Jaguar XJ220
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One of the shortest-running autos on this list, the Jaguar XJ220 was produced between 1992 to 1994. This two-seat supercar was the result of a collaboration between Jaguar and Tom Walkinshaw Racing, a company known for race engineering and being a specialist in automobiles. During this time, only 275 models were produced, making it incredibly rare and even cooler. The model reached 212.3 mph in testing, meaning from 1992 to 1993, it was the fastest production auto. Other important specifications include its 542 bhp, 475 pound-feet of torque, and the ability to reach 60 mph from a stop in just 3.6 seconds.
source: ShutterStock
The XJ220 was based on a concept car with four-wheel drive and a V12 powertrain that Jaguar employees had actually made in their spare time. Their goal had been a modern variation of the Jaguars from the 24 Hours of Le Mans races in the 1950s and 1960s that would be able to compete in FIA Group B. The efforts of the informal group of employees were combined with the engineering work from the current racing family. Unfortunately, engineering requirements meant that some changes had to be made between the concept and production model, including swapping out the V12 with a turbocharged V6. When it finally debuted, the XJ220 was Jaguar’s most expensive auto at the time, selling for £470,000 each.
Between the high price and the economic recession, plus the numerous changes Jaguar made to the prototype before production, the XJ220 did not do as well as the automaker had hoped. It is only in recent years that the XJ220 has become sought after for those who collect cars, possibly due to its record-setting speed (at the time) and rarity.
