Lyonheart project postponed

WHEN I reported for the second time on Lyonheart’s ode to the Jaguar E-type just over two years ago I was, frankly, a bit sceptical.

I described the concept “as a photorealistic screensaver inspired by the Jaguar E-Type” and said it was “designed for the sole purpose of milking every possible cent from the cloud of pink nostalgia in which the the 50-year-old Jaguar E-Type languishes”; and concluded with a list of terms for the buyer to be aware of before ordering one of these achingly beautiful, bespoke cars.

One of the terms was that a R50 000 non-refundable fee will start the “about” six-month assembly process, with no more than three or four cars made simultaneously.

No I aint going to say "toooold you!" -- just yet -- but Lyonheart Cars Ltd, which has in the two years since
taken fees for 250 of these cars, last week communicated that building of these cars will be delayed for up to another year.

CEO Robert Palm said production of 250 of the much-awaited Lyonheart K will be delayed by another six months to one year to incorporate only the latest technology.

“The production of 250 cars, including coupé and convertible versions, was initially planned between December 2013 and the summer of 2015.

“Plans included possible larger-scale sourcing of Jaguar base vehicles. Due to emerging new technological platforms in the course of the engineering process, the management of Lyonheart Cars Ltd has decided to abandon the initial base vehicle and start over the engineering using the latest platform available,” said Palm in a statement.

“We believe it is far more important for our customers to be taking advantage of the most recent developments in automotive technology, especially in this price range, than being able to receive their car earlier. The Lyonheart K has a timeless design, which will remain identical in spite of the structural changes on the car.”

He added customers will be informed of the engineering process in due course. The Lyonheart K achieved worldwide acclaim when it was first unveiled in 2012. Created and designed by Palm, the Lyonheart K will be engineered and built by the Envisage Group in Coventry.