Arden A-Type AJ 18 Limited Edition Revived

Arden A-Type AJ 18 Limited Edition

By Zack Newmark
June 30, 2009 8:06 PM
Filed Under: European, Jaguar, Special Editions, Tuners

When German tuners Arden revealed the limited edition Arden A-Type AJ at the 1999 Frankfurt Motor Show, the response was overwhelmingly positive. Still, the company decided to produce only 13 units of the 460 hp car.

Ten years after its introduction, the company has decided to produce an additional five units of the vehicle, complementing the original 13 previously built. Based on the Jaguar XK models produced between 1997 and 2005, the Arden model was built with carbon composites custom manufactured at the company's headquarters in Krefeld. Using wind tunnel test data, the company added new fenders, with built-in gills, to widen the car by 5cm, and modified the bumpers, side mirrors, side skirts, and steel mesh. Custom 20-inch alloys were also added.

Performance modifications include six-piston caliper brakes, 370mm discs, and a lowered suspension co-designed by Bilstein. Modifications fit both the XK coupe and convertible.

Pricing for the Arden A-Type AJ reissue was not mentioned, but whatever the cost resale value should remain high. This is due to the limited numbers, and supposedly large amount of collector interest in the series.

Source: Arden

Press Release (Click to expand)

The legendary A-Type goes into the final round.

10 years after the first A-type transformations, Arden reissues a last limited edition of the complete reconstruction. The Arden A-Type, based on the 1997-2005 XK models, celebrated its world premiere at the IAA 1999 in Frankfurt, already attracted much attention at that time. Only five more vehicles will be built to limit the series to 18 pieces.

The vehicle developed in the wind tunnel with improved air resistance, which is made of special carbon composite material is manufactured directly in our factory in Krefeld. In addition to the revised front and rear fenders which widen the car up to 5cm, the A-type conversion owns a 3-air gill vent in the front fenders. The tank, with a nozzle aluminum shutter re-positioned and gives the XK racing look. The front and rear bumper, side skirts, mirrors and handmade stainless steel mesh adapted to the wide body next to multi 20inch Arden Sportline alloy rims finish the conversion and turn your XK into the Arden A-Type.

The optical package of the A-Type´s is rounded off by further components. The Arden high-performance braking system for example trumps with 370mm discs and 6-piston fixed caliper. A suspension developed in cooperation with Bilstein not only lowers the vehicle by 30mm, but also enables an extremely sporty driving comfort without major losses.

Even now, the alterations have reached cult status in collector circles and are hard to find. The A-type modifications work on the XK Coupe as well as on the XK Convertible.

In order to fulfill your dreams, you can call our team for an individual consultation or a quote. Please, visit us in Krefeld and experience the Arden A-Type feeling!

Arden - Automobile passion since 1972