Daves Jag: My Jaguar

This was my very first automobile, purchased from my dear uncle Len in 1961, shortly after graduating from high school.

This build log will show how I built a 24th scale model of that classic car out of wood.

MY SCRATCH BUILT JAGUAR

First, I downloaded this set of profile drawings found on the internet.

Using hundreds of measurements taken with my calipers, along with dozens of photos, I was able to sculpt the body shape out of a solid block of bass wood.

Getting started.

Began with this block of wood, I simply sketched a rough drawing of the profile of the Jag onto each side of the block.

Then it becomes a simple matter of removing all material that does not look like a 1951 XK-120 roadster.

The wheel wells were created with my drill press.

After cutting out the cockpit I shaped the hood and fenders, then added headlights.

Painted the entire body with a primer, then noticed the hood was too flat.

So I used automotive Bondo to build up a slight radius to the top of the hood.

Next, the hood was carefully carved away from the body.

Then the engine and cockpit cavity was hollowed out to a thickness of approx 3mm.

Then sprayed the first coat of blue paint to all exterior surfaces, followed by complete sanding .... a process that was repeated four times before all blemishes were completely removed.

Next, I began working on the cockpit interior, beginning with the floorboard, seats, and fire wall module.

The seats are carved from vinyl lattice taken from an old set of faux wood venetian blinds.

Left natural, they resemble the leather upholstery I had in my Jag.

Here's the seats installed along with the fabric door panels.

Also note the body has a third coat of paint and the firewall now installed to the engine compartment.

The cockpit interior....

That dashboard with all instruments was created with graphics.

In it's day, the inline six cylinder engine was the most powerful of any production car in the world.

Capable of 240 hp it red lined at about 5,000 rpm.

It was the first car designed to go 120 mph right off the production line.

Believe it, or not, this tiny engine has all of the necessary components of the actual engine.... mostly created from vinyl and wood.

Here's a close look at those side vent SU carbs.

And here is a shot of the radiator.

And here we have the engine installed.

Note the spark plug wire harness has been added.

Ready to fire this baby up?

The frame had to be created in order to mount the engine and axels.

This was a simple matter of, first drawing the layout onto the profile drawing, then adding frame boards to the bottom side of the hollowed out carving.

The exhaust pipe needed a muffler and the rear end needed a housing.

That's about it for the under belly.

The front wheels are mounted with brass tubing over spindles, allowing them to swivel left and right. The rear wheels are mounted on short axles.

My attempt to create spoke rim wheels was a complete failure, so I purchased these online.

The tiny knock off hubs, however, were carved from vinyl.

Ready to roll!

Lots of small accessory parts to create and paint with liquid chrome using an amazing product called MOLOTOW.

Here, seen after adding bumpers, wind shield frame, tail lights, and the custom license plate.