Amelia Island 2015: Jaguar XJR-9 (Full Commentary)

More details and photos available here: bit.ly/AM15JagXJR9

• One of only two purpose-built IMSA specification XJR-9s constructed, chassis 388 enjoyed huge record of success through 1988, 1989 and 1990; it's also the sole remaining XJR-9 in IMSA specification.
• 2015 marks 25th anniversary of this actual car’s historic 1990 Daytona 24 hour victory in the hands of Jones/Lammers/Wallace

#388 is the third of just three cars constructed for the 1988 IMSA GT Championship, run by Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR), and one of only two chassis ever manufactured as purpose-built IMSA specification cars.

Prior to its most famous victory in 1990, #388 enjoyed two highly successful seasons in 1988 and 1989. In 1988, predominantly in the hands of Davey Jones and Jan Lammers, the car achieved four podium finishes and never finished a race outside of the top seven, a superb achievement that helped the Jaguar team secure third place in the IMSA constructor’s championship, stamping its authority in Group C racing.

During the 1989 season, #388 was an equally strong contender, achieving three front-row starts including a pole position, four second-row starts and eight overall podium finishes. The ‘89 season saw Price Cobb and John Nielsen join the car’s driver roster, leading it to a remarkable record that saw it finish on the podium for two-thirds of all the races it competed in.

By the start of 1990 season, #388 was fully developed into XJR-12 specification and went on to famously win the season’s headline event, the 24 hours of Daytona, in the hands of Davey Jones, Jan Lammers and Andy Wallace. The victory was an unquestionable high point in Jaguar’s illustrious endurance racing history, especially after having finished second overall at Daytona in 1989. It also secured a podium finish at Sebring in 1990.

Max Girardo, Managing Director, RM Auctions Europe, says of the car: “It is a true work of art that effortlessly blends great design and engineering with incredible performance. The lines are fantastic—it appears fast even when standing still—and then there’s the massive V-12 engine that can help propel it to a blistering 240 mph. Despite all this, it is not an intimidating car. Having driven it recently, I can attest that it is a delight to drive and easy to handle.”

For further event details, including a frequently updated list of entries, please visit www.rmauctions.com or call toll-free 800.211.4371 (+1 519 352 4575 outside North America).