Considering Jaguar's long experience in Motorsports, the company knew that when the time came to develop a road car, it had to be something special. But no strategy was developed. As an 'after-hours project', the Jaguar XJ220 was born out of the gap between what was available on the roads and what was being raced. There had been rumors about Jaguar enthusiasts wanting to drive the Jaguar C-Type to the track, win the race, and then drive home, and now it was a reality for them with the Jaguar XJ220!

To justify the resources devoured, the XJ220 prototype automobile had to provide useful data for future road and racing vehicles. As the modifications expanded, the idea evolved into an all-wheel-drive V12 supercar, with Group B racing at the foreground of the design. Several suppliers helped the car's designer, Jim Randle, build a prototype. It was not possible to manufacture the first example on a large budget because of the lack of governmental support. In fact, the design was approved for public viewing just one week before its presentation.

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High Demand For The Jaguar XJ220 Led To A Limited Run

XJ220 - Front
Via Bring A Trailer

A prototype of the Jaguar XJ220 concept was completed on the morning of October 18, 1988, just hours before it was to be unveiled at the British International Motor Show in Birmingham. When the Jaguar XJ220 was first unveiled at the Birmingham motor show, it was the main attraction. The Ferrari F40 showed up in bright red, but it looked like an old gremlin in comparison to the Jaguar XJ220.

A few enthusiasts offered blank checks to Jaguar even though Jaguar had no intention of selling the XJ220. Having received so much positive feedback and increasing interest surrounding the XJ220, Jaguar created a limited production run of the car from 1992 until 1994.

Related: The Underrated 2012 Jaguar XKR-S Was A Beast That Won’t Break The Bank Today

1994 Jaguar XJ220 2-Door Coupe, silver, rear quarter view
Via: Bring a Trailer

In 1989 a price tag was set for the XJ220, the asking price was $290,000. With a deposit of $50,000 required to secure the purchase of one of these cars. Jaguar received over 1,000 serious inquiries about purchasing the vehicle despite the high asking price.

However, it’s no surprise that Jaguar received so many serious inquires regarding the XJ220. With a top speed of 212 mph and a 0-60 mph time of just 3.6 seconds, it really is no wonder why so many people were interested. The rear-wheel drive system and a 6-speed manual transmission were powered by an almighty 6.2-liter V12 6R4 engine which produced an insane 542 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque.

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The 1994 Jaguar XJ220: The Price…

A look at the front of the 1993 Jaguar XJ220
Via: Mecum Auctions

Considering the original price tag of $290,000 for the Jaguar XJ220, the asking price for a Jaguar XJ220 now is proportionally cheap. The cheapest recorded price paid for a 1994 Jaguar XJ220 in an auction stands at a moderate $350,000, which is reasonable for such an exquisite car! However, you’ll be very lucky to get your hands on a Jaguar XJ220 for that price.

It seems as though the price of Jaguar XJ220’s are slowly rising, and it’s no eye-opener. In most car auction’s It's expected that a Jaguar XJ220 will receive a fee within the $400,000s. The record price paid for a Jaguar XJ220 previously stood at $571,802 but as time goes on and the prices of the Jaguar XJ220 increase it has been reported that some excellent condition Jaguar XJ220’s have been sold for fees as much as $687,000 while completely pristine models have gone for a whopping $826,250! This seems like a ridiculous price to pay for a car, but It's important to remember how powerful, fast and iconic this car truly was and still is.

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The 1994 Jaguar XJ220: The Verdict…

Jaguar XJ220 - Side
via: Mecum

Well, undoubtedly, the Jaguar XJ220 was and still is an exceedingly magnificent car. Jaguar seemed to create a new innovative way to engineer and assemble cars with the XJ220, it was truly breathtaking. Beauty and elegance loomed from the exterior, although it still gave the impression of an aggressive, speedy, and monstrous motor.

Putting the sheer perfection of the distinct shell aside, the Jaguar XJ220’s powertrain was incredible providing you with excessive speed and all the excitement that one could ask for. Obviously, because of the Jaguar XJ220s hefty price tag, it will probably already be off plenty of your desired yet affordable car lists.

But for you people that have the opportunity to attend a Jaguar XJ220 auction and have a wallet that extends to its price tag then go and purchase yourself one of these beauties. You will not be disappointed in any way, and the destiny and ever-increasing car prices mean that you’ve got yourself a solid investment, that will only ever enlarge in value.