To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' Monterey
event, 15 - 17 August 2019.
Estimate:
$400,000 - $450,000
- One of approximately 280 built between 1992-1994
- Desirable early left-hand-drive example
- Delivered new in Europe
- Currently showing just over 9,000 km since new
- Exceptional original condition throughout
- Fully serviced by Don Law in January 2017
When Jaguar revealed the prototype XJ220 at the British
International Motor Show in 1988, it was a sensation. A worthy
successor to the multiple Le Mans-winning C-Type and D-Type Jaguars
of the 1950s, the XJ220 grabbed the headlines, just as its
illustrious forebears had done in previous decades. A planned
limited-production run of a minimum of 220 and a maximum of 350
cars, combined with an eventual VAT-inclusive price tag of nearly
�403,000 (over half a million in U.S. dollars), only served to
further ensure the XJ220's exclusivity. There was immense interest
and almost 1,500 orders were received, each with a �50,000 deposit.
Jaguar then had the task of allocating cars to those privileged few
customers that it considered worthy of ownership. The production
XJ220 was officially launched at the 1991 Tokyo Motor Show, and
when production ended in 1994, approximately 275 examples had been
built.
Jaguar started planning for the proposed 200 mph supercar in the
mid-1980s. It is said that the design was developed mainly in the
project team's spare time and was a labor of love. The XJ220
survived Jaguar's takeover by Ford the following year, but when it
eventually entered production in 1992, it was a very different
machine. Gone was the prototype's 6.2-liter V-12 engine, replaced
by a Cosworth-designed, 3.5-liter, twin-turbo V-6 as used in the
XJR-11 sports racer. Producing no less than 542 bhp, this
incredible engine enabled the XJ220 to meet its 200-mph-plus design
target, resulting in F1 driver Martin Brundle recording a speed of
over 217 mph during track testing. With a blistering 0-100 mph time
of 7.9 seconds, the new Jaguar supercar was quicker than a Ferrari
F40 or a Lamborghini Diablo. The XJ220 was the world's fastest
production car until the arrival of the McLaren F1.
From the experience learned from Jaguar's double-Le Mans-winning
Group C sports racers, the XJ220 was constructed around a bonded
and riveted monocoque chassis formed from lightweight
corrosion-resistant aluminum-alloy sheet re-enforced by aluminum
honeycomb sections in highly stressed areas. Similarly race-derived
was the double-wishbone suspension, adapted to provide acceptable
comfort under road conditions, while other competition-influenced
features were the AP Racing brakes, Speedline aluminum alloy wheels
(17 in. diameter at the front, 18 in. at the rear) and FF
Developments, five-speed, all-synchromesh transaxle with viscous
control, and limited-slip differential.
This Jaguar XJ220 was produced 8 February 1993 and sold new to TRW
chief Tom Walkinshaw in April of that same year for his personal
collection. It was then transferred to a collector and for this
reason was not registered until 1998. In 1998 it underwent a major
overhaul that included a fuel tank replacement as recommended by
the manufacturer. Another major overhaul was conducted in August
2010, and in 2011 other works were carried out, including
replacement of the brakes and tires. The service file, including
invoices, is included on file with the car. The previous owner
participated in the 2011 Rallye de Paris. In 2011 it was sold and
imported to Switzerland, where it was used very sparingly. Within
the last year, the car was sent to renowned XJ220 specialist Don
Law, who fully inspected and serviced the rare Jaguar, for
approximately US$50,000, to ensure that it had been properly sorted
and ready to drive. Finished in stunning Silverstone Green with
Sand leather and equipped with an Alpine car radio with 16/9 GPS,
this Jaguar XJ220 is in exceptional condition.
A landmark model in Jaguar's illustrious history, the XJ220 is
still the company's fastest-ever production car. As such, it
remains highly collectable, being sought after by Jaguar
aficionados and supercar collectors alike. Boasting gorgeous looks
and tremendous performance, this beautiful XJ220 represents a
wonderful opportunity to acquire one of the most significant
supercars of its era.
Please note that due to California emissions, this vehicle must be
sold to a dealer or out-of-state resident.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mo19.