This is the 2000 Jaguar XK180 prototype and its the second of just two XK180 prototype cars ever built, both being roadsters. The XK180 was built to demonstrate the talent of the Jaguar stylists, craftsmen and engineers, while also celebrating the 50th anniversary of the XK. Of the two cars built, one was a right hand drive and the other was a left hand drive. The two prototype cars did differentiate a bit with some slight detail modifications including a new wheel design, a revised shade for the exterior color, a switch in the hue of the interior leather and minor modifications to better display the lines on the lower body section. The mechanicals remained unchanged from both cars as they both utilized the same engine. The XK180 was first revealed as a concept car by British car manufacturer Jaguar Cars at the Paris Motor Show in 1998. The model was originally designed by South African automotive designer, Keith Helfet. This particular XK180 was revealed two years after the initial concept during the 2000 North American International Auto Show as a further developed variation of the original concept car, and like the first car, this example was also constructed by Jaguar’s Special Vehicle Operations (SVO), and was hand-built in Coventry, England. This second example is of course the sole left-hand drive example produced.
How many made? Just two prototype XK180 cars were ever built, this being the second car of the two in a LHD spec.
Engine: Both prototypes used the same engine set up: a supercharged and intercooled variant of the AJ-V8, modified to achieve an output of 450 horsepower.
Debut: The first RHD variant of the XK180 debuted at the 1998 Paris Motor Show, with the LHD variant shown here debuting at the 2000 American International Auto Show.
Top Speed: the XK180 Prototype has a claimed top speed of 180mph, although never been tested.
0-60mph: The XK180 has a claimed 0-60mph time of about 4.2 seconds.
Photo credit: @lude2lust
Research: @rarecarsonly