is completed about nine years ago, construction is based on a steel, box-section back-bone, and powered by a mid-engined V12 drivetrain. (Picture from: UndiscoveredClassics)

Upon returning to Perth post-war, Byfield, having pursued architectural studies, resumed and completed his coachbuilding apprenticeship. Soon, he established his own workshop specializing in crafting one-off truck cabs, ultimately employing a workforce of over 15 skilled individuals.

The Byfield Citroën was the first one-off 2-door coupe designed and built by Cliff Byfield in Perth during the 1950s. (Picture from: UndiscoveredClassics)

Renowned as a versatile artisan, Byfield's talents extended beyond panel beating and metal forming. He demonstrated proficiency in woodworking, creating furniture and even musical instruments like harps, all while passionately building custom cars.

The Byfield Holden Sports aka Repco Holden boasting a stylish design reminiscent of Italian contemporaries and featuring creature comforts like a convertible top. (Picture from: UndiscoveredClassics)

One of Byfield's earliest automotive creations was the Byfield Citroën, a one-off 2-door coupe designed and built in Perth during the 1950s. Unfortunately, it met its demise in an accident. Noteworthy among his works is the Byfield Holden Sports sometimes referred to as the Repco Holden, boasting a stylish design reminiscent of Italian contemporaries and featuring creature comforts like a convertible top. Additionally, the Byfield Ford Leyland Clubman, a Lotus 7-inspired roadster, gained acclaim for its track day preferences.

The Byfield Ford Leyland Clubman, a Lotus 7 inspired roadster called the “Ford Leyland Clubman”, in reference to its mechanical donors and its track day pretentions, now owned by RCC contributor Stacey Nico. (Picture from: RareComponentCars)

Byfield's impressive portfolio comprises 15 handcrafted cars, a testament to his meticulous craftsmanship. From welding frames to designing bodies and crafting custom upholstery, he undertook almost every aspect of production, with each project demanding around two years from concept to completion.

The Byfield Riley was Cliff Byfield's final car creation, boasting a convertible, styled in a pre-war fashion, under a metallic burgundy exterior with fine wood and leather trim, incorporating salvaged Riley of 1947 mechanicals. (Picture from: Paul Leader in Flickr)

One of Byfield's most ambitious projects was the a custom sports car based on 1996 Jaguar XJS called Byfield Jaguar XJS HE V12 aka 'Buttercup', a mid-engined V12 supercar. Constructed on a bespoke steel box-section chassis, the car featured intricate details, including a concealed door catch, showcasing Byfield's knack for innovative design. The V12, a comfortable supercar with grand touring appointments, received accolades, winning first prize at Perth's annual Hot Rod & Street Machine show.

Three of Cliff's lovingly restored cars are now housed at the WA Motor Museum, from left to right, the Byfield-Jaguar XJS V12 HE, Byfield-Riley, and the Byfield-Jaguar SS. (Picture from: ABC)

Remarkably, Byfield completed his most recent project, possibly his final one, at the age of 94 – the Byfield Riley. This convertible, styled in a pre-war fashion, showcased a metallic burgundy exterior with fine wood and leather trim, incorporating salvaged Riley of 1947 mechanicals, as Cliff said 'followed him home one day.'

Centenarian Cliff Byfield in his element - working in his auto workshop.. (Picture from: ABC)

Centenarian Cliff Byfield's passion for constructing classic cars from the ground up serves as his daily motivation, ensuring that each morning becomes a source of joy and vitality. In essence, this commitment to his craft may just be the key to his enduring and fulfilling life.

Today, the Western Australia Motor Museum in Perth houses most of Cliff Byfield's creations, while others find homes with collectors across the country. Each vehicle stands as a testament to the man's drive, ambition, and prodigious talents, challenging the notion that automotive excellence is confined to the more traditional hubs of the industry. ✨Happy Holiday...⛄ *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ABC.NET.AU | UNDISCOVERED CLASSICS | CLASSIC AND RECREATION SPORTS CARS | RARECOMPONENTCARS | AUTOPUZZLES ]

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