Following several rejections, where its designs stayed close to Jaguar’s design DNA of the time, Bertone changed its approach. By 1977, Gandini was in his full wedge-era prime, having designed the Alfa Romeo Carabo, Lancia Stratos Zero, and Lamborghini Countach, and applied his signature style to a four-seater Jaguar coupé, the Ascot.
The Ascot was based on the XJS’ platform, albeit shortened in the wheelbase by around 200mm. The right-hand drive concept also used the Jaguar’s 5.3-liter V12 and automatic transmission, and was unveiled at the Turin Motor Show in 1977.
Sources: carthrottle.com (photos), (context from) CarolinaJaguarClub.com