In the realm of vintage supercars, legends like the Ferrari F40 and Porsche 959 often steal the spotlight. But lurking in their shadows is a masterpiece of British engineering and ambition: the Jaguar XJ220. Today, a stunning example has emerged on Bring a Trailer, offering a rare chance to own a piece of automotive history that is as thrilling as it is undervalued.
Jaguar XJ220: From Le Mans Legend to Road-Legal Royalty
Jaguar’s racing pedigree is undeniable. In the 1950s, its D-Type dominated the Circuit de la Sarthe. Again, in 1988, Jaguar won Le Mans with the V-12 powered XJR-9. It was in that same triumphant year that the concept for the XJ220 was unveiled, a car designed to translate that track-winning DNA into the ultimate road-going supercar. Its very name, XJ220, was a declaration of intent: 220 mph. This wasn’t just a car; it was a statement aimed squarely at the fastest production cars in the world from Maranello and Stuttgart, promising to bring the crown back to Britain.
Jaguar XJ220: A Story of Two Engines: The Great V-12 Controversy
Here is where the XJ220’s story takes a dramatic and, for some, controversial turn. The breathtaking prototype that captivated the world featured a glorious, high-revving 6.2-liter V-12. However, the realities of production—including emissions regulations, weight savings, and the pursuit of that 220-mph goal—forced a difficult decision. The production model arrived not with a twelve-cylinder symphony, but with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6. Purists were outraged, viewing it as a betrayal of the concept’s promise. Yet, this was no ordinary engine. It was a derivative of a proven, race-winning power unit from Jaguar’s partnership with Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR), developed for the savage Group C racing category. While different, its purpose was pure: unadulterated performance.
Jaguar XJ220: Brutal Performance That Embarrassed Ferrari & Porsche
Any doubts about the V-6’s capability were swiftly obliterated on the road. The twin-turbocharged engine produced a staggering 542 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque. In the early 1990s, these figures were astronomical. The contemporary 911 Turbo made do with nearly 200 fewer horsepower. This power, sent to the rear wheels through a precise five-speed manual transmission, propelled the XJ220 to a verified top speed of 212.3 mph, making it the fastest production car in the world at its release, fulfilling its audacious namesake promise and leaving many contemporaries in its slipstream.
The TWR “Supervan” & Its Bonkers Development Saga
The choice of the V-6 engine led to one of the most legendary chapters in motorsport folklore. Needing a discreet test bed to develop the road-going version of their race engine, the engineers at TWR devised a brilliantly insane solution. They sourced a humble Ford Transit van, formerly a support vehicle for the Benetton Formula 1 team, and installed the full XJ220 powertrain in it. This creation, known as the “TWR Supervan,” became a cult hero, famously terrifying passengers and thrilling crowds for years as it blasted up the hill at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, often with a ladder still strapped to its roof as a cheeky nod to its origins.
Jaguar XJ220: This Specific Gem: A Time Capsule from Tokyo
The vehicle currently auctioned on Bring a Trailer is not just any XJ220; it is a specific piece of history. This 1993 model is finished in breathtaking Le Mans Blue, a color that directly honors Jaguar’s legendary victories in France. Its provenance is exceptional. It spent 12 years as a centerpiece display in a Tokyo skyscraper, preserving its condition, before being shipped to Los Angeles where it was featured on Jay Leno’s Garage. With Jaguar Heritage certification and a mere 5,000 certified miles on its odometer, it is arguably one of the best-preserved examples in existence. Its flawless bodywork, impeccable AP Racing braking system, and period-correct Bridgestone Potenza tires showcase a car that has been cherished, not driven into the ground.
Why the Jaguar XJ220 is a Jaw-Dropping Investment Opportunity
While the Ferrari F40 commands eight-figure sums, the Jaguar XJ220 remains a relative bargain in the vintage supercar world. This represents a significant investment opportunity. It is a car that has historically been undervalued but is now gaining recognition as a defining icon of its era. It offers a driving experience that is notably more comfortable and usable than the spartan F40, yet possesses a raw, analog thrill that modern supercars simply cannot replicate. Owning this car is owning the story, the controversy, and the engineering triumph. It is a chance to own a record-breaker.
Jaguar XJ220: Conclusion
The Jaguar XJ220 is a story of ambition, adaptation, and astounding achievement. It is a supercar that dared to be different and proved its doubters wrong with sheer, undeniable performance. This particular Le Mans Blue example, with its incredible history and pristine condition, is more than a car; it is a moving museum piece. For the astute collector, this auction represents a rare chance to acquire a legend before the rest of the world remembers what it’s been missing. Bidding ends on September 5th.
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