zzdcar
Home
/
Reviews
/
Buying
/
$219,000 for a 1994 Jaguar Two-Door!
$219,000 for a 1994 Jaguar Two-Door!-August 2024
2024-02-19 EST 22:10:19

Get ready to let the cat out of the bag with a 550 HP Jaguar super car that's rarer than a working Lucas ignition system. Here kitty, kitty, kitty.

You can count the number of mid-engine Jaguar models on one hand. And that's even if you're missing a finger or two. The XJ13 of 1965-66, the XJR-9/15 of the late ‘80s, and today's candidate- the XJ220.

In the mid 1980s, Jaguar's chief engineer, Jim Randle, saw competitors' halo cars emerging on the market, and felt Jaguar should follow suit. The vision was for a Lightweight two-seat coupe with unmistakable Jaguar genes in its appearance, and an unrivaled top speed.

The resultant XJ220 debuted at the 1988 British Motor Show to universal acclaim, and it was announced that the now-fat cat would go into limited production. Eager buyers put down deposits based on the show car, which had a 6.2 litre DOHC V12, upward rising doors, and Ferguson all-wheel drive.

Due to development cost constraints, the production XJ220 ended up with the -engineered twin turbo V6 from the Rover Metro 6R4 rally car, and sans the scissor doors or all-wheel drive. Those who had made deposits on the car were compensated for the loss of 6 cylinders, 2 driving wheels and Lambo doors with a significantly higher price tag- $650,000 or about 10% more than initially quoted.

Despite this bumpy launch, TWR managed to squeeze out over 280 of the cars (Pininfarina designed one later on for the Sultan of Brunei) for Jaguar. The amazing bodywork is also remarkably efficient, allowing for a top speed of 215 mph, and providing articulating front and rear air control surfaces to help keep the shiny side up. In 1993, the competition version- the XJ220C- won the then newly created GT class at LeMans, and the street version held the production car top speed crown until the McLaren F1 knocked it off the pedestal in 1994.

This particular example is claimed to have been DOT/EPA certified in California, which is no small feat. It has 2,891 miles on the clock, and has a presence that is undeniable. But unlike, say, a Ferrari, there's a lack of universal iconic identification that tells the plebeians, as you pass them by, that this is a dramatically unique and valuable ride. And therein lies the rub, as most eloquently posited.

So are you a feline fancier who thinks $219,000 for an XJ220 is the cat's pajamas? Or does asking that much for a Jag make you want to cough up a hair ball?

You decide!

( )

or go if the ad disappears.

Help me out with NPOCP. Click to send a me a tip

Comments
Welcome to zzdcar comments! Please keep conversations courteous and on-topic. To fosterproductive and respectful conversations, you may see comments from our Community Managers.
Sign up to post
Sort by
Show More Comments
Buying
At $26,400, Could This 1984 Porsche 911 Carrera Targa Get You To Say 'Meh' To Miles?
At $26,400, Could This 1984 Porsche 911 Carrera Targa Get You To Say 'Meh' To Miles?
Today’s 911 has more miles than Ken Burns’ The History of Jazz. That means it’s used up, right? Well, according to its seller, it’s actually just getting started. Let’s see if that start should include a new owner. “Giving it your all” is an important element of any successful...
Aug 1, 2025
My Old Subaru Is Fine, But I Sort Of Despise It! What Car Should I Buy?
My Old Subaru Is Fine, But I Sort Of Despise It! What Car Should I Buy?
Andy is an attorney who has been driving old Subarus so he could be financially responsible. It’s time for an upgrade but he is having difficulty balancing a vehicle that is fun, somewhat fuel efficient, and good for his outdoor hobbies. What car should he buy? (Welcome back to...
Aug 1, 2025
At $55,000, Could This Custom 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Put You At A Distinct Advantage?
At $55,000, Could This Custom 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Put You At A Distinct Advantage?
Most Aston Martins over the years have carried the DB name, a homage to the cottage car maker’s one-time owner, David Brown. Today’s Aston eschews that tradition, as well as that of British reserve in its bold choice of wheels. Let’s determine if its price is just as cheeky....
Aug 1, 2025
The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Is Fine But Also Proof Everything's Madness
The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Is Fine But Also Proof Everything's Madness
You know how sometimes in movies, the camera will focus on an object that completely and unequivocally conveys that a character has gone mad? Think in The Shining. Well, the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is one such object, and it’s confirming that the modern American car market has lost...
Aug 1, 2025
At $4,500, Could This 1986 Ford LTD Wagon Have Unlimited Appeal?
At $4,500, Could This 1986 Ford LTD Wagon Have Unlimited Appeal?
Today’s LTD comes with an underwhelming 3.8 V6 under its hood, but as the seller helpfully points out, there’s room there for the 5.0 V8. That is an appealing aspiration, but will its current price put it out of reach? There’s no shame in being basic. Seriously, having a...
Aug 1, 2025
Here Are The Most Common Illegal Things Car Dealerships Will Try To Do
Here Are The Most Common Illegal Things Car Dealerships Will Try To Do
Buying a car from a dealer isn’t nearly as bad as it used to be. Unfortunately, there are still some stores that care more about profit than happy customers and will even go so far as to do some unscrupulous and even illegal activity to make a buck. Here...
Aug 1, 2025
Copyright 2023-2025 - www.zzdcar.com All Rights Reserved