Lynx [1] (United Kingdom)

Lynx was a British automobile marque founded in 1968 by Guy Black and Roger Ludgate. From its earliest years the company focused on restoring, maintaining, and preparing racing Jaguars, especially Jaguar C-Type and D-Type models. In 1972 Lynx began producing its first D-Type replica using Jaguar E-Type chassis and running gear; this car was completed and shown in about 1975 under the Lynx name.

Over the decades Lynx expanded beyond replicas of the D-Type to offer recreations of other historic Jaguars, including the XKSS, Jaguar C-Type, and the E-Type Lightweight. These reproductions were built as road-legal cars, often on commission, in small numbers, with a strong emphasis on craftsmanship. The replica bodies were hand-formed from aluminium panels using traditional techniques, and many of the mechanical parts (engines, gearboxes, suspension) came from Jaguar, often updated or modified for road use. Some models adopted Jaguar E-Type suspension instead of originals’ designs to improve handling and comfort.

Lynx also produced its own modified and restyled versions of more recent Jaguars. For example, the Lynx Eventer was a “shooting brake” style conversion of the Jaguar XJ-S, turning it into an estate/fast-back with large rear cargo space, modifications to the roofline, and bespoke rear bodywork. Other works included turbocharged conversions of Jaguar models (XJ-S, S-Type), convertible conversions, restorations of classic cars (Aston Martin, Ferrari, etc.), and custom individual vehicles.

The ownership of Lynx changed multiple times. In 1992 John Mayston-Taylor took over the firm, reorganised it and in the mid-1990s added more models like recreations of E-Type Lightweight and the C-Type. Production of new Lynx cars under that leadership ended around 2009 under Mayston-Taylor. Then Nigel John Forsyth acquired the rights and continued operations, later forming Lynx Motors (International) Limited. Since 2014, under new management including partners from Czech Republic and Germany, the company again resumed manufacturing the classic replica models. In summer 2023 the headquarters moved to Browns Lane in Coventry, under ownership by Lynx Automobile Manufacturing Limited and Birgit Berger.