Jags on Film: XJ220 in ‘Gone in 60 Seconds’
Is it really any surprise that the best car movie ever made features a cameo by the Jaguar XJ220?
Given that I’m a diehard fan of the marque, it should come as no surprise I love seeing Jaguars on film. So I’ll periodically go looking for great chase scenes featuring our favorite big cats. And while this post isn’t exactly about a chase scene? There’s a Jaguar XJ220 involved, so I felt it warranted inclusion in the category. Unfortunately, this legendary supercar doesn’t get the recognition it deserves, so I love the fact that it was a — relatively minor — plot point in my favorite car movie of all time — Gone in 60 Seconds.
To be clear, I’m not talking about the original version, which is an unwatchable piece of cinematic garbage. But even if that trashy, low-production dumpster fire was the automotive equivalent of Citizen Kane? The copyright holder is as hostile to the automotive hobby as the California Air Resources Board, so it’s best to be avoided on general principle. Don’t believe me? Just look at what the director’s wife has done to anyone who dares call their Mustang Eleanor. It’s seriously heartbreaking. That said, the Nicholas Cage version is amazing.
First, there’s the cast. Along with Cage, there’s Angelina Jolie, Robert Duvall, Delroy Lindo, Giovani Ribisi, and — in a near-forgotten detour onto the silver screen — rapper Master P. Then, there’s the list of cars, which includes vehicular icons like the Ferrari 355, Pontiac GTO, Porsche 959, and DeTomaso Pantera. Add in production by master of disaster Jerry Bruckheimer, and you’ve got a recipe for awesome. So if you haven’t seen it? Rest assured, this movie is far more than the sum of its parts. It’ll make you forget all about the moronic Fast & Furious series that’s dumbed down the entire gearhead genre.
As I stated above, the XJ220 has precious little screen time. But as out friends over at Hot Cars have helpfully pointed out, the rare car is actually stolen not just once, but twice! I have to admit, as many times as I’ve watched this flick, I never noticed that. Though next time I fire it up, I’ll be keeping an eye out to catch this tiny misstep. Unfortunatley, as hard as I looked, I couldn’t find any footage on YouTube of the XJ220’s close up, so you’ll have to settle for the trailer below, which hopefully entices you to check out this unrivaled masterpiece. Enjoy!
Photos: Touchstone Pictures