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1959 Jaguar One-Off Custom "Buchanan" - VIN: 5990089DN - Offered Without Reserve - One-off custom by automotive engineer, Kelly Buchanan | Unique blend of Jaguar and 1930s art deco design elements | Exotics Coach Built First in Class at Santa Barbara Concours5.3-litre SOHC V-12 engine, three two-barrel carburetors, manual Jaguar gearbox, independent rear suspension, four-wheel disc brakes


Spawning from the mind of automotive engineer and racer, the late Kelly Buchanan, comes this 1959 one-off custom Jaguar “Buchanan”. Spending most of his youth in Santa Cruz, California, Buchanan developed a love for automobiles and the racing circuit at a young age; a type of love that would be the main motive for his professional career. Buchanan is best known for his custom-built Singer Special he put together with his friend Bob Arnt while attending Southern California University. Driven by the legendary Dick Van Laanen the Singer Special was feared by all on the circuit, but because of multiple minor errors the car never finished a race. The Singer was his first project inspiring Buchanan into crafting this one-off custom Jaguar offered here.

This extremely unique one-off creation embodies all of the 1930 design elements that Kelly Buchanan greatly admired. He integrated them into this driving masterpiece of various parts and pieces of classic Jaguar automobiles. The build is based on a custom-built rectangular tube chassis that utilizes many Jaguar components like a 5.3-litre SOHC V-12 engine with three two-barrel carbs that link back to a manual Jaguar gearbox. The front suspension is from a 1971 E-Type and the rear is from a 1972 XJ6. The front features ventilated disc brakes while the rear is also equipped with disc brakes. The wire wheels, knock-off hub caps and steering also have Jaguar lineage.

This one-off custom body was forged from 19-gauge steel and formed over wood bucks supplied by Mr. Buchanan with the work being executed by Red’s Metal Shaping of Gardena, California. The low-profile hood features louvers all around to giving it a more aggressive look and a more natural way to keep the engine cooled. The 1930s-inspired boattail-styled rear pivots on a rear cross-member which allows for access to the storage area. Custom forged exhaust pipes have been built onto the side that run from the engine to the outside of the car and exit the rear. This custom Jaguar sports a two-tone paint scheme of burgundy and bright red that radiates pure elegance. The interior features two black leather bucket seats, engine-turned dash with full Smith’s instrumentation, Jaguar steering wheel, and a radio.

Adding to its rarity, this one-off custom was taken to the Santa Barbara Concours and captured first place in the Exotics Coach Built class, an award not easily obtained. This one-off custom is in a league of its own and will easily garner attention everywhere it goes.