Louvres for Jaguar Mark 2 Aluminium bonnet

One of the projects we are currently working on at P&K Thornton Restorations is the creation of louvres, which will go on a Mark 2 aluminium bonnet. We’re currently making a variety of upgrades to our client's race MK2, one of the improvements is the installation of louvres. The Jaguar Mark 2 was released in 1959 and was in production until 1967. This Jaguar follows the release of the Mark 1. Keeping with the classic saloon style it became popular to drive at rally events at the time of its release. The Mark 2 became an icon in the automobile industry in the 1960s for its stylish design. Over 83,900 Jaguar Mark 2’s were produced.

Louvres provide a lot of benefits, for example, they help dissipate heat by allowing hot air to escape from the engine bay. This is crucial for our clients Mark 2, as high-performance driving generates excessive heat that can reduce efficiency and power output. Louvres also make the Jaguar more aerodynamic because they create a low-pressure zone above the bonnet, drawing hot air out and improving airflow efficiency. Additionally, they improve the Mark 2’s performance in wet conditions as it allows for some air to escape the bonnet, reducing the amount of water in the engine bay during wet races.

To begin this process, our panel beater marked out the size of the template needed for the bonnet. After that he made a frame that he bolted to the panel to act as a back stop, to act as a fixed reference point to prevent the panel from shifting whilst cutting the louvres and a start guide to help position the first louver correctly, ensuring a smooth, gradual increase in size as the process moves along the panel. Using our pull max machine, we cut and punched the louvres out the panel. We placed the panel at an angle and moved it along, making the louvres wider as you go towards the other end of the panel.

In addition to the bespoke louvres, our world-class panel beater also fabricated new door frames and door skins for the Jaguar Mark 2. These components are crucial not only for the Jaguar’s structural integrity but also for achieving a precise fit and finish. As with all our restoration work, great care was taken to ensure the new panels match the original design, preserving the character of the vehicle while ensuring longevity. It’s a testament to the skill and attention to detail that goes into every stage of the build at P&K Thornton Restorations.

The next step for our panel beater is to create the bonnet skin for the Jaguar Mark 2 and weld the louvres to make them look like one panel. These louvres can also be made for a Mark 1 and the Jaguar XK120, XK140 and XK150. If you are interested in having louvres custom made for your bonnet, please get in contact.