Boss 429-Powered Jaguar XKE: A Radical Transformation

Muscle Elegance - Back in 1967, in Coventry, England, the world witnessed the birth of a true automotive icon—the Jaguar XKE, also known as the E-Type. It quickly earned its place in the pantheon of beautiful cars, with its flowing curves, long hood, and elegant stance. Designed by the brilliant Malcolm Sayer, the XKE was a perfect fusion of art and engineering. With its powerful engine and refined design, the Jaguar XKE was celebrated as one of the most stunning cars ever created, and even decades later, it continues to be hailed as a masterpiece. 

A radical transformation of the Boss 429-Powered Jaguar XKE designed by the brilliant Malcolm Sayer. (Picture from: Mike on Flickr)

However, in the years following its release, one particular 1967 XKE underwent a transformation that took it far beyond its original form, turning it into something completely different. This wild and extreme reimagining of a classic was not just about preserving the car’s heritage—it was about pushing boundaries and creating a bold new vision of what a Jaguar could become. This particular 1967 XKE began its journey as an iconic convertible, purchased straight from the dealership in 1967. The process of modifying the car started in 1971, but it wasn't until 1999 that the extensive transformation was finally completed. 

The process of modifying the car started in 1971, but it wasn't until 1999 that the extensive transformation was finally completed. (Picture from: ArtHive)

During these years, the car’s original character was entirely redefined. The most significant change came under the hood, where the owner chose to install a 1969 Boss 429 Mustang engine, a decision that would alter the car’s performance forever. This engine, famous for its raw power, was an American muscle powerhouse that churned out 600 horsepower—far more than the original Jaguar engine. The roar of the Boss 429’s engine contrasted sharply with the smooth, sophisticated hum of the original inline-six, giving the XKE an entirely different character.

The most significant change came under the hood, where the owner chose to install a 1969 Boss 429 Mustang engine, a decision that would alter the car’s performance forever. (Picture from: Car-From-UK)

The exterior of this modified Jaguar XKE also underwent a radical makeover. Custom-built rims, a new suspension system, and a fiberglass hood and rear fenders completely altered the car’s look. The once-sleek, fluid lines of the original 1967 XKE were now accompanied by a much more aggressive stance, with oversized wheels and a wider body that spoke to the muscle car influence of the new engine. While the core components like the transmission, suspension, and chassis remained true to the Jaguar design, the visual elements had been thoroughly reworked. The new design was bold and eye-catching, making the car a standout wherever it went, but it was also a far cry from the original elegance that had made the XKE famous.

Inside, the custom interior seamlessly blended modern features with personalized details, including bespoke trim and a steering wheel reflecting the owner’s vision. (Picture from: Car-From-UK)

Inside, the transformation continued. The custom interior was an eclectic mix of modern features and unique personal touches, with custom trim and a steering wheel that reflected the owner’s vision. One especially distinctive feature was the Jaguar emblem, whose eyes lit up, giving the car an added touch of flair and personality. While these modifications were undoubtedly eye-catching, they were also a departure from the minimalist luxury of the original XKE interior. The original design had been known for its understated elegance, with leather upholstery and simple, clean lines. In contrast, the new interior reflected a more contemporary and, at times, flashy style that some purists felt took away from the car’s classic charm.

The modifications, while striking, diverged from the original XKE interior's minimalist luxury, replacing its understated elegance with a contemporary, flashier style that some purists felt diminished the car’s classic charm. (Picture from: Car-From-UK)

Despite its many modifications, the car was not a kit car; the vast majority of its components—aside from the fiberglass parts—remained authentic Jaguar parts. The work done to the suspension, chassis, and body ensured that the car still had a strong connection to its roots, but with an unmistakably modern twist. The transformation was not only about making the car more powerful but also about personalizing it to reflect the owner’s unique tastes. Over the years, the car had won numerous awards and trophies, further solidifying its status as a one-of-a-kind creation, despite the mixed reactions it garnered from traditional car enthusiasts.

The roar of the Boss 429’s engine sharply contrasted with the smooth hum of the original inline-six, giving the XKE a completely new character. (Picture from: Mike on Flickr)

By 2015, this incredibly unique Jaguar XKE was up for sale, with an asking price of $85,000. The car, now with only 1,300 miles since its completion in 1999, had become a true showstopper. While the modified XKE was undoubtedly a remarkable feat of engineering and design, the radical changes left some enthusiasts divided. The Boss 429 engine was undoubtedly a marvel of performance, but the modifications to the body and interior made the car feel much more like a custom project than a refined classic. The combination of vintage and modern elements may have appealed to some, but to others, it was an uncomfortable blend that pushed the boundaries of what a Jaguar XKE should be.

The Jaguar XKE Custom blended vintage and modern elements in a way that intrigued some but felt like an uneasy departure from tradition to others. (Picture from: Mike on Flickr)

This car's asking price of $85,000 reflected the time, effort, and money invested in the extensive modifications, but it also posed a challenge. Who was the ideal buyer for such a unique creation? The car was clearly designed for a very specific audience—those who appreciated extreme customization and had a particular interest in combining British elegance with American muscle. The car’s bold transformation may have made it less appealing to purists, but it certainly had the potential to captivate a buyer looking for something out of the ordinary. Its location, a vibrant car culture in South Florida, may have also played a role in shaping the car's appeal.

The 1967 Jaguar XKE, in its modified form, stood as a testament to the creativity and vision of its original owner. While some might argue that the car strayed too far from its origins, it was impossible to deny the passion and skill that went into its creation. The combination of the Boss 429 engine, custom wheels, and reworked interior made the car unlike anything else on the road. Whether it was a perfect reinvention of a classic or a bold experiment in automotive design, it was certainly an unforgettable vehicle—one that had left its mark on the world of car enthusiasts. As for its future, who knows? It’s possible that this modified Jaguar XKE has already found its place with a new owner, ready to take it down a road where there are no rules but the road itself. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BANGSHIFT | JAGPROMOTIONS | RETROBIKE.CO.UK | MIKE ON FLICKR | CAR-FROM-UK ]

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