![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.totalkitcar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/steve_says_creative1.jpg\" "\\"steve_says_creative\\"")
<\/a>Mike acquired the project in 2011 and has been busy during the intervening period. Rather than warm-up the old project, he\u2019s gone to town and designed a brand new tubular spaceframe chassis and most notably changed the donor from venerable Ford Granada to Jaguar S-Type (1999-2002) not a straightforward undertaking.<\/p>\nHowever, I think it\u2019s an inspired move and is certainly the first kitcar to use the relatively un-loved Jag as a donor. Under the skin though it\u2019s pure Jaguar, with high quality and robust mechanicals and ideal for use on the Venom S (note slight amendment to the name with \u2018S\u2019 suffix).<\/p>\n The car, designed by Geoff Lawson, was available between 1999-2008, although for Venom S purposes you\u2019ll be needing the first generation, \u2018X200\u2019 version (1999-2002) denoted by the \u2018U\u2019-shaped centre console. On the donor the front and rear suspension are mounted on subframe, whereas Mike has revised this and they are un-bolted and mounted to the fabricated Venom S frame.<\/p>\n Mike reckons that it\u2019s the entry-level 2.7-litre V6 model is the one you want as that had a Getrag five-speed manual gearbox option, although it has to be said that the majority of the 14,610 S-Types still registered (add a couple of thou on SORN) will be autos. \u00a0The V6 was available in 2.7-litre (197bhp) and 3-litre (235bhp) and the latter responds well to tuning (about 280bhp potential). It also feature chain-driven cams.<\/p>\n Whereas the V8 was of 4.2-litre capacity and available in two strengths (294bhp and Easton supercharge equipped version producing 390bhp). If you choose carefully, you\u2019ll find the ideal donor for your project and expect to pay between \u00a3750 to \u00a31200 for your donor.<\/p>\n Mike currently offers the Venom GTC (Coupe) and Roadster (convertible), which share the same chassis with kit prices from \u00a37500. On that basis, Mike estimates that a decent example can be DIY built from around \u00a315,000, with items like paint being the big imponderable. It\u2019s a big car remember and you\u2019ll want to do it justice.<\/p>\n A very intriguing alternative version that Mike is currently working on is the GTE Fastback.<\/p>\n Mike will be making his show debut at Petrol & Pistons at Croft circuit within the \u2018totalkitcar village\u2019 on August 22. In the meantime, visit www.creativesportscars.com<\/a> or call 01925 551 737 ENDS.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<\/a><\/a>