$27 Million Jaguar XJ13 Le Mans Race Car to run at Bradford Classic

Thursday, July 17, 2008 | 3 comments » Categories | Classics, Jaguar, Racing |

A one-off 1960s prototype Jaguar Le Mans race car worth an estimated £14 million (about $27 million or €18 million) will take part at the Bradford Classic this Saturday on July 19, 2008. The XJ13 that is owned by Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust (JDHT) and kept in its museum in Coventry is very rarely seen - let alone run- and it is believed that this is the first time it has ever run through a British City.

The XJ13 prototype that features a mid-mounted V12 engine will be accompanied at the Bradford Classic by its equally famous test driver, Norman Dewis. Dewis was the man behind the wheel when the XJ13 prototype crashed on the Mira test track in 1971 at 140 mph (225 km/h) after earlier breaking the lap record at 161 (259 km/h). Fortunately, Dewis was escaped the accident unharmed. Several years later, the racing car was rebuilt by Jaguar to a specification similar to the original, using the body jigs made for its original construction. -Continued

3 comments

Holden McRoyne // July 17, 2008

The most beautiful car of all time.
jackbassv // July 19, 2008

Sorry guys, but the XJ13 was run in a classic car day through the center of Coventry about 15 years ago. I took my son and daughter to see the event, and they both loved the XJ13.

Wish they'd make a new version. It's even better than an E-type.
marvin on Long Island NY // August 31, 2008

somebody is making copies of these. I saw one today but the 1950 Willys Jeepster I was driving was unable to catch up with it. I recognized it immediately but couldn't remember the model name or how many were made - I knew not many but I thought a few, not just 1, so the one I saw was a fake. but it sure looked good.