Vehicle Description
In the late 1970s, and Englishman named Rick Stevens set out to
build a car of his own based on the legendary British sports cars
of the early post-war era, such as Frazer Nash, Allard and H.R.G.
These were, after all, the cars of his childhood but they were
scarce, sometimes fragile, and likely more than he could afford. So
he decided to build his own version of the classic road-racer, but
using more modern components. Stevens paired up with the legendary
engineers Dick Crosthwaite and John Gardiner (of the now iconic
firm Crosthwaite & Gardiner) to design and build his dream sports
car. The 1970s was the age of the kit car, with any variety of
cheap fiberglass likeness being built to sit atop a VW or some
other similarly ubiquitous chassis, usually with extremely dubious
results. There were dozens of manufacturers in the game offering
conversions and full bodies to build any type of machine
imaginable. Thankfully, Mr. Stevens opted to take a more
traditional, British cottage-industry approach. With the help of
his engineering consultants, he designed a tubular chassis which
accepted the four-wheel independent suspension, four wheel disc
brakes and running gear from a Jaguar S-Type Saloon. The Kougar, as
it would become known, was immediately set apart from the sea of
cheap kits thanks to its high quality construction and
sophisticated Jaguar running gear. In terms of styling, the body,
cycle fenders and distinctive radiator grille were inspired by the
Frazer Nash LeMans Replica of 1950, but given a more curvaceous
look on the low-slung chassis. The Kougar had a cut-down cockpit
with minimal weather protection and a businesslike dash that
featured a full array of Jaguar instrumentation. With its light
weight and 3.8 liter XK engine, the Kougar delivered serious
performance. While some cars were offered in kit form, most were
constructed at the works as this car was designed from the ground
up for serial production and finished to a high standard. Today,
they are considered classics in their own right, and a handful of
lucky enthusiasts have been able to experience the thrill the
Kougar Jaguar Sports can deliver. This striking Kougar-Jaguar is a
wonderful example of this rare and exciting sports car. Finished in
bold yellow over black upholstery and chrome wire wheels, this car
makes a real statement. Of course, there's plenty of performance to
back it up. The yellow paint presents in very good condition, with
nice gloss and finish quality on the body's multitude of curves.
Chrome trim is limited to headlights, radiator grille, and a few
body fittings and secondary lamps, though it all presents in fine
condition. The spartan cockpit is trimmed in simple black
upholstery that is in very good condition, tidy and clean. The dash
features an array of instruments and switchgear that would be
familiar to any Jaguar driver, as they were lifted from the S-Type.
Free of wood trim or frivolous detailing, the Kougar is purposeful
and businesslike - a serious tool for driving. The engine and
chassis present well, the signature polished alloy SU carburetors
and twin cam covers dominating the view under the hood. It all
appears very tidy and well sorted, with signs of regular care and
attention. It is a very usable example, a car that looks wonderful
but also one that should be driven to be fully appreciated. It is
perhaps difficult to classify the Kougar - this is not a kit-car,
nor is it a "replicar" or copy of any one model in particular. What
we can say for sure is that this is a very well-built and
thoughtfully engineered sports car that harkens back to a bygone
era of motoring. It has a raw, visceral appeal thanks to the
legendary Jaguar XK engine, which, in 3.8 liter form, it is a
sweet, rev-happy unit. Four wheel independent suspension and brakes
as well as the modern tires on this example ensure surefooted
handling which is a vast improvement on the 3.8 S-Type Saloon which
donated its chassis components. This is a car that captures the
essence of early post-war sports cars in its style and soundtrack,
but is imminently more usable thanks to the reliable and flexible
Jaguar powertrain. Fast, fun and exciting, this Kougar is ready and
willing to deliver its next thrill ride.
