Jaguar XJR-15 – 1 Of 27 Road Cars Produced

Furlonger are pleased to offer this 1991 Jaguar XJR-15, one of just 27 road-specification XJR-15s produced by JaguarSport. Chassis no. 021 shows just 1,380 miles on the odometer and is a highly original example, one suitable to join the very finest of collections.

Produced by JaguarSport, a joint venture between Jaguar and renowned motorsport team Tom Walkinshaw Racing, credited for their high-performance, race-bred road cars and special editions including the legendary XJ220, the XJR-15 is widely regarded as their Magnum opus. Tom Walkinshaw, responsible for developing and running the dominating force of TWR Jaguar endurance racers, with two World Sportscar Championships under his belt, was the very man responsible for the XJR-15’s inception.

The XJR-15, a direct descendant of the Le Mans-winning Jaguar XJR-9 Group C Prototype, is one of the few homologated road cars built so closely to an endurance race car in automotive history. Walkinshaw saw the XJR-9’s potential reach beyond the realms of racing, and so the idea of a motorsport-derived, road-going supercar arose. The opportunity to experience the true essence of a raw competition car for the road, and one that would be offered in significantly limited numbers – a compelling proposition for Jaguar’s affluent clientele. In November 1990, JaguarSport introduced the XJR-15, to wit a limited run of just 50 would be built.

The XJR-15’s body, penned by none other than Perter Stevens, was crafted from a special carbon fibre and Kevlar composite. Carrying over race derived technologies and design, the XJR-15 featured a carbon fibre monocoque, one that could semi-comfortably accommodate both driver and passenger. At first glance, the XJR-15’s carbon clad interior appears unforgiving; Likened to the cockpit of a fighter jet, with buttons and toggle switches, harnesses, and even headsets, but this justifies the car’s uncompromising, purposeful design. Power comes from Jaguar’s 6.0 litre, dry-sump V12 engine – although detuned from Le Mans specification, its 450 horsepower powerplant is equipped with Group C technology. Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a straight-cut six-speed transmission, with an AP Racing triple-plate carbon clutch. The suspension, taken directly from the XJR-9, comprising of fabricated wishbones and horizontal pushrod-spring dampers at the front and coil springs at the rear. On all four corners, disc brakes mounted with 4-piston callipers provide excellent stopping power.

Built in 1991, this Jaguar XJR-15 was delivered new to Japan. The car remained in Southeast Asia until 2014 when it was returned to the U.K. and registered, where it has resided to the present day. Passing through the hands of likeminded collectors and enthusiasts, chassis no. 021’s originality would be preserved without compromise, which is a testament to its exceptional condition and extraordinarily low mileage. Although used infrequently, the XJR-15 would see extensive maintenance regardless of cost.

In 2017, 021 visited respected Jaguar specialist Forest Custom and Classics to be mechanically overhauled and recommissioned so that it may be used on the road. Leaving no stone unturned, FCC would comprehensively prepare the car, removing bodywork, suspension, engine and transmission, brake system, and refurbish or replace any parts and components they saw necessary. All these works are extensively documented via a well-detailed ‘work log’ within the car’s history.

In essence, the XJR-15 is simply a Group C car for the road, and one that has undeservedly remained under the radar for far too long. With just 27 road going examples built, this is an astoundingly rare car – some 37 less than that of McLaren F1 road car production. The XJR-15 symbolises a period when homologations would be designed and built without compromise, replicating that of their competition counterparts and retaining their glorious engines, stripped-out interiors, and almost industrial components. The XJR-15 is arguably one of the most collectible and significant supercars ever produced, with its influence applicable to the design of some of the most advanced contemporary hypercars produced today.

Chassis no. 21 is an extraordinary example of the XJR-15, one that retains an exceptional balance of preservation and originality. Offered for sale with just 1,380 miles on the odometer, this car is a fitting addition to the very finest of supercar and hypercar collections and represents one of the most exciting periods in motoring history.