We’ve discussed the standard 1 of ~280 XJ220, the 1 of 1 XJ220LM, the 1 of 6 XJ220S, the 1 of 1 XJ220 Pininfarina, the 1 of 3 XJ220N, and other related projects, but this car shown here is truly different from all of the rest, the 1 of 4 1993 Jaguar XJ220C (SAJJEAEX7AX220838), car number 003. The XJ220C or ‘Competition’ was built and prepared for racing in the 1993 24 hours of Le Mans. Much like the Jaguar XJ220S, the XJ220C made use of lightweight carbon fiber in place of the standard XJ220’s fixed aluminum coachwork. The Tom Walkinshaw Racing Team first ever used the XJ220-C in a race when it was driven by Win Percy at the BRDC National Sports GT Challenge at Silverstone, which it ultimately won 1st place comfortably. After Rigerous testing and preparation a total of three XJ220-C’s were entered into 1993 24 Hours of Le Mans race, in the newly created Grand Touring Class. John Nielsen, David Brabham and David Coulthard being the drivers, (car number 50 chassis 002, car number 51 chassis 001 and car number 52 chassis 003, this car) won the GT class, beating Porsche by two laps. Historically, the XJ220C is also the last Jaguar to ever achieve a victory at Le Mans, however, Jaguar’s class win was revoked when the Jaguar XJ220-C was controversially disqualified for failing to run with catalytic converters. Jaguar appealed and won their appeal but were still ultimately disqualified by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO) after confirming their appeal had not been sent in time. The XJ220C went on to race again but unsuccessfully, and then was subsequently retired after the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans. This particular car was driven by IMSA racer Jay Cochran, Formula 1 driver Paul Belmondo, and GT racer Andreas Fuchs.
How many made? 4 total. 220836, 220837, 220838 and 220839, with one car being a spare, officially numbered by abbreviated TWR serial numbers 001, 002, and 003.
Engine: An updated 4-cam twin-turbocharged V6-cylinder race-tuned engine producing a restricted 500 horsepower.
Debut: the 'Autosport' Racing Car Show in Birmingham in January 1993.
Top Speed: Around 215-220mph
0-60mph: unknown
Photo credit: @parkedinmarseille
Research: @rarecarsonly