Conceived by Jaguar engineering director Jim Randle and his “Saturday Club” in the mid-1980s, the XJ220 prototype was intended to prove that Jaguar could still design, engineer, and produce the world’s best performing and most attractive cars. The XJ220 was to be a powerful and aerodynamic two-seat, all-wheel-drive coupe capable of more than 200 mph. Furthermore, it was to provide a superior level of luxury and comfort when compared to other supercars of the time, including the celebrated Porsche 959 and the spartan Ferrari F40. Even today, nearly 30 years after its debut at the Birmingham Auto Show in 1988, it is clear to see why Jaguar received massive interest from customers around the world.

However, production plans for the XJ220 were to be sorely tested when the worldwide economic recession forced many automakers to shelve or outright cancel such “image building” projects. The biggest disruption to the plan happened when Jaguar was acquired by Ford Motor Company in 1990. Though Jaguar intended to fit the XJ220 with a naturally aspirated V-12 developed by Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR), the production cars were fitted with a twin-turbocharged V-6. This engine still proved to provide incredible performance as it had been a successful powerplant for XJR-10 and XJR-11 racing cars. The production version also had a wheelbase that was eight inches shorter than the prototype. Despite the changes, the Jaguar was capable of producing 542 horsepower, 475 foot-pounds of torque, and speeds in excess of 200 mph, as projected. Its performance was incredible for its time, as it was quicker to 60 mph and faster than both the Ferrari F40 and Lamborghini Diablo, and it held the honor of being the world’s fastest production car until the introduction of the legendary McLaren F1.

This example was purchased new by its current owner from RM Classic Cars. Three of the 11 total XJ220s sold by RM were exported to the United States. The EPA and DOT conversion required to import the car was performed using Jaguar parts, which were provided under warranty. Testing for compliance with emissions and safety regulations was performed by Mark Timko at Compliance and Research in Newark, New Jersey. While not being worked on, the XJ220 was stored at Jaguar’s Port Storage Authority, to avoid legal complications with the importation process.

After being serviced with a new braking system, new engine seals, and new belts in 2012, this beautifully maintained Jaguar XJ220 – with only 3,390 original kilometers – is being offered by its first owner and is fully licensed and ready to enjoy in the U.S.