1957 Cozzi Jaguar

Dan Cozzi of San Francisco, CA, purchased a wrecked Jaguar XK-120M in the mid-1950s with the intent of rebuilding it as a race car. With the help of Bill Nielsen, the duo used a ladder frame constructed from tubes and formed a wheelbase of 96 inches.

Jack Hagemann was hired to build and form the aluminum body. The result was a wedged front end that flowed gracefully to the vehicle's rear. It was both lightweight and strong. There was a small windscreen that sat in front of the driver and protected them from the elements. The body was attached to the frame via steel flanges which made adding and removing the body very easy.

To enter the vehicle, the driver has to climb over the side since there is no door.

Braking was courtesy of Jaguar's drums. The transmission, suspension, engine, and many other components were also courtesy of the Jaguar XK-120M.

The car has been used in sporting competitions.

by Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2007