XJ220, opinions please

[sone]

I keep looking at these and can't help but think they look fantastic, I know they're not a modern Supercar but what are they like to live with.
For me it would be a weekend car possibly 3-4k a year. What are the downsides I hear the petrol tanks need replacing what are the other major pitfalls?

Cheers
Steve

[JTJ]

You might want to consider upgrading the brakes too, as they do not work when cold, one owner got his in a detch while reversing in the cold and the thing wouldn't brake.

[Dave211]

How do you ascertain a value on these cars though, as such a limited market ?

Unless there is a record of prices achieved some where, including auctions , I can't see how you know if it's a good price or not. Probably cross posting on supercar forum, in case others have a view

[Podie]

From what I've read, these are the guys to talk to - http://www.donlawracing.com/

[Triple7]

On my list too!

Don Kaw are the people you need to deal with (good or bad, not sure?) Prices have been around £150k -£200k for the past few years. There is a 'new' car up for £250k, but that has been on for over a year now. Very hard to judge, but I think these cars are valued at how much you are willing to pay. RHD cars are rare, not too many are ever used, so the only cars that pop up tend to be LHD re-imported or when a collector turns over their fleet.

Please keep us updated how you get on.

[Dave211]

http://www.jaguarforum.co.uk/f66/ might have more info here,

Edited by Dave211 on Monday 24th February 10:49

[AmitG]

Podie said:

From what I've read, these are the guys to talk to - http://www.donlawracing.com/

Just wanted to say that I spoke to this company when I was thinking of buying an XJ220. They spent over an hour with me explaining the art and science of XJ220 ownership, including a good look at some of the cars on their premises. All with no sales pressure whatsoever.

I was really grateful and wanted to give them some money in exchange for their time but they waved me away.

They are pretty much the only XJ220 specialist, so recommending them may seem redundant, but...I recommend them.

[sone]

Thanks everyone.

[New POD]

Ah, Jack Randle's white elephant. The car that nearly bankrupted Jaguar, forced them into Ford's hands, when they should have been concentrating engineering effort on making better luxury cars.

[DB9VolanteDriver]

New POD said:

Ah, Jack Randle's white elephant. The car that nearly bankrupted Jaguar, forced them into Ford's hands, when they should have been concentrating engineering effort on making better luxury cars.

Elaborate regarding your Ford comment since Ford bought Jag in 1988 (or 87?), did they not? So I fail to see how the 1993 XJ220 forced them into Ford's hands. But agree it was a white elephant.

[Podie]

DB9VolanteDriver said:

New POD said:

Ah, Jack Randle's white elephant. The car that nearly bankrupted Jaguar, forced them into Ford's hands, when they should have been concentrating engineering effort on making better luxury cars.

Elaborate regarding your Ford comment since Ford bought Jag in 1988 (or 87?), did they not? So I fail to see how the 1993 XJ220 forced them into Ford's hands. But agree it was a white elephant.

I think it was the end of 89, with the deal going through in 90.

IMO, Jaguar would be dead and buried without Ford.

[DB9VolanteDriver]

Podie said:

DB9VolanteDriver said:

New POD said:

Ah, Jack Randle's white elephant. The car that nearly bankrupted Jaguar, forced them into Ford's hands, when they should have been concentrating engineering effort on making better luxury cars.

Elaborate regarding your Ford comment since Ford bought Jag in 1988 (or 87?), did they not? So I fail to see how the 1993 XJ220 forced them into Ford's hands. But agree it was a white elephant.

I think it was the end of 89, with the deal going through in 90.

IMO, Jaguar would be dead and buried without Ford.

Agree with that thought. But XJ220 didn't force Jag into Ford's hands.

[Podie]

DB9VolanteDriver said:

Agree with that thought. But XJ220 didn't force Jag into Ford's hands.

Agreed.

88 Motor Show, was its public appearance, IIRC.

[AutoEvo]

I've got an XJ220 and I do about 3,000 miles a year in it. Mine is yellow, uprated to XJ220S by Don Law with Bodywork, brake, and 680bhp engine all upgraded.

I've found the car to be reliable, fast, and quiet. It's a great GT car and handles very well for a long car. It's lovely to drive, rewarding good driver input. I had a Ferrari 458 which I didn't enjoy anywhere near as much - a better car, but too clinical, too detached. The Jag is just more fun - and for a 20 year old car, the reaction it gets from passers by is far nicer than most modern supercars.

If you're looking to buy one, don't go anywhere except Don to get it checked.

If you're serious by all means drop me a note and I'd be happy to talk it through, or take you for a drive. I'm at Wilton House and Goodwood a fair bit, sometimes at the Ace Cafe petrolhead nirvana evenings, and Sunday service. I'll also be driving it to Le Mans Classic this summer.

[esv683]

Steve i knew you would have to leave those red italian things behind you and join the jaguar clan,maybe XJR-15
REGARDS Arnie

[sone]

esv683 said:

Steve i knew you would have to leave those red italian things behind you and join the jaguar clan,maybe XJR-15
REGARDS Arnie

Hi Steve, I've had another change of mind since I'm afraid. I'll no doubt see you soon and you'll find out what(-:
By the way keeping the Ferrari as well in the meantime. I will go for a Jag but not for a few months

[groomi]

DB9VolanteDriver said:

Podie said:

DB9VolanteDriver said:

New POD said:

Ah, Jack Randle's white elephant. The car that nearly bankrupted Jaguar, forced them into Ford's hands, when they should have been concentrating engineering effort on making better luxury cars.

Elaborate regarding your Ford comment since Ford bought Jag in 1988 (or 87?), did they not? So I fail to see how the 1993 XJ220 forced them into Ford's hands. But agree it was a white elephant.

I think it was the end of 89, with the deal going through in 90.

IMO, Jaguar would be dead and buried without Ford.

Agree with that thought. But XJ220 didn't force Jag into Ford's hands.

Podie said:

Agreed.

88 Motor Show, was its public appearance, IIRC.

Jim, not Jack.

The X300 and XJ8 developed under Fords ownership and clearly a step up in build quality (if not in luxury) saved the company IMHO.

IIRC the XJ220 project originated from the Saturday club, so there was no initial plan to actually sell it. The original '88 show car was well received hence attracting a lot of orders, by the time it reached production (under Ford ownership) it was a very different machine. Could that development be attributed to the Ford bean counters or just bad timing? Who knows. What we do know is that the XJ220 is a fantastic car, but a PR disaster. PR is boring, stunning cars are anything but.

[a8hex]

groomi said:

What we do know is that the XJ220 is a fantastic car, but a PR disaster. PR is boring, stunning cars are anything but.

Just look how long it took them to get anything around the ring as quickly.