July 3, 2026 | Spotlight #31
Every week I put a random model from my collection in the spotlight, this week
The 1976 Jaguar XJ12 Coupé that can be found in #041 British Brands
1976 European Touring Car Championship Silverstone, Jaguar XJ12 Coupé
In 1976 the once very popular group 2 category had changed, factory teams from Ford, BMW and Alfa Romeo had left the European championship. Cars were slower than before; the technical regulations were changed to give room for the “everything is allowed class” group 5. Privateer teams contested the European championship, such as Belgian Luigi BMW that was dominating the over 3 liter class. Near the end of the season, at Silverstone, this Broadspeed prepared Jaguar appeared. It took pole position and the fastest lap but retired because a wheel came off … The plan was to contest the full 1977 season with 2 cars.
Broadspeed #1: Derek Bell (GB) / David Hobbs (GB)
Results: Start-grid 1st / time 1:36.720 / race DNF – 39 laps
Jaguar XJ12 Coupé – Group 2 ETCC: Powered by 5.3 liter Jaguar V12, approx. 540 hp. Dunlop tires. Weight 1325 kg. Steel monocoque, chassisnr. BELJC-001
- SPARK S0779 (resin)
- Overall rating: 5 STARS | Quality details: 4 STARS | Estimated value: 4 STARS
Last week’s spotlight model was the 2013 Alpine A450 that can be found in #044 Alpine & Renault
2013 Le Mans 24h, Alpine A450-Nissan
Using historic names for modern cars is a hot topic in LMP2 category in 2013. A Zytek looks like a Caterham, the Morgan LMP2 is a rebadged Oak-Pescarolo and this Alpine is no more than an Oreca 03 with V8 Nissan engine. Signatech uses the name and logos of historic brand Alpine on this car, of course with approval of Renault that wants to relaunch the Alpine brand. A bit of racing success would help, but the beautiful car finished only 8th in class and 14th overall.
Signatech Alpine #36: Nelson Panciatici (F) / Pierre Ragues (F) / Tristan Gommendy (F)
Results: Start-grid 15th / time 3:41.654 / race 14th – 317 laps / 8th LMP2
Alpine A450 – LMP2: Powered by 4.5 liter Nissan VK45DE V8 90º, approx. 460 hp. Michelin tires. Weight 900 kg. Carbon fibre monocoque, chassisnr. Alpine A450 #001 / Oreca 03 #06
- SPARK S3755 (resin)
- Overall rating: 4 STARS | Quality details: 4 STARS | Estimated value: 4 STARS
- Only appears in this collection
Thanks for visiting 😉