Jaguar XJ6 ‘Greatest Hits’ Custom

What is it with drummers and flash cars? Pink Floyd’s Nick Mason is a well-known revhead with a passion for Ferraris, Ringo Starr liked a lux Mini and also had a Facel Vega, while Keith Moon was partial to a few quality rides, too, even if they ended up in swimming pools.

You can also add Nicko McBrain to that list, as the Iron Maiden drummer is a long-term fan of Jaguars and unveiled the latest expression of that passion in the form of the ‘Greatest Hits’ XJ6 sedan.

Based on a Series 3 XJ6 from 1984, Greatest Hits was comprehensively redesigned, updated and modernised by Wayne Burgess, director of the Jaguar Design studio, with work done by Jaguar Land Rover Classic Works to McBrain’s commission.

While the body is mostly stock, the wheelarches have been flared and reprofiled, with bespoke bumpers fitted at both ends, as well as unique lower sills and modified rear doors. More subtle changes include XJ6 Series 2 door handles, bespoke chrome trim, bullet wing mirrors, US-spec side marker lights, LED headlights and racing-style twin fuel fillers.

Finished in a unique dark mauve paint, Greatest Hits rolls on 18-inch wire wheels fitted with Pirelli P Zero tyres, while suspension has been upgraded and more sound deadening added to the body.

Inside, a completely new interior fitout consists of modified seats, centre console and door cards, all trimmed in Pimento Red leather, complemented by black carpets and a headlining in charcoal alcantara.

Reflecting McBrain’s musical identity, the dash and centre console are finished in a dark grey-stained Sycamore veneer like that on his snare drums, while the accelerator and brake pedals have been fashioned to resemble drum pedals.

Further musical influences include selected switchgear styled to mimic guitar amplifier control knobs.

The finishing touch on more than 3,500 hours’ work is Iron Maiden’s ‘Eddie’ graphic in place of the ‘Growler’ Jaguar emblem on the steering wheel boss. This picks up on a similar treatment added to McBrain’s 2013 Jaguar XKR-S. 

With the XJ6 celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year, expect more classic and custom examples of the classic Jaguar saloon to appear in the coming months.