WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY: PETER SIMPSON
Unique is a much-abused word. It describes an entity that is singularly like no other… something just like the Daimler Corsica. Yes, it is based on a Jaguar X300 and there may well be others that have seen the enthusiastic wielding of an angle grinder to customise them from saloon to convertible, although the Corsica was taken one step further to become a two-door drophead coupé. Moreover, this example is also the only one that was undertaken by the factory; Jaguar's own in-house Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) to be precise; a bunch of dextrous engineers, designers and craftsmen capable of making dreams come true. The Daimler Corsica is one such vision and was revealed in 1996 to commemorate the centenary of Daimler car production.
The Corsica was always intended to be a one-off show car and initially planned to be in full working order, however, in reality it never got that far. The engine, gearbox and most electrical components were assigned but remained in storage and the car was subsequently exhibited at centenary events as a showpiece with no inner substance. Except for the elegant roof that is, which took sole command of the 12-volt battery to perform for the crowds.
Following its year of stardom on the stage the Corsica was donated to the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust (JDHT), who displayed the car
