It was easy to become smitten with the legendary XJ220. One glance back in 1988 and its lines and grace hooked you. It was as magnificent and cool then as it is now, as featured in this video, but world economic fluctuations and questions regarding power nearly killed it. Thanks to the passion and commitment of the Don Law Racing team, the legend lives on, and in a way now thrives.
Jaguar saw the XJ220 as its hypercar statement. It was meant to carry a full-blooded V12 engine and reach 355km/h, and everyone lined up for a chance to own this incredible car. Unfortunately, before the development was completed, the United Kingdom suffered a substantial economic recession, forcing Jaguar to replace the heavy and thirsty V12 engine with a 3.5 litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine. Though that engine delivered impressive performance with 540 hp and 215.46 kgm of torque, potential customers’ interest waned as they became attracted to the more ferocious Ferrari F40 on the one hand and the more uncompromising McLaren F1 on the other.
Mercifully, Don Law Racing had no intention to let go of this beauty. They bought Jaguar’s remaining cars and spare parts as well CAD models, tooling, work manuals and the rare wooden body buck that you’ll spot in the video. Now ten years on, the Don Law Racing team has re-designed, re-engineered and upgraded the XJ220, making sure that each car could run freely and beautifully whether on a race track or a public road. So enjoy this video of these legendary beauties and discover why, through the continuing caress of Don Law Racing, they’re not allowed to age.
