British performance marque TWR, which stands for Tom Walkinshaw Racing, has been revived by Fergus Walkinshaw, the son of the original company’s founder, Tom Walkinshaw. The new TWR aims to deliver bespoke vehicles that combine modern materials with an analog driving experience. On Monday, the company revealed the first details of its inaugural project and announced the involvement of renowned car customizers Magnus Walker and Khyzyl Saleem.
The first vehicle to come out of the revived TWR will be based on the iconic Jaguar XJS grand tourer, which was originally built between 1975 and 1996 and raced by the original TWR in various touring car championships. The new TWR plans to reimagine and modernize the classic car for the 21st century, while still retaining its original charm and character.
Magnus Walker, a well-known figure in the automotive world, is famous for his passion for collecting and restomodding classic cars, particularly within Porsche circles. Although he initially made a name for himself in the fashion industry, Walker later transitioned into restoring and selling classic cars, primarily through word of mouth. His rise to fame came after the release of the 2012 documentary “Urban Outlaw,” and he has since been featured in various automotive media, including multiple appearances on “Jay Leno’s Garage.”
According to TWR, Walker has played a crucial role in various aspects of the project car’s development, including the design, selection of suppliers, powertrain specifications, and overall driving dynamics. His expertise and deep understanding of classic cars will undoubtedly bring a unique perspective to the modernization of the Jaguar XJS.
Joining Magnus Walker in this exciting venture is Khyzyl Saleem, also known as Kyza, an emerging talent in the automotive design world. Saleem is renowned for creating eye-catching and extravagant car designs as 3D models. His work has gained recognition for its bold and imaginative approach, and he has previously collaborated on designing one-off cars driven by iconic figures such as Ken Block and Travis Pastrana. Saleem recently founded LTO (Live To Offend), a company specializing in producing innovative body kits for vehicles.
Together, Walker and Saleem will collaborate with TWR to infuse their creative vision and expertise into the reimagining of the Jaguar XJS, ensuring that the project captures the essence of the original car while integrating modern technologies and design elements.
While the specifics of TWR’s project with the Jaguar XJS have not been fully disclosed, the company has announced that further details will be provided in early 2024. This timeline suggests that the development of the reimagined grand tourer is well underway, and enthusiasts and collectors alike can look forward to witnessing the debut of this modern reinterpretation of a classic British sports car.
In summary, the revival of TWR under the leadership of Fergus Walkinshaw represents a captivating fusion of automotive heritage and modern innovation. With the involvement of distinguished figures such as Magnus Walker and Khyzyl Saleem, the upcoming project holds tremendous promise for delivering a groundbreaking and exhilarating driving experience, while honoring the legacy of the original TWR. The reimagined Jaguar XJS is poised to capture the imagination of automotive enthusiasts and set a new standard for bespoke, performance-oriented vehicles in the contemporary automotive landscape.