Iron Maiden’s Nicko McBrain unveils custom-built 'Greatest Hits' Jaguar

The Iron Maiden drummer is a keen Jaguar aficionado having bought his Jag in 1987 and previously commissioned an XKR-S in 2013 with a series of bespoke touches.

Kicking-off Jaguar’s XJ 50th anniversary celebrations in 2018, Nicko’s new bespoke commission is a joining of forces between Nicko himself, the engineers and craftsmen at Jaguar Land Rover Classic Works in Coventry, and Jaguar Design studio director Wayne Burgess.

With a smorgasbord of custom touches inspired by all five decades of Jaguar XJ production, the project took more than 3,500 man hours to complete and involved more than 4000 parts that were either refinished, replaced or redesigned.

Unique from any other 1984 XJ6, Nicko’s dream car has extensive adaptations to the exterior, interior, drivetrain and suspension.

Among the features is a custom three-spoke sports steering wheel features Nicko’s Jaguar mascot, the ‘Eddie Growler’ – an amalgamation of the Jaguar cat and Iron Maiden’s Eddie The Head. The dashboard also boasts Dark Grey stained Sycamore veneers; Nicko’s preferred material for his snare drums.

Another nod to Nicko’s day job with Iron Maiden is the machined aluminium rotary controls on the dashboard, which were inspired by the control knobs of the guitar amplifiers created by Nicko’s good pal Jim Marshall.

“This is my ultimate XJ – my third, and lovingly named ‘Johnny 3’. It has been a true labour of love between Jaguar Classic and myself,” enthuses Nicko.

“I’m so excited by its completion and especially to be showing it at Geneva – it really is a Greatest Hits edition and to me it defines what the Jaguar XJ is all about. It’s a credit to the craftsmanship of the Jaguar Classic team. We couldn’t have timed it better, this being the 50th anniversary of XJ – my favourite of all Jaguars.”

Jaguar Land Rover Classic Director, Tim Hannig, adds: “Creating this ‘Greatest Hits’ XJ, and the whole process of bringing someone’s automotive dream to life, has been extraordinarily rewarding for the Jaguar Classic team. It’s been a pleasure to work with Nicko and we’re looking forward to hearing the reaction to this project.”

For the car enthusiasts, the key features include:

• Unique front and rear bumpers – seamlessly blended in to the modified fenders with bespoke chrome brightwork and flush-fit US side markers
• Flared and re-profiled front and rear wheel arches accommodating bespoke 18-inch wire wheels fitted with 235/45 R18 Pirelli P Zero tyres
• Unique sills and modified rear door pressings
• Uprated front and rear suspension with adjustable rear dampers
• Unique Mauve paint finish
• Conversion to elegant Series 2 XJ door handles and bullet wing mirrors
• Conversion to LED headlights with ‘Halo’ daytime running light signature
• Conversion to recessed twin fuel fillers
• Modern door sealing for reduced wind noise, and additional sound deadening
• Integrated touch screen operating satnav, phone, rear view camera and in-car entertainment
• Re-trimmed interior with modified seat foams improving refinement
• Bespoke audio system with USB connectivity, featuring guitar amplifier-inspired control knobs machined from aluminium
• In-dash starter button
• Uprated air-conditioning
• Remote central locking