This is the 1995 Jaguar XJ220 by Pininfarina, also known as ‘Project J’, and it’s one of the most fascinating cars in terms of both design, and mystery, of all time. Back in the early 1990’s, motor racing team and engineering firm, Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR) got involved with British multinational car manufacturer, Jaguar, to build a sports car like the world has never seen before. After being designed by South African automotive designer, Keith Helfet, a concept called the XJ220 was first ever shown at the 1988 British International Motor Show. Due to dimensions, weight, and environmental emissions, the decision was made to replace the Jaguar V12 engine planned in the concept car with a twin-turbocharged V6. This didn’t stop the Sultan of Brunei, and the royal family of Brunei from purchasing close to 20 XJ220 examples for their 5000+ car collection in the 90’s. At least two of the family’s XJ220’s were sent to Italian car design firm and coachbuilder, Pininfarina, where head of special project, Paolo Garella, and his team would restyle and modify two of the royal families XJ220 examples. One of the cars was finished in black, and the other in green, and both cars still do exist to this day as of 2025. The modifications on ‘J’ included a Williams F1 paddle-shift gearbox developed in collaboration with Prodrive in England, power-assisted steering, reworked electrics, and a complete shortened body makeover. The body panels were manufactured by Coggiola of Turin, and the engineering was handled by Italtecnica.
How many made? 1 of 2
Engine: 3.5L twin-turbo Jaguar V6 - 542bhp at 7200rpm
Debut: Brunei, 1995
Top Speed: 220mph (reported)
0-60mph: N/A
Photo Credit: Paolo Garella,Pininfarina, Marko.Urbac
Research: @rarecarsonly