Car Catcher: Is the Jaguar XJ220 the Most Underrated Supercar?

When you think of supercars from the late '80s and early '90s, what comes to mind? Unless you're a Jaguar aficionado, you probably envisioned the Ferrari F40, McLaren F1 or the Porsche 959. Prices for the lesser-known XJ220 reflect that, with Hagerty valuing a No. 2 at $460,000. Good luck getting near the others for less than a million in any condition. This 1993 Jaguar XJ220 will be offered with no reserve at RM Sotheby’s Abu Dhabi show November 30. Could it be a great deal from the golden age of traditional supercars?

Robbie UltimaDork
10/1/19 2:53 p.m.

I love the 220. Very cool.

wspohn Dork
10/1/19 7:13 p.m.

Full order books and then the economy dumped, leaving many forfeited deposits and new cars with no buyers.

The cars were criticized for not having a V12 or V8, but the performance was there so who cares - do you own them to enjoy driving or to count cylinders? One of the neatest Jags ever.

Jordan Rimpela Digital Editor
10/2/19 8:14 a.m.

In reply to wspohn :

Agreed. I suppose I can understand how a lack of a V12 would be disappointing, but the performance was there.

wspohn Dork
10/3/19 4:50 p.m.

I agree with you, but most of the buyers that put orders down were told it was going to be a V12 car. Many backed out when they found it would be a turbo V6 and they lost another batch when the economy tanked.

aribert New Reader
10/7/19 6:48 a.m.

In Dec of '92 or Jan '93 I was at a test track (Millbrook) in the UK. I was there for engineering review of the 2nd gen SAAB 900 convertible undergoing development testing. At the same time the XJ220 was undergoing testing. The high speed loop of the test track had designated speed lanes but when they were running the 220 at **real** high speed, the other vehicles had to exit the loop. Sounded like an Indy car on a qualifying run.

SweetJams New Reader
10/7/19 9:38 p.m.

26 years later and still a beauty.