This Jaguar XJ220LM Is Where It Belongs: On the Road

By Tony Markovich - December 7, 2015

xj220lm

The Jaguar XJ220 is a funny bird. It’s one of the most interesting and coolest supercars of the past quarter decade, but when it launched, it was considered a pretty big flop, mainly because of the engine. The original prototype was fitted with a massive V12 and four-wheel drive. But when it was released to the public (275 were built between 1992 and 1994), it had a twin-turbo V6. Nothing to scoff at, but also not a V12. Still, the XJ220 has become legend.

Part of that legend is the car’s participation in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1993 and 1995. In the Grand Touring class, the car took first place but was disqualified for catalytic converters that did not meet regulations.

Race cars have an odd way of disappearing after they’re done on the track. Either they end up in a scrap yard or a museum, or just in somebody’s collection, never to be seen again. But not this XJ220 in the video below. And not this Mazda 767B, or this Porsche 962C, for that matter. These cars are still driving around on the same roads everybody else drives on.

Motorhead Magazine and Maiham-Media paired up to bring you this beautifully shot story about three drivers and three cars with extremely unique pasts and extremely fun presents. Directed and edited by Luke Huxham and animated by Edward Khoma, this video is totally worth all nine minutes of your time.