This is a 1991 JaguarSport XJR-15 chassis 035, build number 046, a car that originally is believed to have worn chassis 013. The JaguarSport XJR-15 was developed by Scottish racing driver Tom Walkinshaw, founder of Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR). His relationship with Jaguar rose after success racing a Jaguar XJ-S in the 1982 European Touring Car Championship. By 1988, the TWR-designed Jaguar XJR-9 won the 24 Hours of Le Mans. With demand growing for a racing road car, TWR and Jaguar Cars Limited formed JaguarSport in the late 1980s to develop the XJR-15 and XJ220. Initially dubbed ‘XJR-14’, ‘R9-R’, or ‘S3’ internally, the Peter Stevens-designed XJR-15 was based on the Tony Southgate-engineered XJR-9LM. Stevens began with the ex-Win Percy XJR-8 tub, building a Le Mans-style road car per Walkinshaw’s request. Stevens later revised the carbon monocoque for road use, while Jim Router and David Fullerton tuned the chassis. Carbon fiber work was done by Astec Composites and Dove. Andy Morrison served as project manager, with Charlie Bamber and Martin Smith developing the engine under Allan Scott. It was also built to race in the 1991 Jaguar Sport Intercontinental Challenge—held at Monaco, Silverstone, and Spa—with 16 cars entered and two spares prepared. This example joined ‘The Gran Turismo Collection’ in November 2018 through a deal arranged by expert Don Law, who confirmed in writing that the chassis, engine, and gearbox match factory records. Registered with the DVLA in April 2019, it received a fire extinguisher and quick-release steering boss for £3,283, followed by additional maintenance including a major £11,301 service in September 2019 that required removal of the V-12 engine to replace the crankshaft oil seal. It was sold by @rmsothebys in their London 2022 auction for £972,500 GBP.
How many made? 50 total (+2 prototypes)
Engine: 6.0L 450hp naturally aspirated 24-valve Jaguar V12
Debut: press launch at Silverstone in January 1991
Top Speed: around 191mph
0-60mph: around 3.9 seconds
Photo Credit: @rmsothebys
Research: @rarecarsonly