It isn’t often that a race car with pedigree goes under the hammer. It is even rarer with a race car that has won one of the world's most prestigious races. RM Sotheby’s though are set to sell off one of the most remarkable and prestigious sports cars ever created. Listed by them right now is a 1988 Jaguar XJR-9, chassis number TWR-J12C-388. This XJR-9 is the one that won the 1990 Daytona 24 Hours, and propelled Jaguar back to the top of sports car racing.
One Of Jaguar’s Most Important Cars
Under the hood of this mighty racer is a naturally aspirated 6.0-liter V12 engine that helped to propel this car to a top speed of 240 mph, something that would be hugely beneficial around the Daytona banking. Chassis 388 started out its life in the 1988 season and while it did not win any races, it had set the groundwork for race winning Jaguar machinery in sports cars once again. The car would go on to take several podiums in the 1989 season, before leading home a fabulous Jaguar 1-2 finish in the 1990 running of the Daytona 24 Hours.
A Very Rare Survivor
Chassis 388 is a very special survivor. Because she is one of just two Castrol-liveried purpose built IMSA XJR-9s to ever exist, and she is now the only one left in the world. She is one of the most significant cars in the history of Jaguar, at a time when the brand was doing amazing things, such as building the epic XJ220 supercar. What makes this auction even better is that chassis 388 is still drivable, and has a lot of chapters still to write in historic Group C prototype racing.
Owning A Piece Of Jaguar History
RM Sotheby’s say that this car should go for potentially €2.4 million, which roughly converts into $2.5 million. As such, anyone who is looking to buy this car is certainly not going to do so on the cheap. But what you will own is one of the most amazing cars in Jaguar’s long history, and also one of their most beautiful. And despite carrying a massive V12 under the hood, this car weighs just under 900 kg thanks to its Kevlar and carbon fiber construction. It is a piece of motorsport art, and one that can still put on a show on the racetrack.
Source: RM Sotheby's