1993 Jaguar XJ220

Sold for $418,000 at 2017 RM Sothebys : Monterey.
Sold for $566,000 at 2022 RM Sothebys : Monterey.
The XJ220 proved that Jaguar could still design, engineer, and produce attractive supercars. The XJ220 was a powerful and aerodynamic two-seater capable of achieving 200 mph. The all-wheel-drive coupe offered a superior level of luxury and comfort when compared to other supercars of the era.

The XJ220 made its debut at the Birmingham Auto Show in 1988 and its production plans were sorely tested when the worldwide economic recession forced many automakers to cancel or shelve these 'image building' projects. Another disruption occurred in 1990 when Jaguar was acquired by the Ford Motor Company. Jaguar had intended the XJ220 to be powered by a naturally aspirated V-12 developed by Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR), however, the production cars had a twin-turbocharged V-6, the same setup which powered the XJR-10 and XJR-11 racing cars. The production XJ220 models had a wheelbase that was eight inches shorter than the prototype.

The twin-turbocharged V-6 engine offered 542 horsepower and gave the XJ220 speeds in excess of 200 mph, as projected. Zero-to-sixty was faster than both the Lamborghini Diablo and the Ferrari F40. It even held the honor of being the world's fastest production car until the introduction of the McLaren F1.

The car has remained in the care of its original owner and had 3,390 kilometers on its odometer when it was offered for sale in 2017. After being sold into new custodianship, the car was sent to Don Law Racing in Newcastle, United Kingdom for a full service. The fuel tank was upgraded to a racing cell with an internal foam pack, full gasket pack, and over-braided stainless steel fuel hoses. The air conditioning, cooling, and brake systems were upgraded, and a stainless-steel exhaust was added with a large-bore exhaust system and fitment of straight-through catalytic bypass pipes. The engine and transmission were removed to replace the clutch, belts, and fluids.

To accommodate the six-foot-tall driver, a leg-room modification was fitted to the car. In 2021, the driver's seat bolster was reupholstered, the engine was removed again for a 24-month service, and clear protective film was professionally applied to the entire car's exterior.

This car is finished in its factory correct color scheme of Monza Red over Sand leather. This XJ220 currently has 5,021 km on its odometer.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2017