Two Super-Rare Jaguars Featured at Gran Turismo Auction
Money and taste don’t always go hand in hand. But when they do, you get something like the Gran Turismo Collection.
Let’s say you won the Powerball, and you suddenly had the net worth of a small nation. What kinds of cars would you buy? Since everyone likely reading this is a gearhead, you probably don’t need a lot of help coming up with a list. But if you’re looking for a cheat sheet on how to assemble a stable that’s eclectic, tasteful, and extremely high dollar? Look no further than the Gran Turismo collection, a fantastic menagerie of vehicles that the folks are RM Sothebys took to the block last week.
First up, let’s take a look at the Jaguars. The less-rare of the pair was a 1993 Jaguar XJ220 S, which looked striking in its bold orange finish. Even as a fan of the XJ220, and someone who follows what they sell for, I’d never seen an orange example — and there’s a good reason for that. Because according to the listing, this was the only one produced. Making it even more desirably is the fact that it was one of just five built — for the 24 Hours of Le Mans homologation standards.
The other Jaguar that crossed the block was even more of a unicorn. And as much as this phrase is overused? The Jaguar XJR-15 is a proper race car for the road. Unlike the XJ220, which used a twin-turbo V6, the XJR-15 had a 12-cylinder mill in the engine bay, which helps cement its supercar cred. That 12-pot, as many enthusiasts will remember, is so loud that occupants have to use an aircraft-style headset to communicate while underway.
For those keeping score, both sold. The XJ220 S went for 1,092,250, while the XJR-15 commanded $1,136,993, which given how underappreciated these cars are, was cool to see.
For what it’s worth, the rest of the collection was also specular. If I could pick — Jags excepted — three to put in my driveway, I’d probably opt to get the Ferrari 288 GTO, the Lamborghini Countach, and the Martini-liveried Lancia Delta S4 rally car. That said, I’m also tempted by the Bugatti EB110, and the Lamborghini Miura — but I’m confident I could live with my first choices, if someone put my feet to the fire. Which ones would you choose? Hit me up and let me know!
Photos: RM Sothebys