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Jaguar XJ220.
Originally conceived as a racing car for long distance and endurance events such as the 24 hours at Le Mans. It was intended to have a new twin turbo V12 engine, but Jaguar couldn't devote enough time or money to develop it. In any case, the class it was intended for had a rule change that meant it wouldn't comply, and so a team of designers worked after hours and on Saturday mornings to create a road legal supercar. The V12 4.3 litre fitted in the luxury XJ12 saloons was not suitable for the high speeds required, and so the V6 turbo lump from the BL rally metro ( as driven by Tony Pond) was used.
Advance orders had been received for the original V12 engine car that was planned, and many punters cancelled when they heard they would be getting a V6 instead.
Jan Lammers took the prototype around a banked oval test track at just over 200mph, which was calculated to equal 220 mph on a straight road, hence the name of the car. It took Jaguar a long time to sell them all off, and only a few have come on to the market since.
This one has personalised plates, and is owned by a Mr John Butterworth.
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