Jaguar XJ220: the sports car of the 90s

When you hear the name Jaguar, you don't necessarily think of supercars. And yet, in the 1990s, the car manufacturer developed and marketed a legendary sports car: the Jaguar XJ220. Innova-Box, specialists in custom garage design , takes a closer look at this British classic, as elegant as it is rare.

A look back at the beginnings of the Jaguar XJ220

The story of the Jaguar XJ220 begins in the 1980s. At that time, racing driver Tom Walkinshaw contacted the manufacturer. He wanted to enter the Jaguar XJS in the European Touring Car Championship. This collaboration was very successful, so much so that they developed cars called the Jaguar XJR, including the XJR-9 which won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1988. However, this success story came to an end when new regulations forced Jaguar to redesign the engine. It was upgraded from a V12 to a V64. This is how Jaguar developed the Jaguar XJ220.

Engineer Jim Randle wanted to develop a more modern take on the cars of the 1950s and 60s. He worked with a small team on handling and aerodynamics, while also taking FIA regulations into account. He considered every detail regarding interior comfort: leather upholstery, a heated windshield, air conditioning, and electric windows. Mechanically, he opted for a 6.2-liter V12 engine with 48 valves, coupled with all-wheel drive. This supercar was designed to reach 220 mph, hence its name, the Jaguar XJ220, meaning 350 km/h. Jaguar quickly unveiled it at the 1988 British International Motor Show... to show the Germans and Italians that they too could design a supercar.

The Jaguar XJ220 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans

Described as the fastest car of its time, the Jaguar XJ220 was then transformed into a racing car. The manufacturer equipped it with a Jaguar 3.5L twin-turbo V6 engine and developed three examples to participate in the BRDC National Sports GT Challenge before competing in the 1993 24 Hours of Le Mans. However, this race would not be kind to the British marque, as two of the three cars had to retire due to engine problems. Only car number 50 managed to cross the finish line, driven by Brabham, Coulthard, and Nielsen. However, it was disqualified for lacking a catalytic converter. Tom Walkinshaw nevertheless designed a limited series of six road-legal examples, better known as the Jaguar XJ220S, incorporating some modifications. In 1995, four Jaguar XJ220s were entered in the famous Le Mans race, but without the support of the manufacturer. Only two of them actually participated before one suffered an engine failure and the other went off the track, forcing them to retire. This is how the story of the Jaguar XJ220 at the 24 Hours of Le Mans came to an end.

A sports car to show off

The watchwords for designing the Jaguar XJ220 were lightness and performance. The interior was also meticulously designed. Luxury, comfort, and innovation coexist within. The dashboard is curved, and access to the various instruments is easy and practical. However, the modifications made caused the price of the Jaguar XJ220 to skyrocket, making it the most expensive car of its time. The manufacturer ceased production in 1994, after only two years on the market. Despite some setbacks, it remains and will remain one of the most beautiful masterpieces of the automotive brand from that era.

If you own such a prized vehicle, you can't just leave it in any old garage. You must understand that the setting must be worthy of the jewel it houses. It needs a clean space, befitting its prestige, and one that truly showcases it. Innova-Box transforms even the most ordinary garages into extraordinary parking spaces. “Thanks to exceptional materials, original furnishings, and carefully considered design, we transform your garage into a unique space,” explains Gérald Mouret, founder of the Innova-Box concept. “ Our concept is for all enthusiasts of sports or luxury cars, whether they own new or classic models, who want the very best for their vehicles.”

An extraordinary car, the ultimate supercar from the British brand, the fastest vehicle of its time… There's no shortage of adjectives to describe the Jaguar XJ220. Fast and thrilling, it's still available for sale in rare examples. All the more reason to jealously preserve this beautiful car while enhancing its beauty.