The changes for the XJ220C-LM are numerous, but the headlines are a weight saving of 400kg, full detachable carbon composite body panels, a stripped-out interior with extensive carbon fibre and a Jaguar Group C inspired 3.5L V6 power unit capable of 850bhp.
Further upgrades included enhanced cooling, upgraded suspension and braking system, with many aluminium components of the road car, upgraded for race-grade carbon and carbon-kevlar.
Just 4 examples of the ultimate specification XJ220 were produced in total, with 3 of these competing at Le Mans.
By the early 90s, GT racing was going from strength to strength around the world and most notably at the Le Mans 24 Hour – the most prestigious endurance race on the motorsport calendar.
Cars such as the Ferrari F40LM, 911 RSR, Audi 90 GTO had all been successful in the IMSA series and by 1993, the Le Mans grid had 32 cars in the newly formed GT class, which is where this XJ220C, chassis 002 earned its place in history.
The XJ220C was built, conceived and prepared by JaguarSport and Tom Walkinshaw Racing, who entered the cars in the Le Mans 24 Hours in 1993, as ‘quasi-works’ entries. TWR already had notable success with Jaguar, including two historic wins at Le Mans and achieving three Jaguar World Sportscar Championships.
Three cars were entered by TWR to the 1993 edition of the most famous endurance race in motorsport, with their ‘lead’ car being the car we present today, number 50 or chassis 002. This car was piloted by John Nielsen, David Brabham and David Coulthard.
Living up to the pre-race expectations, XJ220C-002 took their experienced driver line-up to Class victory; a historic moment for Jaguar, TWR and the XJ220.
However, due a question over the lack of catalytic converter at scrutineering the Jaguars were allowed to ‘race under appeal.’ Entered in the IMSA class not requiring catalytic convertors to be fitted resulting in the FIA upholding the appeal, unfortunately the ACO controversially declared the appeal to be out of time. Despite this, all 3 drivers, David Brabham, John Nielsen and David Coulthard still retain their winning trophies and count it as a win at Le Mans on their CVs.
After Le Mans in 1993, this XJ220C-LM was retired briefly to the TWR Museum collection before being sold to the Sultan of Brunei. In 2000, it was loaned to Jaguar as part of their travelling Jaguar Heritage display which proved such a great attraction at numerous high-profile venues. David Brabham himself was reunited with it in the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed, and it remains a worthy successor to the long line of Jaguar cars which have achieved victory at Le Mans.
In more recent times, Chassis 002 has been part of the most significant collection of Group C and notable Le Mans race cars in the UK. At Furlonger, we have been fortunate to handle the car over the past couple of months – not only have we carried out a full mechanical appraisal, but we were also tasked with road registering this piece of Le Mans history and now offering it for sale.
Although the XJ220C-LM boasts significant upgrades and changes over the XJ220 road car, the foundations remain relatively consistent, meaning that the preparation required to road register the car was significant but manageable. A full list of the works carried out can be provided upon request, but this is now the only example of its kind that can be legally driven on the road.
This XJ220C-LM represents not only a very important part of motorsport history, but also an opportunity for a successful Le Mans entrant to be driven on the road.
Here is a modern-era endurance-racing Le Mans Jaguar of enduring quality, and one with an unrepeatable story to tell.
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