Chassis No. SAJJEAEX8AX220656 The late 1980s saw nearly all the major performance car manufacturers of the day embroiled in an all-out knife fight to develop the fastest 200-plus mile-per-hour supercar. Porsche had introduced its 197-mph top-speed 959 in 1986, followed shortly thereafter by Ferrariâs 201 mph F40, with news of Bugattiâs new EB 110 on the horizon by 1991. Jaguar, on the heels of its incredibly successful endurance sports car racing program and overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1988, was keen to implement its race-winning technology into a 200 mile per hour monster to top all other manufacturers. The concept broke cover at the 1988 Birmingham International Motor Show as the XJ220, indicating Jaguarâs target 220 mph top speed just as the XK120 had 40 years prior. Its Keith Helfet-penned exterior was pure sculpture in motion â a lean, gorgeous shape that was equal parts aggressive and graceful. The nose featured innovative headlights poached from the F-Type concept of 1986 with covers that dropped down into the body when in use and a delicate elliptical grille directing air to the front-mounted radiator. At the rear, a large glass engine cover offered a glimpse of the mid-mounted 6.2-liter V12 and sloped down into a subtle rear wing. Its impossibly low stance was also unlike anything from its rivals, measuring over 16 feet long, 7 feet wide, and merely 45.3 inches tall. Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR) was tasked with development and construction of the production XJ220, of which just 350 examples were slated for production. When the first production XJ220s were delivered to customers in mid-1992, they retained the glorious aluminum bodywork of the concept over an Alcan bonded honeycomb aluminum chassis. Mounted in the middle was now a 542-horsepower, twin-turbocharged V6 derived from the unit in the Group B Metro 6R4 rally car, mated to a conventional five-speed manual transmission. Jaguar had not only achieved its goal of building the worldâs fastest production car, with a demonstrated top speed of 212.3 miles per hour, the XJ220 also upheld standards of luxury and elegance befitting a Jaguar. An ergonomic cabin trimmed in Connolly hides cossetted its occupants, while a small luggage compartment made a weekend getaway a realistic possibility. The Jaguarâs double wishbone suspension all around contributed to its well-behaved demeanor and good road manners, while its thrilling exterior styling made it an instant international sensation. Approximately 282 examples of the XJ220 were produced in total, including this left-hand drive example completed on 7 January 1994 with its driverâs-side kick plate identifying it as car number 128. Finished in the concept launch livery of Spa Silver over a Smoke leather interior, this exceptional XJ220 was originally delivered to Germany, where it remained until 2004 before crossing the Atlantic to join the collection of a Florida-based physician. In 2010, the Jaguar changed hands to another diligent collector who maintained it to exemplary standards for over a decade. In this ownership, the car received comprehensive mechanical attention from renowned Jaguar specialist Jeff Snyder, who installed a new fuel cell, overhauled the fuel system, and fitted new tires. Following this work, the XJ220 embarked on a journey back to its roots in 2012, returning to Jaguar's Coventry facilities where factory technicians conducted an exhaustive service program, including a complete engine rebuild to original European specifications. The car's post-restoration debut took place at the Aston Martin Owners Club Spring concours, where XJ220s were featured as a special class. In a touching tribute to the model's heritage, the owner piloted the vehicle from Coventry to Oxford, culminating in a visit to Bloxhamâthe original XJ220 production facility that later became home to DB7 manufacturing. In recent years, the Jaguar has undergone extensive service at Autosport Designs, Inc. of Huntington Station, New York, totaling over $85,000 invested in 2020 alone. Notable work included performing a brake fluid service, mounting four new Bridgestone tires, and installing a stainless-steel exhaust (January 2020), repairing the gauge cluster (February 2020), and performing a major service including a fuel cell replacement (September 2020). With a mere 5,889 kilometers recorded at the time of cataloging, this meticulously cared-for XJ220 commands attention as one of the finest examples available today. The car is joined by its Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate, an unopened first aid kit, tool kit, wheel tool, and a promotional book detailing the production process. This provenance, allied to the modelâs sublime looks, staggering performance and illustrious heritage, renders the car a highly attractive proposition for any aspiring supercar owner, not to mention one guaranteed to turn heads for the next three decades, as it has for the last.
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- VIN CodeSAJJEAEX8AX220656
