Jaguar XJ220 Review - How Did Jaguar's Finest Hour Become Their Biggest Regret?

Yep, your eyes do not deceive you. I have, somehow, managed to bag an XJ220 for a review. Jaguar's legendary hypercar from the early 1990s. With outlandish design, a hugely powerful engine and the highest top speed in the world, Jaguar's car should have been a roaring success - but it instead was a massive failure. Let's talk about what happened - with this 550bhp monster as a beautiful companion.

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[charlesbamlett]

I was lucky enough to be part of the engine development team at TWR for this car & had many ride outs in it over those years - still brings a smile more than 25 years later...

Funny to hear Jays comments about the tyres as the early delevopment wheels were 3-piece ones that had a habit of losing pressure at 'inconvenient' moments. I was out in the wilds of Norfolk accumulating mileage in the 'XJ220 Transit' (look it up...) one weekend when I had a rear tyre let go big time, writing it off in the 100 or so yards it took to come to a stop.

Because each corner had it's own specific tyre (they were asymmetrical & unidirectional) & the wheels were held on by a single central wheel nut, we didn't carry any spares. Imagine the call I had with the AA when I had to request a flat bed to take me & the car back to Oxford just because of a flat tyre!

[deven]

IMO, this is one of the most beautiful cars ever made.

[jonathonedwards]

Some youtubers hype up their videos. I think you under sold this.

[quidstudio]

It's interesting seeing the XJ220 just casually parked on the curb of a sleepy suburban pavement in the UK as opposed to the usual photo shoot or recetrack.

[JDStoneCreations]

That intro of you just waving your arms about frantically... Perfect. Congrats Jay!

[parttimetourist]

I drove an XJ220 while working at the Motor Show and I can honestly say I have never reached point B from point A so fast in all my life, it was like holding on to a rocket

[petyrkowalski]

I always loved this car. A brand new one pulled up at a petrol station next to me near Coventry in about 1994 and it was unbelievable…like an alien spaceship.

[davidkennedy]

Although the McLaren F1 was the faster, more nimble car, I'd say that the XJ220 is a much, much better looking car. Definitely one of the prettiest cars ever made!!!

[satsahota]

Respect to J for delivering the chat without an autocue, obviously knows his stuff for real!

[limjjxj]

Imagine it's '93 and you're driving around some larger European city in one of these, blasting out 90's dance music looking all smug and cool.

[sportzntouring]

I love how the dashboard extends into the door! What a dream, driving that car!

[mikeyBIA]

This is my favourite car. Hands down. No question. What a thing

[Francis_Castiglione]

This is my favorite 90's supercar. I lusted after this more than the McLaren F1.

[rogerpritchard]

Cars seldom are as beautiful as this. Quite simply like nothing else. Well done jaguar.

[kevinraymer]

Incredibly beautiful car. Freaking timeless style. One of jags best designs.

[Wallygjs]

I am seriously jealous! I always thought the XJ220 was one of the best looking cars of all time and still do. I also think the engine doesn't sound that bad, if you have heard the McLaren Senna the 220 sounds a lot nicer than that.

[ara]

I remember being at the motor show when Jaguar showed the car. Seriously could not get anywhere near it, the crowds of people were staggering. Beautiful car, great review 👍

[blackjacket_]

Literally everyone: F40
Some: F50 or Countach
Me: sitting in the corner, holding down the picture of this.

[qasimansari]

The 90s were great for many reasons and this beautiful creation is certainly one of them. Magnificent car!

[ryanwilson]

One of my favourite cars of all time. McLaren F1 and 220 are my 2 favourite British cars, I'm sorry, but I'd rather have 220 over F1. There is something about the XJ, I find so special.