From the old racing days comes the Jaguar XJ220. This beautiful super car was inspired by the Jaguar of times past, and not the black feline arched sensuously in the jungle against a backdrop of stars. There is a reason Jaguars often appear in old James bond movies as luxurious sports cars worth its own weight in arched brows and red-lipped smiles, and that is because Jaguar experienced a hey-day for racing fast cars in the 1950 and 1960s. In their latest gem, they’ve created a super car that runs with superior responsiveness, great handling and enough oomph to make the Porsche 911 Turbo jealous.
Once the world’s fastest car?
The engineer of the Jaguar XJ220 thought that he could build something to rival the cars that used to turn heads in this time, and as part of a secret Saturday club, the head engineer, Jim Randle went about creating a light weight two-seater, B-class super car that could hang with the Ferrari and Porsches of the world. In 1994 it held the record for the fastest car in the world, even though it was modified from its ‘standard’ form in order to achieve this recognition. It remains a highly sought-after dream car due to its sleek body styling, incredible speed and performance. Many race cars don’t handle as well as the XJ220, even if they go a few miles per hour faster.
Only 281 Jaguar XJ220 cars were built but due to the huge economic recession, many customers that had shown interest in the car either pulled back their offers or refused delivery. The Jaguar XJ220 price isn’t something to sneeze at. The original price went from around 360,000 to 460,000 Lira, which translates to roughly $325,000 US dollars depending on currency exchange rates today. You can understand why such a phenomenal car, in fact one of the fastest cars in the world, was turned down flat by many investors. Some of the first owners of the car were Elton John and the Sultan of Brunei.
The Jaguar XJ220 was one of the first fastest production cars in the world to utilize an under-body airflow in order to keep the car on the road at very fast speeds, and to eliminate drag. Many car enthusiasts have called it one of the best performing cars on the road with its superb suspension and handling, created in part due to the under-body air flow and series C suspension model. You can throttle this baby and still turn a hair-pin corner with the élan of a gentleman in waiting.
The Jaguar XJ220 top speed was clocked at 217.1 mph (349 km/h, respectively) and more usually runs at up to 212 miles per hour consistently. The Jaguar XJ220 specs includes a 3.5 litre V6 engine with Garrett T3 turbo chargers and forced induction which made it once the fastest production car in the world, one of the lightest production cars, and an incredibly easy ride.
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{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
The XJ220 is an absolute classic, I remember having it’s poster on my bedroom wall; awesome super car!
I remember our neighbor next door had one and you could see all the fathers on the block come out of their houses as if called by a secret signal.
I don’t know much about cars, but I have always heard people talk about Jaguar, so I said to myself once that I would drive this car someday (in my wildest dream perhaps!). Even just a quick glance at the Jaguar can tell how awesome it is.
I have loved Jaguars since I found a stock certificate for Jaguar in my mom’s things and wanted to know what it was. She had bought a little stock around six bucks a share back in the 70s or early 80s. I forget which. Even though she sold it long ago, she would love knowing how far these cars have come. This Jaguar XJ220 is pretty darned cool even if it didn’t go fast.
This jaguar looks longer than your average one, or maybe it’s because of the angle it was shot from. Very slick looking. So slick I’d be too afraid to drive it.
That baby sure is low to the ground, isn’t it? I’d bet it hugs corners like a little girl hugs her teddy bear. Jaguar is well-known for producing high performance vehicles that look sweet as heck. This vehicle is no exception to that.
I can remember wanting XJ220 as a child. It was my dream car! I don’t know anyone who ever owned one – who could afford it. Man it’s sweet though! To think that I could own something that cool is unimaginable and only 281 were ever made.
If I were to make a wish list, I would write Jaguar on it. But I’m afraid I won’t drive it seeing how sleek it is and thinking how much it is worth!
They may not be the most expensive or the fastest cars in the whole world. But Jaguars will always be the classic choice for a luxury vehicle. This is a hot, updated look. Too bad I’ll probably never own one.
I know that Jaguars will always be my favorite cars. There are definitely newer type automobiles that are faster and more expensive, but nothing can top a Jag when it comes to that special magic that takes over one’s heart.
I wonder how many of the original 218 are still around. Not that I have any chance of picking up a used car like this at an affordable price, as I bet they still cost a fortune!
What a timeless beauty! I have heard of THE JAGUAR for as long as I can say “car.” I agree, this car surely is a classic. It is more than beautiful, with its elegant look and superior features, I’m not surprised everyone wants to drive a jaguar.
I also don’t know too much about cars. However, everyone has heard about the Jaguar. It’s a beautiful, classic car many men wish to own. Maybe one day I’ll get a chance to ride in the Jaguar XJ200.
Jaguar took sleek to a whole new level with this bad boy. You can tell just by looking at the entire top of the car that it is incredibly aerodynamic. The only thing about that is there is such a low profile to the windshield and windows that I would think it might interfere with vision.