Back to the 1990s
The Jaguar XJ220’s twin-turbocharged V6 makes close to 550bhp and can propel the sub-1500kg (c3307lb) supercar to a top speed north of 200mph. Scary stuff.
Unfortunately, this Big Cat has barely had the opportunity to stretch its legs: in the last 31 years, this 1994 example has covered just 336km (209 miles) – and now it’s for sale.
It will cross the block in Broad Arrow’s upcoming Zürich auction, which takes place in the Swiss city on 1 November 2025. Let’s find out more.
Check your pockets
Broad Arrow expects this low-mileage Jaguar XJ220 to sell for £392-438,000 (€450-504,000/$521-583,000).
That’s certainly a huge amount of money, but it pales in comparison to the stratospheric values recently achieved by some of its period rivals…
Big-ticket classic cars
In March 2025, Broad Arrow sold a 1248-mile Ferrari F40 for more than $3.66m.
Thought that was expensive? A one-of-64 roadgoing McLaren F1 is set to go under the hammer in an RM Sotheby’s auction this December. It’s expected to sell for more than £16m (€18m/$21m) – and it’s done a whopping 13,711 miles.
Suddenly, this barely used XJ220 looks like a bit of a bargain. Kind of.
Thin on the ground
When it was new, Jaguar sold the XJ220 for around £360,000. Even then, the British marque struggled to shift them.
It originally planned to make 350 examples, but in the end around 280 left the JaguarSport works.
So the Jaguar XJ220 is a rare beast, which makes this 336km example even more significant.
Rocky start
Although the early-1990s recession was the main reason potential buyers were put off the Jaguar XJ220, the car’s protracted development didn’t help.
The first prototype was shown at the 1988 British Motor Show.
The same, but different
The concept was finished in the same eye-catching shade as this Spa Silver example.
But, unlike this production car, the show car promised V12 power and a four-wheel-drive system.
Changes underneath
For various reasons, the 48-valve V12 was abandoned in favour of a twin-turbocharged V6, while the four-wheel-drive set-up became unfeasible.
Despite the loss of six cylinders, many people were still fascinated by the 200mph-plus, rear-drive supercar, which finally entered production in 1992.
New car day
This Jaguar XJ220 was delivered to its first owner, businessman Sheik Ahmed Jamal Jawa, and registered in France on 14 January 1994.
It was the 90th XJ220 built.
Don’t stare
The Jaguar XJ220’s striking lines, penned by Keith Helfet, changed very little in the time between concept and reality.
When it was new, it must have looked other-worldly.
Hold on tight
Its performance was in another world, too.
The 3498cc V6 is boosted by two Garrett T3 turbos.
When Autocar tested it, the XJ220 achieved 0-100mph in just 7.9 secs.
Safe hands
This Jaguar’s engine has been well cared for, despite its limited mileage.
In 2014, the car was delivered to UK-based XJ220 specialist Don Law Racing.
It stayed there for more than a year while the engine, gearbox and other components were overhauled.
Lots of work
Belts, fluids, filters and more were replaced, while a new clutch, bladder-type fuel tank and ECU were installed.
The brake system was restored and the engine bay was cleaned, too.
Where next?
Then, in May 2016, this Jaguar XJ220 was registered in Sweden.
It didn’t stay in the country for long, though, because it was soon back at Don Law Racing’s workshop.
Recent refresh
This time, the Jaguar got new engine seals, gaskets and much more.
Catalytic converter bypass pipes were also fitted and the headlamps were adjusted.
In all, the major service cost around €40,000.
Time in hibernation
Since returning to Sweden, the Jaguar XJ220 has once again lain dormant.
But its lack of use means that it remains in remarkably original condition.
Comfortable cabin
The Jaguar XJ220 isn’t a stripped-out supercar.
In fact, its leather-lined cockpit is luxurious and the seats have plenty of padding – perfect for long-distance road trips.
Something special
The six-dial binnacle, with a rev counter straight ahead and a 360kph (c220mph) speedometer alongside it, reminds you that this isn’t any continent-crossing cruiser.
A badge on the centre console shows the shift pattern for the five-speed gearbox.
Dial it in
Another one of the Jaguar XJ220’s quirks is the instrument cluster that extends to the driver’s door.
It includes boost and temperature gauges.
The view out back
Vision out of the rear ‘screen isn’t ideal for three-point turns.
But all can be forgiven when you catch a glimpse of the monstrous twin-turbocharged V6 mounted amidships when you look behind you.
What next?
Will the next owner be tempted to put some more kilometres on this Jaguar XJ220’s odometer? Or will it remain in as-new condition and join a mighty classic car collection?
We’ll have to wait to find out.
This Jaguar supercar will be offered as part of Broad Arrow’s Zürich Auction on 1 November 2025, when it’s expected to sell for £392-438,000 (€450-504,000/$521-583,000).
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