Yellow There: Doug DeMuro Checks Out the Jaguar XJR-15
The Jaguar XJR-15 is an amazing car. But it also raises important questions about another legendary Jag.
Obviously, this is hardly the first time we’ve covered the 1991 XJR-15 on JaguarForums. But lately, there’s been plenty of discussion threads about the value modern classic Jaguars, and also, a deep dive from quirks and features specialist Doug DeMuro seems too good not to highlight. Plus, after watching this video? I’m left with some nagging questions about Coventry’s more famous supercar, the XJ220.
That said, let’s talk background. The XJR-15 was the brainchild of Tom Walkinshaw Racing, and built in partnership with Jaguar under the Jaguar Sport nameplate. Essentially, the car was a production version of the XJR-R which won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1988. And while the XJ220 is undoubtably a rare bird, with only 53 units produced, the XJR-15 is even more so. Of those machines, only 28 were road cars, as the remainder were built for track use. None were ever officially sold in the United States.
Those factors have likely contributed to prices keeping pace with inflation, as this version is currently valued at around $2,000,000, or roughly equal to the $980,000 it cost three decades ago. In comparison, the XJ220 is a total bargain.
Precious few compromises were made to prepare the XJR-15 for the road, as the cabin is so loud, occupants have to wear aircraft-style headsets to speak. Additionally, opening the hood requires removing a significant chunk — think wheels, fender liners, grille — of the back end. So unless you’re rolling with a support car, pit crew, and jack stands, you can forget about showing off the 6.0-liter V12 at Cars and Coffee.
And yup, that’s right — I wrote V12. Which is the fact that makes the questions in my head start to spiral. Because as Jaguar fans know, despite briefly being the fastest car in the world, the XJ220 was denounced as a disappointment, largely because it was packing a twin-turbo V6, as opposed to the 12-pot Jaguar initially promised. So my question is, if Jaguar already had a V12 appropriate for a super car, why didn’t the company use it for the XJ220? Wouldn’t that have been better than developing a new mill? So if you have an answer, or even a decent theory, hit me up!
Photos: YouTube