Jaguar XJ220? What's it like?
Discussion
I know this probably isn't the right section to post this in but I looked in the Jaguar section and it seemed more focused on X-type diesels.
Just been looking through pictures of the XJ220 and it's funny, it's never a car that people seem to remember much or regard very highly, but I must admit I love it. I remember seeing one years ago and it was awesome.
I was just wondering what are they actually like, to drive? Are the comfortable or will a small crack in the road surface shatter your spine?
What are the running costs on them? Obviously a £50 service from Kwick Fit probably won't do, but are they one of those cars that a wheel nut ends up costing £200,000 and and engine rebuild is necessary every few hundred miles?
Any owners on here who can share what they're really like?
Thanks
Just been looking through pictures of the XJ220 and it's funny, it's never a car that people seem to remember much or regard very highly, but I must admit I love it. I remember seeing one years ago and it was awesome.
I was just wondering what are they actually like, to drive? Are the comfortable or will a small crack in the road surface shatter your spine?
What are the running costs on them? Obviously a £50 service from Kwick Fit probably won't do, but are they one of those cars that a wheel nut ends up costing £200,000 and and engine rebuild is necessary every few hundred miles?
Any owners on here who can share what they're really like?
Thanks
My understanding of the XJ220 from a distant friend who had one was not great.
Car collectors have them because of what the car represented rather than its actual ability.
The brakes were hurrendous to the point of being scary.
The turbo lag was monumental , typical old fashioned set up, no power at all then 4 turbochargers all at once.
No rear view at all so parking needs 2 people.
Oh and the car is about 5 meters long so even if you had 2 people and a big garage it prob wouldnt fit.
However it did represent one of the first 200mph + hypercars and this is what gave it its status.
Unfortunately its life was short lived partly because of its poor funding and problems as mentioned but mainly because the Mclaren F1 came along soon after and simply blew automotive engineering apart.
Car collectors have them because of what the car represented rather than its actual ability.
The brakes were hurrendous to the point of being scary.
The turbo lag was monumental , typical old fashioned set up, no power at all then 4 turbochargers all at once.
No rear view at all so parking needs 2 people.
Oh and the car is about 5 meters long so even if you had 2 people and a big garage it prob wouldnt fit.
However it did represent one of the first 200mph + hypercars and this is what gave it its status.
Unfortunately its life was short lived partly because of its poor funding and problems as mentioned but mainly because the Mclaren F1 came along soon after and simply blew automotive engineering apart.
Hey Lambo,
If you are thinking about an XJ220, I believe the people to talk to are the guys at Don Law Racing. From what I have read they seem to be experts on all things XJ220.
I remember reading in a recent Evo article about supercars that a Don Law fettled XJ200 was one of the best supercars that they had driven in comparison to what they remember driving when it was released.
http://www.donlawracing.com/220_Index.htm
Duffman
If you are thinking about an XJ220, I believe the people to talk to are the guys at Don Law Racing. From what I have read they seem to be experts on all things XJ220.
I remember reading in a recent Evo article about supercars that a Don Law fettled XJ200 was one of the best supercars that they had driven in comparison to what they remember driving when it was released.
http://www.donlawracing.com/220_Index.htm
Duffman
christmc said:
My understanding of the XJ220 from a distant friend who had one was not great.
Car collectors have them because of what the car represented rather than its actual ability.
The brakes were hurrendous to the point of being scary.
The turbo lag was monumental , typical old fashioned set up, no power at all then 4 turbochargers all at once.
No rear view at all so parking needs 2 people.
Oh and the car is about 5 meters long so even if you had 2 people and a big garage it prob wouldnt fit.
However it did represent one of the first 200mph + hypercars and this is what gave it its status.
Unfortunately its life was short lived
partly because of its poor funding and problems as mentioned but mainly because the Mclaren F1 came along soon after and simply blew automotive engineering apart.
Shame that third hand and inaccurate uninformed comments like this put people off buying such cars.Car collectors have them because of what the car represented rather than its actual ability.
The brakes were hurrendous to the point of being scary.
The turbo lag was monumental , typical old fashioned set up, no power at all then 4 turbochargers all at once.
No rear view at all so parking needs 2 people.
Oh and the car is about 5 meters long so even if you had 2 people and a big garage it prob wouldnt fit.
However it did represent one of the first 200mph + hypercars and this is what gave it its status.
Unfortunately its life was short lived
partly because of its poor funding and problems as mentioned but mainly because the Mclaren F1 came along soon after and simply blew automotive engineering apart.
The XJ220 was a twin (ie only 2) turbo
Drclarke said:
christmc said:
My understanding of the XJ220 from a distant friend who had one was not great.
Car collectors have them because of what the car represented rather than its actual ability.
The brakes were hurrendous to the point of being scary.
The turbo lag was monumental , typical old fashioned set up, no power at all then 4 turbochargers all at once.
No rear view at all so parking needs 2 people.
Oh and the car is about 5 meters long so even if you had 2 people and a big garage it prob wouldnt fit.
However it did represent one of the first 200mph + hypercars and this is what gave it its status.
Unfortunately its life was short lived
partly because of its poor funding and problems as mentioned but mainly because the Mclaren F1 came along soon after and simply blew automotive engineering apart.
Shame that third hand and inaccurate uninformed comments like this put people off buying such cars.Car collectors have them because of what the car represented rather than its actual ability.
The brakes were hurrendous to the point of being scary.
The turbo lag was monumental , typical old fashioned set up, no power at all then 4 turbochargers all at once.
No rear view at all so parking needs 2 people.
Oh and the car is about 5 meters long so even if you had 2 people and a big garage it prob wouldnt fit.
However it did represent one of the first 200mph + hypercars and this is what gave it its status.
Unfortunately its life was short lived
partly because of its poor funding and problems as mentioned but mainly because the Mclaren F1 came along soon after and simply blew automotive engineering apart.
The XJ220 was a twin (ie only 2) turbo
If you are going to be on PH it might be an idea that you change your attitude towards members because as whole we try to provide help and information to car enthusiasts by car enthusiasts .
The XJ220 was generally a pig of a car and that is a fact. Most enthusiasts are aware of its issues. This is not a sales platform its a forum designed to be impartial and informative.
I also think most people on here are intelligent enough to understand that " twin " relates to the number 2 but thanks anyway.
" The XJ220 was a twin (ie only 2) turbo
christmc said:
My understanding of the XJ220 from a distant friend who had one was not great.
Car collectors have them because of what the car represented rather than its actual ability.
The brakes were hurrendous to the point of being scary.
The turbo lag was monumental , typical old fashioned set up, no power at all then 4 turbochargers all at once.
No rear view at all so parking needs 2 people.
Oh and the car is about 5 meters long so even if you had 2 people and a big garage it prob wouldnt fit.
However it did represent one of the first 200mph + hypercars and this is what gave it its status.
Unfortunately its life was short lived partly because of its poor funding and problems as mentioned but mainly because the Mclaren F1 came along soon after and simply blew automotive engineering apart.
Car collectors have them because of what the car represented rather than its actual ability.
The brakes were hurrendous to the point of being scary.
The turbo lag was monumental , typical old fashioned set up, no power at all then 4 turbochargers all at once.
No rear view at all so parking needs 2 people.
Oh and the car is about 5 meters long so even if you had 2 people and a big garage it prob wouldnt fit.
However it did represent one of the first 200mph + hypercars and this is what gave it its status.
Unfortunately its life was short lived partly because of its poor funding and problems as mentioned but mainly because the Mclaren F1 came along soon after and simply blew automotive engineering apart.
I have not driven one myself, but from what I've seen and heard, this is not all entirely accurate.
The brakes are poor, of that there's no doubt, and it's a big old bus.
But I'm also informed that they're very rapid and, with proper set-up, can be a lot of fun.
I would also disagree that poor funding, poor driving experience and "mainly" the advent of the McLaren F1 led to it's downfall.
I would say it was launching into a worldwide recession with a £400k car that was chiefly it's downfall. Along with not quite being what was promised when it was in the early stages (V12, 4WD)
Muzzer said:
christmc said:
My understanding of the XJ220 from a distant friend who had one was not great.
Car collectors have them because of what the car represented rather than its actual ability.
The brakes were hurrendous to the point of being scary.
The turbo lag was monumental , typical old fashioned set up, no power at all then 4 turbochargers all at once.
No rear view at all so parking needs 2 people.
Oh and the car is about 5 meters long so even if you had 2 people and a big garage it prob wouldnt fit.
However it did represent one of the first 200mph + hypercars and this is what gave it its status.
Unfortunately its life was short lived partly because of its poor funding and problems as mentioned but mainly because the Mclaren F1 came along soon after and simply blew automotive engineering apart.
Car collectors have them because of what the car represented rather than its actual ability.
The brakes were hurrendous to the point of being scary.
The turbo lag was monumental , typical old fashioned set up, no power at all then 4 turbochargers all at once.
No rear view at all so parking needs 2 people.
Oh and the car is about 5 meters long so even if you had 2 people and a big garage it prob wouldnt fit.
However it did represent one of the first 200mph + hypercars and this is what gave it its status.
Unfortunately its life was short lived partly because of its poor funding and problems as mentioned but mainly because the Mclaren F1 came along soon after and simply blew automotive engineering apart.
I have not driven one myself, but from what I've seen and heard, this is not all entirely accurate.
The brakes are poor, of that there's no doubt, and it's a big old bus.
But I'm also informed that they're very rapid and, with proper set-up, can be a lot of fun.
I would also disagree that poor funding, poor driving experience and "mainly" the advent of the McLaren F1 led to it's downfall.
I would say it was launching into a worldwide recession with a £400k car that was chiefly it's downfall. Along with not quite being what was promised when it was in the early stages (V12, 4WD)
The driving experience was not great overall predominently due to the very poor brakes, You cant even begin to drive car to its limits without the ability to slow down properly either in a straight line or before a corner on a track.
christmc said:
Drclarke said:
I was making the note of twin meaning 2 obvious for just your benefit.
When did you own or drive a XJ220 to form your opinions?
I have not owned an XJ220 before but i have been driven in one about 5 years ago. Which is where my opinions were formulated.When did you own or drive a XJ220 to form your opinions?
k all, id dread to try and drive it.. I dont get the hate towards the XJ220. It waas, by some margin the fastest car in the world when it was launchd. Eclipsing the F40, 959 and Bugatti EB110. It won its class in Le mans (only to be disqualified afterwards in dubious circumstances).
I really believe this: if the car had been produced by any other company, it would be reveared as one of the all time greats. The looks, the speed, the power. And so what if it was difficult to drive? ALL supercars of the time were difficult to drive.
Yet, because its British- because its Jaguar we are reminded of its size (a Ferrari 612 is longer, a Zonda, Diablo and Murci are all wider) and that its engine "came from a Metro"
And the brakes are terrible. So upgrade them.
I really believe this: if the car had been produced by any other company, it would be reveared as one of the all time greats. The looks, the speed, the power. And so what if it was difficult to drive? ALL supercars of the time were difficult to drive.
Yet, because its British- because its Jaguar we are reminded of its size (a Ferrari 612 is longer, a Zonda, Diablo and Murci are all wider) and that its engine "came from a Metro"
And the brakes are terrible. So upgrade them.
Just like to add that when I spoke to Tiff Needell about the XJ220 he did say that it was one of the best cars he had ever driven apart from the brakes. Apparently the car is 'plagued' by prejudice due to its immense size and small engine and that that you dont expect such a kick from a 3.5L V6.
Never driven one myself but that is just an experts opinion there.
Personally I love them, stunning machines.
Here is a few pics I took at the Clivedon PH meet in the summer.
Never driven one myself but that is just an experts opinion there.
Personally I love them, stunning machines.
Here is a few pics I took at the Clivedon PH meet in the summer.
George Matthews said:
Just like to add that when I spoke to Tiff Needell about the XJ220 he did say that it was one of the best cars he had ever driven apart from the brakes. Apparently the car is 'plagued' by prejudice due to its immense size and small engine and that that you dont expect such a kick from a 3.5L V6.
Never driven one myself but that is just an experts opinion there.
Personally I love them, stunning machines.
Here is a few pics I took at the Clivedon PH meet in the summer.
What's the 220 like to drive? Who bloody cares?! Just look at it!!!!!!!Never driven one myself but that is just an experts opinion there.
Personally I love them, stunning machines.
Here is a few pics I took at the Clivedon PH meet in the summer.
williamp said:
I dont get the hate towards the XJ220. It waas, by some margin the fastest car in the world when it was launchd. Eclipsing the F40, 959 and Bugatti EB110. It won its class in Le mans (only to be disqualified afterwards in dubious circumstances).
I really believe this: if the car had been produced by any other company, it would be reveared as one of the all time greats. The looks, the speed, the power. And so what if it was difficult to drive? ALL supercars of the time were difficult to drive.
Yet, because its British- because its Jaguar we are reminded of its size (a Ferrari 612 is longer, a Zonda, Diablo and Murci are all wider) and that its engine "came from a Metro"
And the brakes are terrible. So upgrade them.
Completely agree! Don Law look after them now and offer a lots of options for brake upgrades. I really believe this: if the car had been produced by any other company, it would be reveared as one of the all time greats. The looks, the speed, the power. And so what if it was difficult to drive? ALL supercars of the time were difficult to drive.
Yet, because its British- because its Jaguar we are reminded of its size (a Ferrari 612 is longer, a Zonda, Diablo and Murci are all wider) and that its engine "came from a Metro"
And the brakes are terrible. So upgrade them.
That max guy from the gumball rally campaigned one for quite a few years. Whilst the gumball isn't the real world it seems to me it must be at least competent for him to use it repeatedly?
I'd take one over an f40 any day.
christmc said:
My understanding of the XJ220 from a distant friend who had one was not great.
Car collectors have them because of what the car represented rather than its actual ability.
The brakes were hurrendous to the point of being scary.
The turbo lag was monumental , typical old fashioned set up, no power at all then 4 turbochargers all at once.
No rear view at all so parking needs 2 people.
Oh and the car is about 5 meters long so even if you had 2 people and a big garage it prob wouldnt fit.
However it did represent one of the first 200mph + hypercars and this is what gave it its status.
Unfortunately its life was short lived partly because of its poor funding and problems as mentioned but mainly because the Mclaren F1 came along soon after and simply blew automotive engineering apart.
They are slowly coming back into vouge with collectors who see the XJ220 as a way of entering the true supercar club for the same budget as a 430. Car collectors have them because of what the car represented rather than its actual ability.
The brakes were hurrendous to the point of being scary.
The turbo lag was monumental , typical old fashioned set up, no power at all then 4 turbochargers all at once.
No rear view at all so parking needs 2 people.
Oh and the car is about 5 meters long so even if you had 2 people and a big garage it prob wouldnt fit.
However it did represent one of the first 200mph + hypercars and this is what gave it its status.
Unfortunately its life was short lived partly because of its poor funding and problems as mentioned but mainly because the Mclaren F1 came along soon after and simply blew automotive engineering apart.
Brakes can easily be upgraded
They only ram with twin turbos, and the lag isnt that bad at all
Parking is no more difficult than any other supercar, they are very long and wide but any decent driver can learn the dimensions quickly
The reason for them being so short lived was that it was launched right in the middle of the crash and 75% of the orders where from speculators hoping to make a quick buck on flipping them upon delivery. When the crash came, they bailed out and left the factory with more cars than they could sell.
If i can remember loads of people put down between 25 & 50K deposit as speculators, Then the crash they had to walk away & they were to please to loose their deposit,
I have driven one about 18 months ago & thought it was horrid,
As someone said on here it was all or nothing, Driving down the street turbos come in & the car was very sidewards,
Sounds like a bag of nails & no steering lock from memory.
I personally own a few very very fast cars & these are nothing at all like this. Horrid to drive & even worse to park,
What i will say the one i painted & drove is the only one i even seen so it is very rare...
I have driven one about 18 months ago & thought it was horrid,
As someone said on here it was all or nothing, Driving down the street turbos come in & the car was very sidewards,
Sounds like a bag of nails & no steering lock from memory.
I personally own a few very very fast cars & these are nothing at all like this. Horrid to drive & even worse to park,
What i will say the one i painted & drove is the only one i even seen so it is very rare...
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