Come upon an XJ220 for the first time, and you see pure automotive sculpture, a Rodin on wheels, a shape that—to hell with practicalities—is simply gorgeous.

It was love at first drive for automotive journalist Galvin Green as he climbed behind the wheel of Jaguar’s all-new XJ220 in August 1992. Writing for CAR Magazine, Green was so taken with the car’s grace, pace, and space that he continued, “Jaguar’s old motto is honorably maintained. Here is a 200mph monster that will fusslessly transport you, and friend, to the south of France with ease…nothing about driving the XJ220 is difficult.”

Dreamt as a full competition racer with no production plans, the Jaguar XJ220 was intended to prove that the team at Coventry could still design, engineer, and manufacture supercars on par with its German and Italian competitors. Upon its debut at the 1988 Birmingham Auto Show, however, so many buyers stood waiting with open checkbooks that Jaguar was forced to reconsider its production plans.

The civilian XJ220 was to be a powerful and aerodynamic two-seat, all-wheel-drive coupe capable of more than 200 mph while providing a superior level of luxury and comfort compared to other supercars of the time, including the celebrated Porsche 959 and the spartan Ferrari F40.

Entering production in 1992, the XJ220 followed the iconic XK120 in being named for its projected top speed—220 mph—which was nearly achieved in a time trial on the high-bank test track in Nardò, Italy. The car proved quicker to 60 mph than both the F40 and Lamborghini Diablo and even set a new lap record for a production car at the Nürburgring.

The last XJ220, chassis number 617, is an exceptionally desirable example, being documented as the final XJ220 constructed. Completed on 28 March 1994 and finished just as it presents today in Le Mans Blue over Smoke Grey leather trim, the car was among a select few initially retained by Jaguar for their private collection.

The Ron Sturgeon Collection