This sporty wedge-shape Jaguar is one that you may have never ever seen before. This is the very unique 1977 Jaguar Ascot Concept by Italian coachbuilder and automobile manufacturer, Gruppo Bertone. In the mid-1960’s, an Italian automobile designer by the name of Marcello Gandini was hired by Carrozzeria Bertone and went on the work for the company for 14 years serving as head designer until about 1980. During this time, particularly the late 60’s and early 70’s, Gandini was on an epic wedge-shape tour, blessing the world with a variety of wedge-shaped machines such as the Alfa Romeo Carabo in 1968, and the Lancia Stratos Zero in 1970. Following this came the famous Countach prototype, which was first shown at the 1971 Geneva Motor Show, and would later become one of Lamborghini’s most iconic models. Bertone and Gandini had been trying to impress Jaguar with a design for quite some time, and in 1977, the Ascot was born, which was based on the platform of a Jaguar XJS. The Ascot was intended to be a design proposal for the Jaguar XJ140 Programme, however, the project never progressed past the conceptual stage, and Jaguar of course, never produced the Ascot. The Ascot was still a fairly impressive one-off machine overall, being both potentially lighter than the standard XJS thanks to it’s aluminum construction, and also having the addition of a hatchback rear door, which is reminiscent of the old Jaguar E-type. The car was originally painted in a white finish, and was later resprayed to gold, and boasts an interior offering a contemporary mix of tan leather and brown suede materials. Most of the styling was borrowed directly from Bertone’s Ferrari-based 308GT Rainbow from the previous year, and was most definitely a step outside of the box in terms of what Jaguar styling was known for as during that era. What do you think of the Jaguar Ascot?
How many made? 1 of 1
Engine: 5.3 L Jaguar V12 - 286hp
Debut: Turin Motor Show, 1977
Top Speed: N/A
0-60mph: N/A
Photo Credit: @lambolog
Research: @rarecarsonly