Super sports car manufactured by Jaguar between 1992 and 1994, whose production did not exceed 275 units, the Jaguar XJ220 was one of the most misunderstood models, but also the most striking, of the British brand. The fact that it boasted the world's fastest serial vehicle title for much of that same period may have something to do with it.
Equipped with a 3.5 liter twin-turbo petrol V6, delivering 550 hp of power, supported by a mere five-speed manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive, the XJ220 managed to reach a top speed of 341.7 km/h. A record that allowed him to keep a title he would only lose in 1994, to today's much more famous (and expensive!) McLaren F1.
Even so, and among the feats achieved, in 1991 is the record for the fastest lap at the German circuit of the Nürburgring, with a time of 7min 46.36s. The time is debatable, since it was a prototype and not a series car, but that time would remain as a brand to be killed for 10 years, that is, until 2001.
Drag race with Jeremy Clarkson at the wheel
More than 25 years after the launch of the model, Jeremy Clarkson and his peers wanted to give the XJ220 the deserved recognition, putting it back to the test, in their new program “The Grand Tour”. But this time, against one of its rivals at the time, the Bugatti EB110, another surprising machine — 3.5 V12, four turbos, 560 hp, six-speed manual gearbox and all-wheel drive.Submitted to drag race “imported from the 90s”, the video is showing that, despite its age, the Jaguar XJ220 is still there for the… straights!
A proper 90s drag race. The Jaguar XJ220 vs Bugatti EB 110 Super Sport. #TheGrandTour pic.twitter.com/ZmLzSwOpQC
— The Grand Tour (@thegrandtour) February 5, 2018
There is a Jaguar XJ220 for sale
With only 275 units produced, it is not every day that these “big cats” appear for sale. But there is one, almost immaculate, looking for a new owner. Only if: it's in Miami, USA… and it's priced at almost half a million euros.
Date of manufacture in 1992 — that is, it is one of the first units delivered — this XJ220 has no more than 1,931 kilometers covered, which resulted in little more than a few small scratches and a dent in one of the panels. Other than that, the American Road & Track advances, it's a treat, even in the chapter of mechanics.
To confirm the car's good condition, the seller is available to take the car to an American workshop specialized in this model, so that it can be inspected and the timing belt revised, as well as the cleaning of the tanks. All this, before handing it over to the new owner.
Interested and financially available to acquire a true super sports classic? The XJ220 is being sold by Hemmings for the modest amount of 424 638 euros (negotiable, attention!). You can always come to imitate Jeremy Clarkson…
