My father was an engineer at Jaguar. He started at 18 as an apprentice in the experimental department and retired some 41 years later from Jaguar. Just saw your video and thought I bet he was responsible for the design of said "tube" you mentioned and turns out he was. So here goes his words via my typing after I got off the phone from him. They are not "tubes" but part of the Manasco strut impact system. There was liquid in the strut which was also proprietary to the Manasco system. Per U.S. federal rules a car had to withstand a 5 mph impact with zero damage at an angle of straight on to no greater than 30 degrees off set. To achieve this the bumper would travel/compress 2 to 3 inches. Hope this helps. Love the channel and tune in weekly.

That old XJ coupe has one of the best back ends since Felicity Kendall!

Cal, I love that analogy, putting a diesel engine into The Flying Scotsman. Brilliant.

That first XJ-C is such a beautiful car

I tried the Snickers workwear once, but the chocolate melted, and I'm not even going to mention where the bits of peanuts ended up.

That xjc.......wow, its absolutely stunning 😍

Surely the DS is the perfect candidate for an EV. Silent wafting with a discrete pump for the hydraulics sounds awesome to me.

Several people seem to like the flat 6 idea. IIRC, Citroen's intention was to develop a flat 6 for the DS at launch, but they ran short of money and used the inline 4 they already had. Likewise, the CX that succeeded the DS was originally intended to have a rotary. I wonder if a rotary's other-worldly smoothness would fit the customer's concept of what they want from their car.

I think the DS would be perfect with electric motion. It fits with its futuristic styling and its hydraulic suspension systems. Smooth propulsion for a smooth car.

I would put the 3 litre Subaru flat 6 mated to a 8 speed automatic box, fast and smooth power for the DS

For a DS restomod I think it’s best to use the 3.0-24v V6 from the XM, still uses a hydro pneumatic system like the DS..

If you do a Citroën DS project: the answer is easy .. throw in a Citroën SM ( Maserati ) engine. Even have the hydralic pump and all

I agree with you Cal on the electric conversion debate 😂😂

"Prototype Hinge Mechanism" - A great name for a prog rock band!

The XJC is exciting to see rebuilt. Churchill is such a pretty car. More XJC content!

No one who can afford a classic sports car/supercar is the least bit worried about the cost of fuel.

Sunday night ☕️in hand feet up best hour of the weekend for me 👍🏻😉

Churchil already looks perfectly OEM. Stuart and the boys are so skillfull!

DS needs a PRV. Naturally aspirated, single throttle body, cast manifolds and a 2" with a 2' resonator and a oval rear silencer ending to a bent saw blade edge. It would have all the necessary torque, just enough sound to tell the driver the engine is running okay and the rest is wind and road noise. You could listen your favorite tunes without going death while doing touring speeds.

Regarding the DS - I've worked for classic dealers and recently we had a DS19 Chapron Cabriolet that was restored beautifully to look bog-standard and preserve its lovely lines. The suspension and brakes were all rebuilt to function beautifully as designed, but under the bonnet was a 2.5-liter 16-valve Turbo from a CX Turbo, with standalone MOTEC management, and a 5-speed manual (shifted via the column, naturally). It had beautifully functioning A/C, was always on the button, and yet it wafted along like a Citroen DS should. The guy spent about a half-million dollars (US) on the restoration, and I would equate the performance to an 80s SAAB 9000 Turbo - smooth, comfy, effortless. An absolutely wonderful car. Not sure if I can link to it here... but I'm happy to try.

Cleanliness is key, I am a high purity welder for Laboratory, semi-con and medical all my welds are internally purged, it takes a bit of time but the important thing to me is the internal face that is in contact with the medium, it takes time but it it looks the business in the end - as long as you are pretty handy with a grinder you can get away with a crappy exterior finish!

Great episode for Father's Day!

If I win the lottery I have a project for you: a Aston Martin DB7 Vantage totally restored body wise, painted in a traditional A-M dark blue with mid-blue leather interior, then the powertrain changed for a Chevrolet LS1 V8, a TREMEC TR-9070 DCT 7-Speed Dual Clutch Transmission, I will leave the diff to you, an ECU, Wilwood disk brakes all around and (here's a challenge) a complete Apple CarPlay instrument system (including all gauges). Ah! what a lovely car that would be. Thanks for the great videos, my only suggestion is to get Nat to explain some of the technical issues in more detail 🤔🤨😊😬

Citroen DS might be fun with the very compact Volvo 4.4 litre V8, already fitted to a FWD transmission with optional AWD. Loads of silencing would make it quite a wafter... some cheap S80s around...

I'm just waiting for that magic coffee machine to have a fit and provide Cal a Bovril with extra milks and sugar 🙂 Good to see Nat getting his shirt dirty.......

For the DS if you don't do an electric conversion, which you absolutely should, the three rotor from the Mazda Cosmo with the automatic gearbox would be perfect.

Fire that new body guy! 🤣🤣

Alfa Romeo busso, gracefully sporty.

Great work as usual guys. The soft close on the E Type is I sweet touch. However, that mechanism looks quite bulky/ugly in that rather small door shut. Could be the camera angles though. Fantastic work by all!!!

OK I am sure you are aware but the 'bell mount' for the radius arm on the XJC is off set and must be put back on in the correct orientation. YES rear bumper had an absorbent ram in it for silly American rubber bumpers. You have to say that the Jaguar MKII is stunning even with the modifications, which I do like, and that is praise from a MKII owner :). Environmental arguments for electric conversions are simple EV's cause more pollution in building them and charging them, the government have brainwashed a lot of the public.

For a DS, the Subaru flat six was also my first thought, others seem to think so too, but mostly because the DS was drawn and built like a prestige car, and some silly part of me thinks that four cylinders just isn't enough. A flat four is better, because it's more balanced, but a six would be good too. A transverse, FWD inline six, laid back against the firewall some would also be a fun option.

retropower!! ,, the tubes are for the US market with the big bumpers mounts,, also the triangle plate is the jack point , the original factory jack slots into the bung on the triangular plate

Excellent, thats all I can say.

Cal, thanks for your explanation about potential engine power outputs between old school Carbs vs. Modern ECU/injection programming. 🙏👍

45:04 - haha, thanks for answering my question, and yes, well spotted, I *now* reside in the US (originally South African - Hi Richard!) so my vocabulary is such a mix of this and that, that even I can't remember which word is used where anymore :) [windscreen/windshield being a great example :) ] Pretty sure we used the word "pants" in SA too though, but again, too much confusion in my muddled brain :)

At 4:10. Yes that is a jacking point😊.

Snickers for life !!!!!

As always, enjoying your show, watchein ideas come to life through the brains and hands of the entire staff. On the topic of putting another engine in a DS. Hmmm 🤔. I’m thinking a Vario Cam boxer type engine. Either a Subaru or if there’s room, a Porsche Boxter. I’m sure both engines can be silenced to suit the whafting image of the DS and then you have the upper end for a bit of fun. Keep the suspension, it’s genius.

DS should be a 6 cilinder, preferably boxer (Subaru/Porsche)

🤣 perfect answer regarding an electric testarossa is like putting a diesel engine in the flying scotsman 🤣 love it

Looking forward to the DS project. I had one but it was very needy. The fastest thing about it was it's ability to rust. Also, I liked it most when someone else drove it and I followed so I moved it on. Je ne regrette rien.

Fabulous video, and a short week to boot! Can't agree with you more about the electrified Testa-Rossa. Drive your electric cars all week if you must, the weekend drives are about the romance and charm of the cars of our dreams. I never dreamed about oversexed golf carts. My dreams ran more along the lines of Ruf Yellowbird at Nürburgring.

Ds powertrain: electric with onboard generator. The Mazda cx30 has (I believe) electric propulsion with a rotary ‘range extender’. This would fit the ds perfectly as Citroen dabbled with rotary power (they produced a small number of rotary powered gs before abandoning the idea). It would mean a modest battery but a usable range.

For the DS, you’d need something with a low profile that’s quite short, an LS could work but I’d do a twin turbo (small turbos) 3.0 duratec through a nice torque converter auto gearbox. Plenty of grunt on the squeeze of the throttle with no lag.

You are correct, 35 mph Bumper Mounts.

It turns out that that fancy twisted exhaust tips on the XJ jags , were very nessesary, I worked at a jag dealership in 1975 and the cheap chromed originals had rotted out and replacements were not available so we put straight ones on, however because of the low pressure area at the back of the car this allows killer exhaust Gas to enter the car on a trip. Just be aware

Very excited by the S4 Saab. Hope it pans out OK!

Citroen DS would be suited to a V6 hybrid possibly. Using say a 100kw motor to torque fill and give about 20miles range with a small 7-10kwhr battery. Super smooth and modern

I like those dynamite sheets not having loads of bright silver logos all over the. Plain black looks very professional.

Haltech do a CANBUS expansion box for the Nexus R7 (and R5) that adds a bunch of extra inputs and outputs, and you can add as many expansion boxes as you want, I believe?

#Haltech. Totally agree about not enough inputs (JDM 16 inputs) but they are so easy to install, tune, adaptability and pricing & customer services are a lot better to others. They are always willing to work with people like yourself from feedback I've worked with in the past.

PD130 in a DS would be something!

For composite work like splitters and wings etc that might suffer from impact, use some kevlar weave cloth, you end up with a very impact resistant part and will with stand a lot of flexing.

XJ-C is a great looking car to begin with, I'm looking forward to seeing this project develop. I'm a big fan of the Mk2 Jags, but the E type's aren't my bag (I disagree with Mr Ferrari, I prefer the XK's as most beautiful car)... Isn't anybody interested in a Rover P5 or even P6 2 door?, Escorts are OK... but not very original thinking as a project.

997 engine and DSG gearbox as a Citroen DS mounts the engine the same direction.

Bare DS and SM Chassis, judged by photographs: Citroen gave the SMs V6 already more clear width,... maybe one would have to use parts of an SM Chassis/"floor pan"/ its front part, to make room for a flat six ? Using the existing space a DS provides...A VR engine comes to mind space wise: But VR5 or VR6 of VW would not have any strong link to Citroen. And Lancias "latest" VR6 should date from the 1960's at best ? and the Fulvias VR4 from up to 1976, but fourbangers should fit anyway as a inline fours. Or you might use parts of the front of a Traction Avant 15/6. Or just build another triangulated space frame - in this case only the front end section - connecting in a jaguar E-Type fashion to the chassis of a DS from the fire wall on. ...electric would fit the DS as almost no other car, in my view, although not representing an overly surprising choice.

Staying with French origins, perhaps Clio Eurocup V6 for a DS project. If I remember correctly Venturi stuck some turbochargers on it for over 300ps. Enough to get an old girl like the DS to pull up its skirts and pop along.

Love the Jag & those wheels! A series 2 E-Type(not as valuable as a Mk1) with a V8 would be an impressive piece of kit.

For à Citroën DS, how about what Citroën themselves did - a V6… they built a number of two door (cut and shut) test beds for the SM running the 90° Maserati V8 with two cylinders - very crudely - lopped off. The later PRV and PSA V6 engines retained this configuration, I imagine through a mix of experience and the practicality of a wider, thus lower, engine for a transverse application (Xantia, XM etc…)

XJC drain tubes. If they are such a rot point, why not braze copper pipes which can be made up with the endless different shallow bend fittings if no pipe forming equipment is available. ( friendly plumber !?)

DS - needs either a straight 6, or a v8 like the Citroen Maserati of old. Both options should of course be supercharged to match the rest of the bonkers car...

I wear DeWalt shorts and trousers too, and Redback boots. Do your feet a favour Cal and get some Redbacks. They’re super comfortable and last for ages.

I don't know anyone with a Ford Escort who wouldn't want it to be LOUD - hey James !

Great job on the Jaguars. Have you driven the EV Testarossa? Don't give your opinion before you've driven it.

Regarding the question of engines and performance it comes down packaging and intended use. Bore spacing in the block determines bore size. Bore size determines valve size. Valve size determines airflow. Airflow determines output. Fun fact, the Kent engine and Duratec share the same bore spacing. Therefore it should come as no surprise that a 2 litre Duratec is only good for 300 bhp.

Nat!!!! don't cut the CSM rip it, than the fibers will blend in > and use some DB cloth

Citroen originally planned the DS with an air cooled flat six, so a 993 engine could work for a DS.

Maybe a Passat W8 engine for a DS?

To the guy suggesting an electric conversion on a Testarossa because of the fuel consumption. If you can afford one you could afford the fuel too, even if it only did 5mpg.

Another interesting video(as always👍)..question.. with escort shown on dyno...boot lid seems out of alignment...🤔

Regarding the ds I would go for the pug v6 out of the 406 And that is the best description for not making classic car’s electric ever!!!

Can anyone put his DS up on the lift and measure the clear width between the frontal outriggers - and than put his 996 or 997 up on the lift and measure the width of the engine hanging out of the back ?

Dennis Collins gas just found a wicked early round light DS…. A Maserati V8 from a Grandturismo would be cool, cheap and in keeping as the SM was Mazza powered.

Cal well said putting a Diesel engine in The Scotsman would in fact increase the emissions . However Converting a Rover P6 to BEV I must admit has me wondering.

The DS, where the engine isn't in any way part of what makes them cool, would be the perfect EV conversion. Same would go for most "non performance" classics. On cars like the Testarossa and other performance/super cars I'd rather walk than have an EV powered one. Even if the performance was twice as good it'd still be absolutely missing the bit that made it special.

I imagine that a Citroën DS EV conversion would be a waste of time as half of the battery range would be consumed by the hydraulics keeping the suspension happy . The XM 3.0 V6 would be a far better bet .

The Citroen DS potential engine could be an homage to the SM's Maserati V6. But a more modern version like the F136 YG V8 / Stradale engine 😉

Re the DS, that car is all about a smooth, supple, comfortable ride and so effortless quiet power is indicated. Ignoring the EV option, I’d go with any modern 4 pot putting out about 150kw.

Far better with the backwards facing exhaust on the Escort, imo!

Funnily enough I have been thinking about a Citroën DS project myself and also wondering which engine to use. I think tor sheer waftability a turbo diesel would be best but a slightly less "agricultural" one than the TD4. Also an alternative to the traditional suspension could be an air ride set-up

Cal, you are aware that you can get expansion boxes for the Haltech units?

The thing I detest about drive-by-wire throttles is the absolute lack of feedback through your foot. With a cable, you can feel when any slack is taken up, find the point where the throttle is just about to open and hold it there if needed. Especially on a road-going car where you're likely to be on steady speed throttle much of the time (or on cruise control), and with much more stop-and-go driving than a track car, I prefer that feel through my foot so I don't jerk, or have to blip the pedal every time you get moving so I can find the point where the throttles start to react...even coming off cruise control, it's smoother if I can pick up the throttle before switching it off so you don't get an immediate and abrupt deceleration. Easier for tuning, but I feel it's a bit of a compromise in terms of actual driving.

how about a 3.0 V6 from Peugeot for the Citroën DS

That bloke in Wales should be doing jail time. He has defiled numerous classics.

Maybe a Subaru flat 6 out of a legacy for the DS?

The 3.0 PRV v6 is a rough, underpowered, heavy bag of nails that spins the wrong way for a ds transplant.

DS engine conversion. How about a Maserati Nettuno V6? It could even be modified to be NA if power wasn't the focus. A bit of history with the Maserati period of Citroen, and an interesting engine of some pedigree. Those things matters, in my opinion. The engine was never the good bit of a DS. But the design was so genius it deserves some retro-love.

Citroen SM used a Maserati V6 perhaps something similar for a DS build. The suspension should be retained but engineered to be more reliable

The Citroën DS was originally intended to have a 6-cylinder engine, but from a cost perspective (cost savings) it remained with a 4-cylinder in-line engine. So a V6 with a lot of torque seems to me to be an interesting and suitable alternative (a 6 in line would be even better, but will it fit???).

Citroen ds engine conversion, how about a Mercedes om606. No fancy ecu required. Loads of instant torque. Lazy matic auto box on it. Keep up the great work. Ps, can you set up a go fund me page so Bobby can afford a new t shirt !!.

In a Citreon DS...I'd choose a lightly tuned LS. Small package and would effortlessly waft it down a road.

DS? BMW i3 battery and range extender.

Ref DS engine choice, how about the PSA 3.0 V6 petrol lump? Another great episode, thanks

How will you keep the copper plating from tarnishing?

I noticed on the video of the grey escort on the Dyno, that on power up the rear nearside wheel underwent visible toe in and out. OK?

I'll have to come back to this, after the football..... Unless we start playing rubbish.

Wanted to mention about copper colour light bezels against blue paintwork (Churchill). Do you do mock ups on the cars to test different colour combo's?. For example trying satin black,brushed aluminium,chrome against the blue (Churchill) or other cars.

On the Citroen DS Either full electric or maybe a Subaru flat four all-wheel drive they easily will make 3 to 500 horsepower turbo'd conversion

The DS - Porsche 911 transaxle and a Chevy LS ( easy ).

Citroen built some DS rally cars with a V6, I believe it would have been the Maserati, SM unit. I have heard that someone put a Saab 2.3 Turbo engine in a DS!