Jaguar’s stunning XJ220 is surely one of the most sought-after high-performance automobiles in the world. Conceived in the mid-1980s as an “image-builder” to rejuvenate Jaguar’s lagging fortunes, the XJ220 was to be a powerful and aerodynamic two-seat, all-wheel-drive coupe. It would be powered by the company’s big five-liter overhead-cam V-12 engine of more than 500 brake horsepower, and it would be capable of reaching more than 200 mph. Inspired by the technologically advanced Porsche 959, a prototype was laid out by a team of engineers known as “The Saturday Club” and was unveiled at the 1988 British International Motor Show.

Production plans were to be sorely tested when the worldwide economic recession of the early 1990s forced many automakers to shelve or cancel such projects. Jaguar found itself being sold to the Ford Motor Company, and the XJ220 project became a collaboration with the highly experienced Tom Walkinshaw Racing. The emissions-sensitive V-12 was replaced with what was recognized as a superior and lighter powerplant, a twin-turbocharged four-cam V-6 of 3.5-liter displacement based on that of the Rover Metro 6R4 Group B rally car, feeding through a five-speed manual transaxle and rear-wheel drive. Tuned to develop an impressive 542 brake horsepower, this compact engine could propel the XJ220 to 60 mph in a mere 3.5 seconds and a maximum of 217 mph. It was the fastest and quickest production automobile in the world for its day.

The stunning Jaguar XJ220 offered here was completed on 27 October 1992 at JaguarSport’s assembly facility in Bloxham, Oxfordshire, England. Finished in Spa Silver with a Smoke Gray leather interior, it was sold on 14 January 1993 by JaguarSport Ltd.’s Sales division to famed exotic car collector Yoshikuni Okamoto through his company Dai-Ichikgyo Ltd., of Kobe, Japan. The car’s purchase price was listed as approximately $625,000 US.

In June of 2003, the car was purchased from Japan and delivered to Compliance and Research Services in Linden, New Jersey, for modification required to allow its legal importation to the United States. The following month, D.O.T. “Show and Display” certification was issued, and in August, it was officially imported to the United States.

It subsequently passed through the ownership of Frank Ross of Goodyear, Arizona, and then to the previous owner in 2005. At that time, the car was serviced by Desert European Motorcars of Rancho Mirage, California, receiving new spark plugs, ignition coil, amplifier, and relay. A set of new Michelin Pilot Sport tires was installed, along with a LoJack early warning recovery system. The Jaguar was acquired by the current owner in 2012, who had it imported into Canada. Although it has not been driven since, it has been regularly maintained to ensure proper driving order and has been routinely appraised for condition.

Only 281 examples of this British thoroughbred were built, and this is one of only a handful certified for United States registration. This impeccable XJ220 has been recently serviced, including a change of brake fluid, and was also emissions-tested at that time. Rare, exotic, and tremendously quick, this magnificent Jaguar is ready for its next owner to enjoy. Currently registered in Ontario, Canada, it is supplied with its original Operator’s Manual (a video CD), tool kit (including the special lug wrench and socket for the center-lock alloy wheels), and first-aid kit.

Proud successor to Jaguar’s glory days of the 1950s, the XJ220 is a necessity for any Jaguar collection, and this is an outstanding example.