1988 Jaguar XJR-9

1988 Jaguar XJR-9
Sold For $2,145,000 Including Commission
RM Auction, Amelia Island, Florida 2015
Chassis No.TWR-J12C-388
Engine No.00415
Gearbox No.89SRD 102
Winner of the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1990
Placed 2nd overall at seven IMSA events, including the 1989 24 Hours of Daytona
Podium finishes at the 1989 and 1990 12 Hours of Sebring
The sole remaining example of two purpose-built, IMSA-specification XJR-9s ever built
Presented in truly stunning condition; restored and maintained regardless of cost
Fantastic, fully detailed history and memorabilia included with the sale
Extensive available spares and back-up support for this model
Recent feature story in Octane Magazine (.pdf link)
Est. 670 bhp, 5,996 cc SOHC 24-valve, water-cooled, naturally aspirated, aluminum, 60-degree V-12 engine with Bosch fuel injection and Motec engine management, five-speed straight-cut TWR transmission, front independent double-wishbone, pushrod-actuated suspension with horizontally mounted Koni shock absorbers with coil springs, rear independent double-wishbone suspension with Bilstein shock absorbers and coil springs, and four-wheel AP Racing four-pot calipers with 13-inch cast-iron disc brakes. Wheelbase: 106.7 in.
THE JAGUAR XJR PROGRAM
In the early 1980s, two of Jaguars most successful privateers had plans to bring the once competitive marque back to the forefront of international racing. Bob Tullis’ Group 44 team, based in Virginia, in the United States., and Tom Walkinshaw’s TWR (Tom Walkinshaw Racing), based in the United Kingdom, had extensive experience with the latest version of Jaguar’s V-12 engine. Both felt it could be a strong competitor in the newly formed Group C World Championship. Group 44 would focus on the IMSA GTP Championship, while TWR concentrated on Group C. Once again, Jaguar was aiming to win Le Mans.
With Group 44’s Fabcar-designed, mid-engined XJR-5 ready in late 1982, they had a clear head start over TWR. Throughout the season, the XJR-5 raced with considerable success, which was highlighted by a class win at Road Atlanta. Jaguar also raced at Le Mans in 1984 and 1985, scoring a fantastic class victory in its second attempt. Unfortunately, this car stood little chance of overall victory at Le Mans, so Jaguar focused on developing its relationship and success with TWR. The decision was made by the factory to return to the World Championship as a full Works team that was supported by TWR, similar to Audi and Joest today.
TWR’s first full season in Group C was in 1986. With an overall victory at the 1000 KM of Silverstone in May, the team was feeling confident heading to Le Mans the following month. Unfortunately, 1986 would prove to be a difficult year for the “Big Cats” at Le Mans, as none of the three cars entered would finish. Over the winter, TWR worked tirelessly to create the new XJR-8 (the Group 44 team’s latest IMSA GTP racer was designated the XJR-7). It would prove to be the key for TWR, which dominated the 1987 World Championship, claiming eight outright victories over 10 events. Again, TWR entered three cars at Le Mans, but once again it was not to be Jaguar’s year. Porsche continued their dominance of Circuit de la Sarthe with their fifth consecutive overall victory.
Jaguar’s recognition of the importance of its presence in the United States resulted in the decision to run a Works team in IMSA and commission the brand-new XJR-9 in the GTP class for 1988. Jaguar dominated the World Championship once again, as well as incredibly claiming the overall victory at the 24 Hours of Daytona at their first attempt. With more cars available, Jaguar was finally in a position to rival the Porsches, as they entered five cars at Le Mans. Jaguar managed to secure outright wins at the 1988 running, with drivers Johnny Dumfries, Jan Lammers, and Andy Wallace. The rest of the season proved just as successful for Jaguar, as they claimed victory at the two most prestigious 24-hour endurance events, and ultimately the Group C World Championship, with their new XJR-9.
After having used the same basic chassis design for the past three seasons, TWR designed two brand-new turbocharged V-6 cars for 1989, the XJR-10 and XJR-11 for the IMSA and Group C Championships, respectively. Neither car proved a worthy successor to the XJR-9, so the team decided to compete with a mixture of both the latest cars, while an updated XJR-9, which was now dubbed the XJR-12, was used solely for the long-distance events at Daytona and Sebring.
CHASSIS TWR-J12C-388
Construction of the carbon fiber and Kevlar monocoque for TWR-J12C-388 began in mid-July of 1987 at Advance Composite Technology in Derbyshire, United Kingdom. The complete car was finished in October of the same year.
More Info Here:
Robert Myrick Photography