Every now and then an order comes along that really captures what bespoke wheels are all about.
Recently, Alex from Avon Classic Cars approached us needing three sets of wheels for three very special builds, all currently progressing through their workshop.
Each project has its own story, its own direction, and of course its own set of Image Wheels.
Reliant Scimitar SE6a – A Serious Transformation
First up is a Reliant Scimitar SE6a (DCD 2T), currently undergoing an extensive restoration and performance upgrade.
The car is having a full paint strip and body restoration, with all reinforcing metal removed and replaced, alongside a few subtle body modifications. The body has been lifted from the chassis, allowing the chassis itself to be stripped, blasted, galvanised and then painted to match the wheel centres. Suspension components are being cleaned, zinc plated and painted before being reassembled with new bushes, uprated Wilwood brakes and lowered coilover suspension.
Under the bonnet things get even more interesting. The car will be powered by a Ford 302ci V8, stroked to 347ci, fitted with alloy heads, an Edelbrock inlet manifold and carburettor, uprated camshaft and roller rockers. Even the engine will be painted to match the wheel centres for a cohesive look. This will all be paired with a Tremec TKX 5-speed gearbox and LSD rear end.
For this build, Alex chose our RM2 Minilite-style wheels, sized:
- 7.0 x 17″ ET0 (front)
- 8.5 x 17″ ET12 (rear)
Finished with gloss graphite centres and beautifully polished outer rims, they suit the character of the Scimitar perfectly. There’s still a long way to go with the build, but we’ve already had the chance to see them trial fitted to the body — and they look fantastic.
Jaguar XJS V12 – From Repair to Full Restoration
Next up is a Jaguar XJS V12, which originally came into Avon Classic Cars for some corrosion repairs and a same-colour respray.
However, once work began it became clear there was more corrosion than expected. After discussions with the owner, it was decided that anything less than doing the job properly would be a waste of time and money. The decision was made to take the car much further, turning it into a major restoration with subtle customisation.
The shell will now be acid dipped, before being sent for EDP coating, ensuring the body is properly protected before the rebuild begins. The project will also include a full engine rebuild, manual gearbox conversion, and complete leather retrim.
For this elegant build, Alex selected our Billet 250 wheels in a staggered setup:
- 8.0 x 17″ +ET25 (front)
- 9.0 x 17″ +ET35 (rear)
The centres are finished in our deep dark bronze, paired with polished outer rims — a combination that gives the car a refined yet purposeful stance. We’ve also seen these wheels trial fitted, and they complement the XJS beautifully.
Reliant Scimitar Coupe – Planning Ahead
The third set of wheels is destined for another Reliant Scimitar Coupe project.
This car has already had its paint stripped back to gel coat, and Avon Classic Cars are currently working through the early stages of evaluating what level of restoration will be required.
Alex was proactive and decided to order the wheels ahead of the build, ensuring they’re ready when the project gets properly underway. While there are no trial fitting photos just yet, we’re looking forward to seeing how the car develops.
For this project, Alex chose our ALP wheel, in the following sizes:
- 6.5 x 16″ (front)
- 7.5 x 16″ (rear)
The wheels feature simple silver centres with polished outer rims, a timeless combination that will suit the Scimitar perfectly once the restoration is complete.
Three Builds, Three Sets of Image Wheels
As they say, the best things come in threes… or something like that!
We’re incredibly excited to see how all three of these builds progress, and we’ll be keeping a close eye on them as they move closer to completion.
If you’d like to follow these projects in more detail, you can check out the work from Avon Classic Cars over on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/AvonClassicCars
We’ll be sure to share more updates as these fantastic builds develop.
