1992 JAGUAR

The genesis of the XJ220 programme went back as far as 1988, with the unveiling of a V12-powered four-wheel drive concept car at the British Motor Show. The reaction to this initially decidedly “after hours” project was hugely positive, although Jaguar subsequently decided that it was unfeasible to develop and construct a production version in house, preferring instead to enter into a joint venture with TWR. Indeed, a new company - JaguarSport Ltd. would be established to produce the car at a dedicated factory in Bloxham, Oxfordshire.

For the production car, JaguarSport abandoned the idea of using a normally aspirated V12 in favour of a more compact and emissions-compliant twin-turbo V6 unit, a racing version of which had been previously used in TWR’s XJR-10 and XJR-11 Group C chassis. The concept car’s ingenious bonded honeycomb aluminium chassis was retained however, as was its conventional wishbone and coil spring suspension, although its four-wheel-drive system was also dropped on the grounds of cost and complexity.

Entering production in 1992, the XJ220 was named for its projected top speed, 220 mph, which was very nearly achieved in a time trial on the high-bank test track in Nardo, Italy. The model proved quicker to 60 mph than both the F40 and Lamborghini Diablo (at 3.7 seconds) and even set a new lap record for a production car at the Nürburgring. Between 1992 and 1994, just under 300 XJ220s were constructed.

This particular example is one of just 69 XJ220s built in RHD and is finished in the launch specification of Spa Silver over Grey leather. It was delivered new via JaguarSport, Banbury to a Mr. Lomas of Rochdale on the 17th July 1992 and has remained in the U.K. for its entire life. The car had one more owner during the 1990s before being sold through Talacrest Ltd to its third and current custodian in February, 1999 who has owned it for the past 25 years.

Soon after purchasing the car the current owner returned it to TWR for a complete rebuild and extensive modifications to the engine, brakes and suspension. Inventory parts left over from Jaguar's Le Mans project were used to modify this car comprehensively into a certified TWR one-off. Amongst other modifications this car now boasts larger turbos, a full TWR race engine, race 100 cell catalysers, 6 pot AP callipers and fully rose-jointed race suspension - essentially a street legal Le Mans car.

Over recent years it has been displayed at a number of shows and Concours events around the country and always delivers as a crowd favourite. It has been maintained regularly by a number of specialists including a major service in 2011 at a cost of £20,000. It was most recently serviced in March, 2024 where HR Owen carried out an oil and filter change and an MOT. Please note fuel tanks are due for renewal and the car will be sold “as seen”.

It sits today showing just under 11,250 miles and is accompanied by its original handbooks, two keys and an extensive history file containing a vast array of servicing invoices, photographs of work being done to the car as well as MOT certificates dating back to 1995. It is a real collector’s car, suitable for showcasing or racing at any classic or supercar events, and would be a complement to any museum or Jaguar collection. Contact us now for more information or to arrange a viewing.