Jaguar XJ220 Steals the Show: A Rare ’90s Speedster Up for Grabs in 2025

Good morning, car nuts! It’s 10:31 AM IST on September 1, 2025, and I’m sitting here with my morning chai, scrolling through Bring a Trailer, when I hit the jackpot—a 1993 Jaguar XJ220 that’s got my heart racing. This thing was the king of the roads back in the ’90s, clocking speeds that left everyone gobsmacked, yet it somehow slipped under the radar compared to flashier names like Ferrari or Porsche. I’ve always had a soft spot for underdogs, and seeing this Le Mans Blue beauty up for auction has me itching to tell you why it’s worth a second look. Grab a cup, and let’s unpack this gem together!

A Story That Starts with a Dream

I first heard about the XJ220 years ago when I was flipping through old car mags, fascinated by how a bunch of Jaguar engineers—calling themselves the “Saturday Club”—sketched this beast after work. It came to life in 1988, the same year Jaguar’s XJR-9 won Le Mans, and that victory fueled the fire. This car was their shot at reclaiming the speed crown, and boy, did it deliver—hitting 217 mph with a little tweak to the rev limiter. That’s faster than the XK120 did back in the ’40s, and it’s a nod to Jaguar’s racing soul.

This specific XJ220 has a wild backstory. It chilled in a Tokyo skyscraper for 12 years before landing in LA, even making a cameo on Jay Leno’s Garage. With just 5,000 miles and a heritage certificate from Jaguar, it’s like finding a time capsule. That Le Mans Blue paint? It’s a tribute to those epic race wins, and I think it looks sharper than the usual British Racing Green—gives it a sleek, modern edge.

Power That Packs a Surprise

Here’s where the tale gets juicy. The original plan was a V12, which had purists drooling, but the final XJ220 rolled out with a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6. Back in the ’90s, that ruffled feathers—six cylinders felt tame for a supercar when V12s were the rage. But working with Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR), they turned it into a powerhouse, pumping out 542 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque. I read once that TWR even stuffed this engine into a Ford Transit van for testing—can you imagine that thing hauling up Goodwood’s hill with a ladder on top? It’s the kind of madcap story that makes me grin.

With a five-speed manual and rear-wheel drive, it’s got that raw, hands-on feel I love. The aluminum body, still looking fresh, rides on 17-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels with chunky Bridgestone Potenzas, and AP Racing brakes keep it in check. For its time, it was a monster—outpacing a 911 Turbo with half the extra power—and it still holds its own today.

A Ride with Character

Pop the door, and you’re in a ’90s time machine. The gray leather interior is all soft curves, with a CD player in the trunk that’d spin my old Dire Straits albums just fine. Compared to the bare-bones F40, this feels like a proper road-trip companion—comfortable enough for a spin down the coast. It’s not loaded with the 959’s tech, but that’s part of its charm; it’s a car you drive, not just admire. I can picture myself cruising with the windows down, soaking in that retro vibe.

Why It’s Overlooked—and Why That’s Changing

So why doesn’t the XJ220 get the love it deserves? I reckon the V6 switch turned off some fans, and the early ’90s recession hit its sales hard. But with only 281 made, low-mileage ones like this are rare, and its 217 mph peak—beating out Ferrari and Porsche for a spell—proves its worth. As Jaguar pivots to EVs, this car reminds us of its daring past. I think collectors are starting to notice, and its value might just soar.

The Auction That Could Steal Your Heart

This Jaguar XJ220 auction 2025 is live on Bring a Trailer, wrapping up on September 5—just a few days away! After Monterey Car Week, this low-mileage beauty stands out, and I’d love to see someone drive it to next year’s event. It’s not the obvious choice like an F40, but that’s what makes it special—a hidden gem with a story. If you’re into vintage supercars with personality, this could be your moment.

What’s your take—does the XJ220 deserve more hype? Toss your thoughts my way in the comments, and let’s keep the conversation rolling as the bidding climbs!