Thornley Kelham to Showcase Jaguar XK European GT Coupé at Monterey Car Week 2025
Thornley Kelham, the acclaimed British specialists renowned for their award-winning concours-level restorations and modifications, are set to make a standout appearance at Monterey Car Week 2025 with their celebrated Jaguar XK European GT Coupé.
Originally launched in 1948, the Jaguar XK120 was a design and engineering revelation – an icon that redefined the brand’s future. Thornley Kelham’s European GT Coupé pays homage to that legacy while reinterpreting every element to create a more muscular, assertive, and contemporary Grand Tourer. The result is a car that remains instantly recognisable as a Jaguar, yet feels entirely fresh and unmistakably modern.
“The Jaguar XK European GT Coupé is our tribute to Jaguar’s extraordinary legacy – but it’s also a celebration of what could have been,” said Simon Thornley, co-founder of Thornley Kelham. “We have worked tirelessly to preserve the spirit of the original while elevating every detail for today’s drivers. To share this car at Monterey – one of the most iconic automotive gatherings in the world – is a huge moment for us.”
Throughout Monterey Car Week, the Jaguar XK European GT Coupé will be featured at a curated selection of high-profile events. The schedule includes The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering (Friday), The Motorlux Jet Center Party (Wednesday evening), The Paddock Event on Friday evening, Concorso Italiano (Saturday) and Concours For A Cause (Tuesday).
“Monterey Car Week is a pilgrimage for collectors and enthusiasts from across the globe,” Thornley added. “We’re thrilled to be part of it, and we encourage anyone who wants to experience the ultimate expression of a Jaguar, reimagined for the modern era, to come find us – it’s something you truly need to experience in person.”
Each Jaguar XK European GT Coupé undergoes a full ground-up restoration and re-engineering programme at Thornley Kelham’s state-of-the-art Cotswolds facility. Over 6,000 hours of expert craftsmanship go into every car, which includes:
A hand-formed all-alloy body, subtly re-proportioned by former McLaren designer Paul Howse, to deliver a more aggressive stance while respecting the timeless beauty of the original lines.
A reimagined interior, featuring the finest materials and bespoke details, blending period elegance with modern comfort and usability.
An all-alloy 3.8-litre Jaguar straight-six engine, now delivering 360 bhp – 225% more power than the original XK120 – with 159% more torque.
Modernised suspension, braking, and steering systems, engineered to transform the handling and driving dynamics for the 21st century driver.
A kerb weight approximately 15% lighter than the original.
Limited to just 25 examples, each Jaguar XK European GT Coupé is bespoke – tailored to its owner’s vision, combining classic beauty with contemporary performance, reliability, and craftsmanship.
For more information, view the brochure here: https://www.thornleykelham.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Jaguar-XK-European_Brochure.pdf
To explore a commission or arrange a meeting with Thornley Kelham during Monterey Car Week, please contact Simon Thornley at simon@thornleykelham.com. Our global sales partner, La Source, will also be in attendance. To view the car or discuss ownership opportunities, reach out to James Banks at +44 7554 499480.
