I was lucky enough to be part of the engine development team at TWR for this car & had many ride outs in it over those years - still brings a smile more than 25 years later... Funny to hear Jays comments about the tyres as the early delevopment wheels were 3-piece ones that had a habit of losing pressure at 'inconvenient' moments. I was out in the wilds of Norfolk accumulating mileage in the 'XJ220 Transit' (look it up...) one weekend when I had a rear tyre let go big time, writing it off in the 100 or so yards it took to come to a stop. Because each corner had it's own specific tyre (they were asymmetrical & unidirectional) & the wheels were held on by a single central wheel nut, we didn't carry any spares. Imagine the call I had with the AA when I had to request a flat bed to take me & the car back to Oxford just because of a flat tyre!
It's interesting seeing the XJ220 just casually parked on the curb of a sleepy suburban pavement in the UK as opposed to the usual photo shoot or recetrack.
I've only ever seen a model of one. so looks like someone just used an enlarge ray-gun on one of my toy cars. Always wanted one. Always reminds me of the delorean, because it was just as iconic, silver, dogged with issues, an impractical 2 seater and born in the 80's. I also remember about 10 years ago seeing Elton John's xj220 being sold on ebay for just £90k. Wish I had the money back then to make that investment.
I drove an XJ220 while working at the Motor Show and I can honestly say I have never reached point B from point A so fast in all my life, it was like holding on to a rocket
I always loved this car. A brand new one pulled up at a petrol station next to me near Coventry in about 1994 and it was unbelievable…like an alien spaceship.
@@ThunderChunky101 didnt know chris harris did it. Did it before I even knew about chris harris so you'll have to find the true origin of it and then ask me again
Why in a city where this car is a huge pain? First germanys windy country and mountain roads and then top it off with a highspeed run on the autobahn! If you drive this car in a city you’re just a show off, I want to be a driver not a jackass!
Although the McLaren F1 was the faster, more nimble car, I'd say that the XJ220 is a much, much better looking car. Definitely one of the prettiest cars ever made!!!
Yeah, I like this design. It was crazy when it came out. Countach had the angular design and those rear inlets which were futuristic. But this car with it's low profile and rounded body just oozed class and sophistication.
@@MasterMalrubius It was also a very usable car. I was fortunate enough to look after two while working overseas. The same owner had an F40 that he got bored with on his second drive because it was so basic and uncomfortable, he sold it. He also had a Countach LP5000 which was just horrible to drive. Like many he discounted the F1 because of the fact passengers were behind him. The 220 on the other hand was amazing and so stable at speed.
I remember being at the motor show when Jaguar showed the car. Seriously could not get anywhere near it, the crowds of people were staggering. Beautiful car, great review 👍
@@cp4512 fortunately not it was based on the f1 cosworth dfv v8 which in turn was loosely based on the 3.5 rover v8 and as every one knows that was originally a Buick engine and rover bought the rights to it
Kris Dewar Read Wikipedia Kris. You’ll find out that the engine (albeit heavily redesigned) was based on the engine in the Metro 6R4 Gp car as a Twin Turbo V6. But you are right that this engine does have some lineage back to the non-Turbo Rover/Buick V8.
I think the block from this engine went on to be used in Ford's GT90 concept car. The chassis and i think suspension were used too, not 100% sure on engine.
Well done! Not just on 3 years or on frankly living the dream here, but on still producing a quality video. You're filling a void in my viewing pleasure left behind long ago by old top gear, and I thank you.
I am seriously jealous! I always thought the XJ220 was one of the best looking cars of all time and still do. I also think the engine doesn't sound that bad, if you have heard the McLaren Senna the 220 sounds a lot nicer than that.
One of my favourite cars as a kid and I never knew the lights went down? Always thought they were pop up, anyone else only just found that out? Great review thank you!
One of my favourite cars of all time. McLaren F1 and 220 are my 2 favourite British cars, I'm sorry, but I'd rather have 220 over F1. There is something about the XJ, I find so special.
A friend of a friend bought one of these after he won the lotto, he was nice enough to take myself, my brother and a few of our friends all for a ride. Amazing car.
Since I first saw one glide it's way onto the M3 in 1992, and with dropped jaw uttered "wow", the XJ220 has always been my dream car. TWR still service them and make great modifications, including increasing the boot capacity - ever-so-slightly.
Congratulations James! The 220 is a real coup for the channel and well done on your first three years. You've built the foundation, onwards and upwards now!
I agree, fantastic looking car when it came out and still is. I never realised in was considered a failure and it came out so long ago. (Well it hasnt been a failure in terms of resale value)
I feel your joy at the beginning of this video . I love this car ....it's stunningly beautiful from every angle and in its best colour . And still very very fast . Great review 🖒
Jaguar liked those Alpine changers. My XJS is about this age and has one. Still works very nicely. While it's playing a disc I can't hear it running even I put my ear up to it.
My favourite and quite possibly the most gorgeous supercar - thank you for this video! Furthermore, you gained yourself a new subscriber; I highly enjoy your presentation and video style coupled with actual car knowledge (unlike "certain" others).
0:01 Exactly my reaction when I saw One at a Hotel in Spain... I was so amazed by the Look of this Car , a real piece of Art. A Porsche 959 gave me the same experience, but still the Design of the XJ220 is beyond comparison with any other Car. One thing that makes this Unique car even more Unique is the Weight ! It actually races like a Go-Kart... Thanks for this nice review ! Greetings !
Always loved this car. When it was released I was just a kid and even got a small model of it. 1 jaguar dealership had one in stock for years. I passed that place a number of times for many years and he must have had that xj220 in British racing green for 6 years. I often pulled over when I passed there just to have a close look.
I thought the reason the V12 wasn't used was due to cost cutting/recession? Great video, amazing looking car. I was at the motorshow in 1992 (was 9 years old) still love it to this day. Thanks for making the video!
Well done on getting such a special car on the channel Jay, as an 80's kid I remember this car coming out and how amazing it looked at the time and still does to be fair! My favourite colour for xj220 was the almost British racing green . Cool car and a cool video 😉👍
Was lucky enough to go to the press launch of this car in South Woodford. Epic. Lovely content as always. You did a great car proud , and made me sit listen and learn. Job well done as always. Thanks.
Congratulations on 3 years! Thanks for reviewing this unusual car. Can’t say I’m as infatuated as you are. I remember this debacle very well. I’m pretty sure that the 261 on the doorsill is the number of promised performance specs it didn’t meet. 😏 I’m glad to hear it’s better than reported performance after all these years. At the time, I wondered why it sold as badly as it did, until, years later, I heard a recording of the sound. 😩 I called it a GT Tractor sound. I think for those who bought it and then heard it, the sound was the final straw.
A car born out of the Mulsanne Straight at Le Mans/XJR9 pedigree, but hampered by the times, it still holds up as one of the most beautiful cars ever built. Great video JayEmm!
My favourite car with Citroen CX wing mirrors is the Jag XJ220 - it's my all time favourite car. It is simply the most beautiful car ever built, it's stunning, it happens to be incredibly fast (for its time at the very least), but that's irrelevant - it just looks amazing sitting still. You are right that it sounds crap - I was lucky enough to see one (the one in 'Jaguar Joyride' video - excellent video) 5 years ago at a rural garage having it's MOT - the garage workers expressed their lack of joy for working on the car, but did start it up and move it inside - and I was truly underwhelmed by the noise. This was an great video, and you are very lucky guy to get to drive such an awesome car.
Cracking video. Saw one in the flesh for the first time at Caffeine & Machine a few weeks ago, and it was bloody lovely. Even better for being s bit grubby and used. I agree that in the flesh they’ve actually aged really well and they are indeed big old beasts. I had a poster on my wall as a kid, so finally seeing one was brill.
Beautiful car, I remember seeing one years ago couldn’t believe how long it was , it had trade plates on it , some lucky bugger must have been test driving it
Supercars come and go but why is this so legendary? That's not a criticism but a genuine curiosity. You could drive a Veyron, Chiron or any Pagani or Koenigsegg - even a Macca F1. Yet it will always be the XJ220 that makes heads turn so fast they risk snapping away from peoples' necks. And it's not something made up. Supercar reviewers have said much the same thing. I mean, you could be driving around in the rarest of Ferraris, yet you get an XJ220 tagging along behind you and very few are going to notice the prancing horse; nearly everyone makes a beeline for the Jaguar. Beautiful car and I can't help falling for those curvy lines. I'm not a supercar fan in the slightest but this car changes all that in a shot. Not bad going for a Saturday side project, eh?
Once in my life I saw one parking in Duesseldorf, Germany, some 20 years ago. I wasn't a big fan of the XJ220 before, but that blue metallic one looked stunning. It emanated an optical elegance you wouldn't expect from an F40 competitor. The curvy body lines of the XJ220 added an intense 3D effect to the whole appearance. It looks 100 times better in reality than on any picture. And it's a tragic hero, misunderstood by its time. It's got a story, it has a unique styling, and it's rare. And the modified Group B engine is merely a perk in the eyes of an enthusiast than a disadvantage.
@Kris Nicholson Blah, blah, blah, blah...... Cross out the soul-less, techno willy-waving, performance record nonsense. There's something that always brings attention to the XJ220. People don't care about the speed, there are better cars out there. But when you line it up against the likes of those cars, all attention is still drawn to the XJ220. It has a near mythical status and an obvious rarity (though that last point isn't necessarily important.) It's got gorgeous styling too. But it also has something else I can't quite put my finger on.... Soul?
I'm not even into supercars, but the XJ220 looks just amazing. The F40 (while totally different) too. Both were technically not as advanced as competitors (959, F1) but they have that iconic look that ages well (or not at all?).
the official top speed of the jaguar xj220 was 217.1mph on a banked oval in italy piloted by martin brundle! if it was on a straight road it would have been 223mph! my all time favourite car, i remember as a kid how incredible this car was and i got to see it in the flesh when i saw it about 15 years ago (i'm 36 now) and i was very emotional, i spent around 30-45 minutes just in awe! that was the top gear world tour that i saw it and nothing in the entire show or the entire car collection even came close! my dream car is a lamborghini but my lifetime dream car is a jaguar xj220 and i defy anybody to find a better name than 'XJ220'
It was a fantasy car for me. The Audi Quattro was my dream car as it was something I could actually own. When eventually I could afford one I never actually bought one as the new Spyder Quattro was on the horizon but never actually materialized until the RS5 came out but was not mid engine car but was Quattro.
Amazing car and for me as well extremely emotional! I saw a silver Xj220 driving through Reigate in August 1999. Passers by gasped in astonishment! I well remember Martin Brundle doing 217 mph and him expressing how it had a bit more to go if it was a long straight run. What does annoy me is when some car mag or tv show always quote this 212 mph figure. It sure could do a bit more than that. Amazing and truly iconoclastic supercar
@@jackthompson361 the 212mph run at nardo was with the cats installed. For the top speed run they removed the cats which presumably allowed a bit more boost pressure. Totally unrelated trivia from your boy today, the McLaren F1 tested by autocar magazine also had its cats removed, so wasn’t standard.
@jayemm great review as usual, I remember when this came out, beautiful on the outside, not so much on the interior, cheap switchgear, bit like the DB7 that came out in same decade, wouldn't like to park one, just driving on our narrow roads would be nerve racking, but on a decent open road, bet it's another story. Keep up the great reviews
You utterly, jammy bastard. Please forgive my language. But that is a car I would do unspeakable things to have a go in. Wonderful review, I almost felt like I was sat in there myself. And happy third YouTubing anniversary.
It is a lovely unique machine, I’ve only seen one in the flesh parked up, have seen the car given stick by clarkson, and it appears to go like stink, also have seen in action the metro 6r4 in action with the very engine, and that definitely goes in rally form , thanks for the review nice to see stuff like this , and how couldn’t anyone not love the car , cheers Shane uk 🇬🇧
Great video, The XJ220 is my all-time favourite car. I always remember seeing one in a garage in Exeter as a young kid at the time and thought it was an amazing car at the time and they're still amazing cars. I'm so jealous right now, I could only wish that could have a ride in one.
I always loved the look of this car. Its just so much sexier than the other cars of its era. I had a Mastio 1/18th die cast of this car in blue. Thanks.
Me too still do! Couple yrs ago got its first bath was filthy...cleaned up good as new & this time hidden away till I build a proper display case. Such a timeless beauty & deserves one!
Did you also know that the rear light are off a rover 200 tomcat (coupe) also classed as the R8 platform rovers of the 90s
5 ปีที่แล้ว +2
Holy crap! That is indeed a hell of a jewel in a crown of cars! I remember in the early 2000s hearing something snarling and growling down the road to the local BP station... when it finally appeared it was a bright yellow TWR version with fixed shielded headlights... I just stood there mouth agape. Seeing as this station was in Glutton Stoke on Trent the driver probably just assumed I was a typical local and not one of the more advanced ones who could tie their own show laces. Personal preferences and all that? I think they sound superb but I'm biased as I grew up loving the 6r4 due to its snorting growling appearance through Trentham Gardens during the RAC rally and watching the likes of Will Gollop and Guy Williams piloting their rally cross cars at crazy sideways speed on dirt 😂 Great video, thanks for taking the time to make and upload this!
seriously, cant believe he doesnt know why they were unloved at one time and are now shooting up in value. derp, there was a time when no tire was being made in the size that fitted, so nobody wanted to buy a car that they couldnt even use, as soon as tires started to be made in that size again the cars value shot up.
Congrats on 3 years of very nice reviews... ...I just hope we don't have to wait another 3...or 4 to see a ROVER 200 BRM LE in this channel. Cheers mate Keep up the good work
I dono how old you are ... but in 88 i was 12 when i saw this car and then ( at least to me) it looked like it was 20 years from the future wheels the lot..
On our last Le Mans trip saw a guy boarding our overnight ferry in one of these, what a hero. Love the underdog nature of the XJ220, was at the unveiling at the ‘88 motor show and somehow don’t remember the F40, also saw it race at Le Mans in ‘95 after being robbed by the french 2 years earlier. Great video.
I strive to be as happy as Jay is at the beginning squealing of joy when I'm a 40 year old man with 2 kids and a dad bod :D Always loved these cars everyone thinks I'm a weirdo for it. (feel like I have to say this because there's going to be that one twat that dosent understand its just a joke. I like the jayemm channel and mean no hate.)
@@Anonymouseys and his body cant really be classed as dad bod. Think its way past that stage, hes a love child of rik waller and jason dawe. I’m Still a subscriber mind. I dont watch these for his poor taste in shirts or his physique. Hes probably 100 times richer and happier than I am.
IMO, this is one of the most beautiful cars ever made.
Completely agree!!
100% agree. Impressive design
I used to think this car looked 'meh' as a kid, then i learned the 's' model existed....
The silver suits it least imo, the maroon ones are stunning
I agree
I was lucky enough to be part of the engine development team at TWR for this car & had many ride outs in it over those years - still brings a smile more than 25 years later...
Funny to hear Jays comments about the tyres as the early delevopment wheels were 3-piece ones that had a habit of losing pressure at 'inconvenient' moments. I was out in the wilds of Norfolk accumulating mileage in the 'XJ220 Transit' (look it up...) one weekend when I had a rear tyre let go big time, writing it off in the 100 or so yards it took to come to a stop.
Because each corner had it's own specific tyre (they were asymmetrical & unidirectional) & the wheels were held on by a single central wheel nut, we didn't carry any spares. Imagine the call I had with the AA when I had to request a flat bed to take me & the car back to Oxford just because of a flat tyre!
That intro of you just waving your arms about frantically... Perfect. Congrats Jay!
Some youtubers hype up their videos. I think you under sold this.
It's possible, but that's always the way I want it
JayEmm on Cars this is a good plan.
Definitely. Doug Demuro has only just released his review of one.
It's interesting seeing the XJ220 just casually parked on the curb of a sleepy suburban pavement in the UK as opposed to the usual photo shoot or recetrack.
The only XJ220 I've ever seen was in a Homebase carpark, of all places
It’s so surreal seeing it parked on the kind of pleasantly mundane street I walk to the shops down everyday
I've only ever seen a model of one. so looks like someone just used an enlarge ray-gun on one of my toy cars. Always wanted one. Always reminds me of the delorean, because it was just as iconic, silver, dogged with issues, an impractical 2 seater and born in the 80's. I also remember about 10 years ago seeing Elton John's xj220 being sold on ebay for just £90k. Wish I had the money back then to make that investment.
@@AsterothPrime yes 10-15 years ago they were fairly "cheap"
I drove an XJ220 while working at the Motor Show and I can honestly say I have never reached point B from point A so fast in all my life, it was like holding on to a rocket
Respect to J for delivering the chat without an autocue, obviously knows his stuff for real!
i think driving one of these is the kind of experience you eschew alcohol, learn your lines and go to bed early for.
Lol i thought the same
I think an autocue would be distracting and could lead to an accident
I always loved this car. A brand new one pulled up at a petrol station next to me near Coventry in about 1994 and it was unbelievable…like an alien spaceship.
This is my favourite car. Hands down. No question. What a thing
Can everyone stop doing the Chris Harris "what a thing" thing now?
@@ThunderChunky101 didnt know chris harris did it. Did it before I even knew about chris harris so you'll have to find the true origin of it and then ask me again
@@mikeyBIA
Yeah yeah.
What a thing. That's what SHE said. 😄😃😂
Cars seldom are as beautiful as this. Quite simply like nothing else. Well done jaguar.
Imagine it's '93 and you're driving around some larger European city in one of these, blasting out 90's dance music looking all smug and cool.
Feeling pity for the peons... But not really 😎.
And imagine it was Clarkson driving with nearly 200 mph on the Autobahn!
@@fbee6844 There's a great piece by artist Kristian von Hornsleth you'd likely appreciate.
Jadakiss owned one
Why in a city where this car is a huge pain?
First germanys windy country and mountain roads and then top it off with a highspeed run on the autobahn!
If you drive this car in a city you’re just a show off, I want to be a driver not a jackass!
Incredibly beautiful car. Freaking timeless style. One of jags best designs.
I love how the dashboard extends into the door! What a dream, driving that car!
Although the McLaren F1 was the faster, more nimble car, I'd say that the XJ220 is a much, much better looking car. Definitely one of the prettiest cars ever made!!!
Amazing car
I am a big McLaren F1 fanboy, but the xj220 will be faster on average race track, mostly because of that group C style underside.
David Kennedy a HDK F1 looks better up close. However, the XJ220 does look a lot better than the “average” mclaren f1.
@@r129r16pfl really??? I thought the F1 was on a whole other level on the track (didnt one win Le Mans?)
@@davidkennedy1077 I meant road car vs road car. LeMans car was a different beast.
Literally everyone: F40
Some: F50 or Countach
Me: sitting in the corner, holding down the picture of this.
nonickname100 I guess I was by myself drooling over the McLaren F1 then....
Yeah, I like this design. It was crazy when it came out. Countach had the angular design and those rear inlets which were futuristic. But this car with it's low profile and rounded body just oozed class and sophistication.
@@MasterMalrubius It was also a very usable car. I was fortunate enough to look after two while working overseas. The same owner had an F40 that he got bored with on his second drive because it was so basic and uncomfortable, he sold it. He also had a Countach LP5000 which was just horrible to drive. Like many he discounted the F1 because of the fact passengers were behind him. The 220 on the other hand was amazing and so stable at speed.
@tfs2O3 You could make that case about all manner of cars but a high price doesn't mean a better car.
959 for me
This is my favorite 90's supercar. I lusted after this more than the McLaren F1.
Holy crap I didn't expect this as the car you were talking about 😮 I am jealous.
The 90s were great for many reasons and this beautiful creation is certainly one of them. Magnificent car!
Easily the best review you have ever done! Genuine, funny, informative and not too long. Brilliant!
I remember being at the motor show when Jaguar showed the car. Seriously could not get anywhere near it, the crowds of people were staggering. Beautiful car, great review 👍
I recognise the ford mirror switch and the ford side repeaters.
Epic machine and envious of your drive.
Heater controls also
Look like fiesta mk 2 air vents! 🤔There was a lot of ford parts used of course
Along with the Citroen wing mirrors, the rear lights are from the Rover 200.
Lots of ford in them key, dash vents
And an engine from a Metro ;-)
@@cp4512 fortunately not it was based on the f1 cosworth dfv v8 which in turn was loosely based on the 3.5 rover v8 and as every one knows that was originally a Buick engine and rover bought the rights to it
Kris Dewar Read Wikipedia Kris. You’ll find out that the engine (albeit heavily redesigned) was based on the engine in the Metro 6R4 Gp car as a Twin Turbo V6. But you are right that this engine does have some lineage back to the non-Turbo Rover/Buick V8.
I think the block from this engine went on to be used in Ford's GT90 concept car. The chassis and i think suspension were used too, not 100% sure on engine.
Well done! Not just on 3 years or on frankly living the dream here, but on still producing a quality video. You're filling a void in my viewing pleasure left behind long ago by old top gear, and I thank you.
1. The best intro ever / 2. This was so worth the wait / 3. You did the car justice! / 4. Thank you Mr Z! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
I am seriously jealous! I always thought the XJ220 was one of the best looking cars of all time and still do. I also think the engine doesn't sound that bad, if you have heard the McLaren Senna the 220 sounds a lot nicer than that.
The XJ220 gives me gosebumps it's a Stunning thing; you are very fortunate to have driven this and thanks for sharing.
Doug got 10 times more followers but here you are reviewing the better cars
Sayan Bhattacharya *68.9 x
Yep - I'm still waiting for Doug's review of the XJ220
Doug is a bellend, though
@@MrMarr4347 doug would have popped the bonnet!
Jayemm won't be reviewing a Mclaren F1 or be on Jay's Garage anytime soon. Quality doesn't always beat quantity.
Half an hour never passed so quickly. Great, honest, no-nonsense review of an icon of British motoring history. That car has presence in bucketloads!
One of my favourite cars as a kid and I never knew the lights went down? Always thought they were pop up, anyone else only just found that out? Great review thank you!
Me! 😮
One of my favourite cars of all time. McLaren F1 and 220 are my 2 favourite British cars, I'm sorry, but I'd rather have 220 over F1. There is something about the XJ, I find so special.
I wasn’t expecting a xj220!! What a car. I loved that interior too fully retro and has lots of Sierra parts too which I love!!
NOBODY EXPECTS THE XJ220!
I don't think I've hit that like button faster in my life!! Such a gorgeous gorgeous car ❤️ ❤️
If I won the lottery I would love to buy one of these always admired them. Good job👍
A friend of a friend bought one of these after he won the lotto, he was nice enough to take myself, my brother and a few of our friends all for a ride. Amazing car.
Since I first saw one glide it's way onto the M3 in 1992, and with dropped jaw uttered "wow", the XJ220 has always been my dream car. TWR still service them and make great modifications, including increasing the boot capacity - ever-so-slightly.
Congratulations James! The 220 is a real coup for the channel and well done on your first three years. You've built the foundation, onwards and upwards now!
Thanks very much!
My fav supercar and best looking Jag, (Apart from E-Type) of all time. Still looks better than any modern supercar. 👍👍
You are absolutely correct sir. !!!!!
I agree, fantastic looking car when it came out and still is. I never realised in was considered a failure and it came out so long ago. (Well it hasnt been a failure in terms of resale value)
@tfs2O3 so lag is such a big deal. (Less than 1 sec)
Almost......but,for the one that got away........XJ13.
The most beautiful supercar of the 90's.
I feel your joy at the beginning of this video . I love this car ....it's stunningly beautiful from every angle and in its best colour . And still very very fast . Great review 🖒
silver is the best color
It looks like a s7
It is, honestly, a shame that the 90's recession happened. It took away with it so many good cars and it crippled so many good companies.
Also people starved to death etc, but yeh it is a real shame the Lamborghini Cala wasn't made
@@Emira_75 LOL well there is that ...
Jay speaks for all of us with that intro
I had one of them ! -not the car the alpine head unit . great vid
Jaguar liked those Alpine changers. My XJS is about this age and has one. Still works very nicely. While it's playing a disc I can't hear it running even I put my ear up to it.
I brought one for my rs turbo lol
My favourite and quite possibly the most gorgeous supercar - thank you for this video!
Furthermore, you gained yourself a new subscriber; I highly enjoy your presentation and video style coupled with actual car knowledge (unlike "certain" others).
0:01 Exactly my reaction when I saw One at a Hotel in Spain...
I was so amazed by the Look of this Car , a real piece of Art.
A Porsche 959 gave me the same experience, but still the Design of the XJ220 is beyond comparison with any other Car.
One thing that makes this Unique car even more Unique is the Weight !
It actually races like a Go-Kart...
Thanks for this nice review !
Greetings !
Taylor made for presenting top gear, another great video! Well done sir.
Mr E I’d rather he kept the autonomy of his own channel. Topgear seems so dated now.
The BBC is a decaying old dinosaur.
My favourite jag since I was little and now I’m 16 and still in love with old jags but the r34 gtr will always remain my ultimate dream car
I was 16 when this was released. Beautiful car.
Thank you for paying homage to the brands that keep trying. It's not about whether we succeed rather we put out a car or not.
Always loved this car. When it was released I was just a kid and even got a small model of it. 1 jaguar dealership had one in stock for years. I passed that place a number of times for many years and he must have had that xj220 in British racing green for 6 years. I often pulled over when I passed there just to have a close look.
Exactly my reaction if i ever saw the xj220 on the road let alone driving it.
I thought the reason the V12 wasn't used was due to cost cutting/recession? Great video, amazing looking car. I was at the motorshow in 1992 (was 9 years old) still love it to this day. Thanks for making the video!
Well done on getting such a special car on the channel Jay, as an 80's kid I remember this car coming out and how amazing it looked at the time and still does to be fair! My favourite colour for xj220 was the almost British racing green . Cool car and a cool video 😉👍
You are a lucky boy JM - your excitement was palpable. So pleased for you buddy 👍💨
Was lucky enough to go to the press launch of this car in South Woodford. Epic. Lovely content as always. You did a great car proud , and made me sit listen and learn. Job well done as always. Thanks.
Well ahead of its time! This was one of my favorite cars when I was a kid!! Thank you for bringing it to us!
Congratulations on 3 years! Thanks for reviewing this unusual car. Can’t say I’m as infatuated as you are. I remember this debacle very well. I’m pretty sure that the 261 on the doorsill is the number of promised performance specs it didn’t meet. 😏 I’m glad to hear it’s better than reported performance after all these years. At the time, I wondered why it sold as badly as it did, until, years later, I heard a recording of the sound. 😩 I called it a GT Tractor sound. I think for those who bought it and then heard it, the sound was the final straw.
A car born out of the Mulsanne Straight at Le Mans/XJR9 pedigree, but hampered by the times, it still holds up as one of the most beautiful cars ever built. Great video JayEmm!
Love XJ220's
It made my day just seeing it, let alone driving it!
My favourite car with Citroen CX wing mirrors is the Jag XJ220 - it's my all time favourite car. It is simply the most beautiful car ever built, it's stunning, it happens to be incredibly fast (for its time at the very least), but that's irrelevant - it just looks amazing sitting still. You are right that it sounds crap - I was lucky enough to see one (the one in 'Jaguar Joyride' video - excellent video) 5 years ago at a rural garage having it's MOT - the garage workers expressed their lack of joy for working on the car, but did start it up and move it inside - and I was truly underwhelmed by the noise.
This was an great video, and you are very lucky guy to get to drive such an awesome car.
The owner of this gorgeous car is a legend!!!
Cracking video.
Saw one in the flesh for the first time at Caffeine & Machine a few weeks ago, and it was bloody lovely. Even better for being s bit grubby and used. I agree that in the flesh they’ve actually aged really well and they are indeed big old beasts. I had a poster on my wall as a kid, so finally seeing one was brill.
6R4 engine!
Not my thing but superb engineering 👍
Would love to have a go though
Great video! I had an XJ220….metal pencil case at primary school! Huge thanks to the owner for sharing…I see it’s only done 7000 miles!!
In some weird way, this is the most beautiful car ever made. Especially in silver. Stunning.
I can't get over how great it still looks in 2019. How modern does it still look!
Beautiful car. I remember buying the XJ220 game for my Commodore Amiga computer back in the day.
Beautiful car, I remember seeing one years ago couldn’t believe how long it was , it had trade plates on it , some lucky bugger must have been test driving it
Always loved these since they came out. It still looks fantastic even today!
Supercars come and go but why is this so legendary? That's not a criticism but a genuine curiosity.
You could drive a Veyron, Chiron or any Pagani or Koenigsegg - even a Macca F1. Yet it will always be the XJ220 that makes heads turn so fast they risk snapping away from peoples' necks.
And it's not something made up. Supercar reviewers have said much the same thing. I mean, you could be driving around in the rarest of Ferraris, yet you get an XJ220 tagging along behind you and very few are going to notice the prancing horse; nearly everyone makes a beeline for the Jaguar.
Beautiful car and I can't help falling for those curvy lines. I'm not a supercar fan in the slightest but this car changes all that in a shot.
Not bad going for a Saturday side project, eh?
Once in my life I saw one parking in Duesseldorf, Germany, some 20 years ago. I wasn't a big fan of the XJ220 before, but that blue metallic one looked stunning. It emanated an optical elegance you wouldn't expect from an F40 competitor. The curvy body lines of the XJ220 added an intense 3D effect to the whole appearance. It looks 100 times better in reality than on any picture. And it's a tragic hero, misunderstood by its time. It's got a story, it has a unique styling, and it's rare. And the modified Group B engine is merely a perk in the eyes of an enthusiast than a disadvantage.
@Kris Nicholson Blah, blah, blah, blah...... Cross out the soul-less, techno willy-waving, performance record nonsense. There's something that always brings attention to the XJ220. People don't care about the speed, there are better cars out there. But when you line it up against the likes of those cars, all attention is still drawn to the XJ220.
It has a near mythical status and an obvious rarity (though that last point isn't necessarily important.) It's got gorgeous styling too. But it also has something else I can't quite put my finger on.... Soul?
@Kris Nicholson Except it hasn't been destroyed. People still flock to the XJ220...
I'm not even into supercars, but the XJ220 looks just amazing. The F40 (while totally different) too. Both were technically not as advanced as competitors (959, F1) but they have that iconic look that ages well (or not at all?).
What a car.. I have seen 3 of them driving around in person and it still makes my jaw drop when i see one.
the official top speed of the jaguar xj220 was 217.1mph on a banked oval in italy piloted by martin brundle! if it was on a straight road it would have been 223mph! my all time favourite car, i remember as a kid how incredible this car was and i got to see it in the flesh when i saw it about 15 years ago (i'm 36 now) and i was very emotional, i spent around 30-45 minutes just in awe! that was the top gear world tour that i saw it and nothing in the entire show or the entire car collection even came close! my dream car is a lamborghini but my lifetime dream car is a jaguar xj220 and i defy anybody to find a better name than 'XJ220'
It was a fantasy car for me. The Audi Quattro was my dream car as it was something I could actually own. When eventually I could afford one I never actually bought one as the new Spyder Quattro was on the horizon but never actually materialized until the RS5 came out but was not mid engine car but was Quattro.
Amazing car and for me as well extremely emotional! I saw a silver Xj220 driving through Reigate in August 1999. Passers by gasped in astonishment! I well remember Martin Brundle doing 217 mph and him expressing how it had a bit more to go if it was a long straight run. What does annoy me is when some car mag or tv show always quote this 212 mph figure. It sure could do a bit more than that. Amazing and truly iconoclastic supercar
@@jackthompson361 the 212mph run at nardo was with the cats installed. For the top speed run they removed the cats which presumably allowed a bit more boost pressure. Totally unrelated trivia from your boy today, the McLaren F1 tested by autocar magazine also had its cats removed, so wasn’t standard.
You have a dream car and a lifetime dream car? What's the difference?
Well done James some very informative and slightly obscure content always loved the XJ220
Thanks, I try my best but in this one it was a lot of luck!
@jayemm great review as usual, I remember when this came out, beautiful on the outside, not so much on the interior, cheap switchgear, bit like the DB7 that came out in same decade, wouldn't like to park one, just driving on our narrow roads would be nerve racking, but on a decent open road, bet it's another story. Keep up the great reviews
My favorite car of all time and it was great to see someone else get as excited by the 220 as I do!
You utterly, jammy bastard. Please forgive my language. But that is a car I would do unspeakable things to have a go in.
Wonderful review, I almost felt like I was sat in there myself.
And happy third YouTubing anniversary.
"I was sat..."? who put you there? correct: "...I was sitting there.." (why so many make this mistake?)
My comments exactly 👍👍👍👌👌
That was a fantastic review Jay ! congratulations maybe one of the best ever on TH-cam.
The first seconds of the introduction looked like I would have done it when I got the chance to drive an XJ220.
It’s one of my dream cars
I clicked like soon as I seen your reaction to the jaguar lol
My absolute all-time favorite car, thanks for sharing your experience!
It is a lovely unique machine, I’ve only seen one in the flesh parked up, have seen the car given stick by clarkson, and it appears to go like stink, also have seen in action the metro 6r4 in action with the very engine, and that definitely goes in rally form , thanks for the review nice to see stuff like this , and how couldn’t anyone not love the car , cheers Shane uk 🇬🇧
wow what a result getting this drive, and thanks for the insight, this brings back memories of those fascinating times.
How, how, how!??? Just wow.... also,great vid!
Great video, The XJ220 is my all-time favourite car. I always remember seeing one in a garage in Exeter as a young kid at the time and thought it was an amazing car at the time and they're still amazing cars. I'm so jealous right now, I could only wish that could have a ride in one.
I hit like just because of the intro! lol
I always loved the look of this car. Its just so much sexier than the other cars of its era. I had a Mastio 1/18th die cast of this car in blue. Thanks.
Me too still do! Couple yrs ago got its first bath was filthy...cleaned up good as new & this time hidden away till I build a proper display case. Such a timeless beauty & deserves one!
Wonderful wonderful wonderful. Thank you Jaguar ☺️
One of the few truly beautiful supercars
12.36
When your wife is finally in the mood!
Legend! I saw your comment about an epic car but.... wow! You knocked it out of the park
Did you also know that the rear light are off a rover 200 tomcat (coupe) also classed as the R8 platform rovers of the 90s
Holy crap! That is indeed a hell of a jewel in a crown of cars!
I remember in the early 2000s hearing something snarling and growling down the road to the local BP station... when it finally appeared it was a bright yellow TWR version with fixed shielded headlights... I just stood there mouth agape.
Seeing as this station was in Glutton Stoke on Trent the driver probably just assumed I was a typical local and not one of the more advanced ones who could tie their own show laces.
Personal preferences and all that? I think they sound superb but I'm biased as I grew up loving the 6r4 due to its snorting growling appearance through Trentham Gardens during the RAC rally and watching the likes of Will Gollop and Guy Williams piloting their rally cross cars at crazy sideways speed on dirt 😂
Great video, thanks for taking the time to make and upload this!
Have actually see one in the flesh "drooling"
The first 10 seconds sums it up exactly. What. A. SHAPE.
seriously, cant believe he doesnt know why they were unloved at one time and are now shooting up in value.
derp, there was a time when no tire was being made in the size that fitted, so nobody wanted to buy a car that they couldnt even use, as soon as tires started to be made in that size again the cars value shot up.
Actually I had forgotten that - you are quite right.
Is it not possible to put a different wheel/tire on it?
@@scorpioassmodeusgtx1811 I agree. It’s a supercar, not a Honda Civic.
That vintage mini at 21:45 was just perfect timing :D
It's mad to think that these were the world's fastest car with 550bhp at a time when subaru impreza were making 280bhp.
Congrats on 3 years of very nice reviews...
...I just hope we don't have to wait another 3...or 4 to see a ROVER 200 BRM LE in this channel.
Cheers mate
Keep up the good work
Gonnçalo Maria Monteiro god they were shit one of my best mates had one back in the day with the horrible orange interior
Jaguars biggest regret was those wheel caps.
I dono how old you are ... but in 88 i was 12 when i saw this car and then ( at least to me) it looked like it was 20 years from the future wheels the lot..
@@legasyth 37 years.Still wrong wheels to this car.
On our last Le Mans trip saw a guy boarding our overnight ferry in one of these, what a hero. Love the underdog nature of the XJ220, was at the unveiling at the ‘88 motor show and somehow don’t remember the F40, also saw it race at Le Mans in ‘95 after being robbed by the french 2 years earlier. Great video.
I strive to be as happy as Jay is at the beginning squealing of joy when I'm a 40 year old man with 2 kids and a dad bod :D
Always loved these cars everyone thinks I'm a weirdo for it.
(feel like I have to say this because there's going to be that one twat that dosent understand its just a joke. I like the jayemm channel and mean no hate.)
Except that he's nowhere close to 40. Forgive you for thinking he is though.
@@Anonymouseys and his body cant really be classed as dad bod. Think its way past that stage, hes a love child of rik waller and jason dawe. I’m Still a subscriber mind. I dont watch these for his poor taste in shirts or his physique. Hes probably 100 times richer and happier than I am.
@@bensmithkent22 You'll always be poor if you think like that brother. Follow yours dreams and stay positive.
Didn't even know such a crazy Jag existed! Thanks for making this and for all of your other videos