Jaguar’s iconic C-X75 supercar concept, initially imagined as a technical marvel blending hybrid-electric and turbocharged power, is finally hitting the streets—albeit in a limited, reimagined form. Thanks to legendary designer Ian Callum and his team at Callum Designs, the C-X75 has made its street-legal debut with a roaring supercharged V-8 under the hood. This isn’t the first time Callum Designs has converted one of these Bond-film-featured prototypes for the road, but it certainly showcases new refinements, bringing fans one step closer to seeing what the C-X75 might have become if Jaguar had committed to production.
Jaguar first introduced the C-X75 concept at the 2010 Paris Motor Show as a symbol of futuristic performance engineering. With plans for a limited production run, the car was originally envisioned with a hybrid-electric, turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine paired with twin electric motors. But Jaguar halted its plans as the global recession put many ambitious projects on pause.
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However, the C-X75 would eventually reappear in cinematic style, stealing scenes alongside James Bond in the 2015 film Spectre. For this blockbuster role, Williams Advanced Engineering crafted seven C-X75 stunt cars with a robust 5.0-liter supercharged V-8 in place of the complex hybrid powertrain. After the film wrapped, four of these cars were sold to private collectors, where they became collector’s gems. Now, Callum Designs has given one more of these ultra-rare stunners a second life on the streets.
This second conversion from Callum Designs focuses on chassis 001, and every detail reflects Callum’s mission to bring the C-X75 closer to what a production model might have looked like a decade ago. Dressed in striking Willow Green paint, the car’s handcrafted body took over 1,000 hours to perfect. Beyond aesthetics, the bodywork includes new active aerodynamic features that deploy above 37 mph, enhancing stability and agility at speed.
Another practical addition is the hydraulic front-axle lift system, a nod to real-world usability. With the press of a button, the front can raise to navigate speed bumps and potholes, protecting the sculpted underbody from unexpected scrapes. Callum Designs also introduced an air brake system, adding high-performance stopping power to match the C-X75’s acceleration.
Unlike the original concept’s complex hybrid system, the Spectre-era C-X75s use Jaguar’s proven supercharged 5.0-liter V-8, which channels its power to the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. This formidable mid-mounted engine setup creates a raw, visceral driving experience that feels at home on the street or track, giving it a significantly different character from its original, eco-focused design.
The new software added by Callum’s team also enhances the car’s road dynamics, making it smoother and more responsive for everyday driving. It’s a supercar with brutal power but more road-friendly manners.
Inside, Callum Designs has refined the C-X75’s cabin for a more sophisticated experience. The centerpiece is the dash, where three round screens evoke the luxury of a Bugatti Tourbillon. The steering wheel is custom-machined from a solid billet of aluminum, underscoring the hand-built quality woven into every detail.
Modern conveniences like Apple CarPlay, wireless smartphone charging, and a digital rearview mirror align the interior with today’s tech-forward standards. For a finishing touch, the start button and other key controls are placed in a roof-mounted console, blending aircraft-style functionality with a supercar’s flair.
While the C-X75 project serves as a thrilling “what could have been,” Jaguar’s future will look very different. The brand is set to complete its transformation into an all-electric, ultra-luxury automaker by 2025, under the ownership of Tata Motors. This vision leaves little room for a C-X75-style ICE supercar, even one with as much allure as Callum’s conversion. Rawdon Glover, managing director of Jaguar, has voiced that this transition has been “hugely frustrating” for those who dreamed of Jaguar’s continued legacy with high-performance combustion engines.
Callum Designs has a reputation for elevating British classics to new heights. In addition to the C-X75, the team revived the Aston Martin Vanquish with a 25-car special edition featuring over 350 bespoke enhancements, showing Callum’s commitment to preserving and enhancing automotive history.
The road-legal Jaguar C-X75 may only be a tantalizing glimpse of what might have been, but it serves as a testament to Jaguar’s legacy of breathtaking design and performance. Callum Designs’ dedication to recreating this supercar for the streets cements the C-X75’s place in automotive history as more than just a movie prop or a concept—it’s a driving icon brought to life.
And while Jaguar’s future will be electric, for now, enthusiasts can savor the C-X75’s raw, supercharged spirit, even if only for a fleeting moment.
