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Anyone even marginally acquainted with ’90s high-performance automobiles will recall the Jaguar XJ220, the exquisite, remarkably swift, and poorly received supercar Jag introduced as the successor to the legendary XK120. Despite contentious specifications, the XJ220 was crowned the world’s fastest production car in 1992. The success of Jaguar’s Bugatti competitor can be linked back to the XJR-11 prototype racecar, one of which will be going up for auction this October at RM Sotheby’s autumn sale.
This vehicle was a part of the XJR sports prototype series, recognized for its wheel spats and the distinctive purple and white branding of Silk Cut cigarettes. Being the successor to the formidable XJR-9, the initial car to break Porsche’s seven-year winning streak at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the XJR-11 had significant expectations to meet. Only three XJR-11s were created by Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR) to adhere to the new fuel regulations set by FIA Group C for the 1989 season, replacing the V12 of the 9 with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine. With the increasing popularity of twin-turbo setups dominating IMSA and Group C, the XJR-11’s engine was 220 pounds lighter than its predecessor but yielded 750 horsepower in the more potent Group C version (the vehicle utilized a 3.0-liter engine for IMSA competitions and was named the XJR-10). A toned-down version of this engine would later become the power source for the XJ220.
Despite the enhancements in engine setup and handling, the XJR-11 faltered in maintaining the legacy of the XJR-9. Persistent reliability issues, primarily linked to the engine, haunted the vehicles. The final blows came as a V12-powered XJR-12 clinched victory at the 1990 24 Hours of Le Mans, and new Group C regulations prohibiting turbochargers were introduced for the 1991 season.
Despite its flaws, this specific vehicle—assigned chassis numbers 289, 1290, and presently 590 (shifting chassis codes was commonplace at TWR)—competed in 13 races during its tenure, achieving podium placements at Spa, Silverstone, and the 6 Hours of Mexico. It was helmed by Andy Wallace, except for one race.
“The [XJR-11] represented a significant leap forward from the V12 Jags,” quoted Wallace. “It was a remarkable vehicle, albeit coinciding with one of the most incredible sports cars, the Mercedes C11.”
Tim Scott ©2019 Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s
After its forced induction plan was thwarted, chassis 590 languished at TWR for some time before falling into the hands of Aston Martin Works president Paul Spires. He had it refurbished by an XJ220 specialist and exhibited it in various Group C and Jaguar racing presentations during his ownership. Now, it awaits a new owner to carry on the legacy.
This 1989 Jaguar XJR-11 will be auctioned off at RM Sotheby’s London auction on Oct. 24. While it represents a failed episode in Jaguar’s motorsport narrative, its development laid the groundwork for more triumphant Group C Jags as well as the sophisticated XJ220 supercar.
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