If only... Jaguar exhibits one-of-a-kind XJ13
The Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust maintains a fabulous collection of historic vehicles, and if you're in London in early November, you can see three of the rarest Jaguars in the world, up close and personal. Appearing alongside the original factory prototype D-Type and the oldest surviving E-Type droptop, will be one of the most voluptuous cars ever designed - the 1966 Jaguar XJ13, shown above.The beautiful car was designed to compete with the Ferraris and Fords in the heyday of GT-class racing at Le Mans, but development of the design was held back while the company focused on the XJ6 production car, and when the car was finally finished in 1966, racecar design had moved on and it was already obsolete. The rear-engined car was powered by a 5-liter V12 putting out 502 hp, the car easily surpassed the 160 mph mark in early testing.
Although Jaguar only built one XJ13, the Malcolm Sayer design spawned a number of replicars. If you can't get to the November MPH show in Earl's Court, check out this video of the car on display at the Pebble Beach Concours.
Forty years old and still one of the most beautiful cars we've ever seen!
[Source: PistonHeads]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
chuck goolsbee 8:41PM (9/20/2006)
It is indeed one of the most gorgeous cars ever. Malcolm Sayer's genius on ample display.
A historic note: The XJ13 was crashed in 1971 at VERY high speed with the venerable Jaguar test driver Norman Dewis at the wheel. It ended up a crumpled wad, and underwent a complete restoration by Jaguar. Norman survived, thankfully. Google "XJ13 crash" for more.
I'd sell one of my kids for a mere replica of this machine.
--chuck
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Mk 10:01PM (9/20/2006)
simply amazing.
Not only do they not make cars like that anymore. they never started in the first place.
One would think that someone would be making cars that look like evolutions of these aerodynamic designs, but none are coming to mind. Even Porsches and newer jaguars are not on this kind of level.
pure functional art. The only things better would be if they were a bit more accessible, and IMHO, painted ecurie ecosse blue, the best color for cars like this...
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far jr 10:03PM (9/20/2006)
Modern day Jags could use some of this Sassy styling! Hey I could see a limited run of Ford GTs reskinned like this car...WOW!
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Andy 12:07AM (9/21/2006)
The XJ13 is my favorite Jaguar. It was a beautiful prototype that finally had its run at Le Mans. The XKSS and the E-Type are right behind it. Lynx Motors handbuilt replicas using E-Type donor cars of many classic Jaguars. If you have hundreds of thousands of dollars, you can buy one. But speaking of "reskinning" classics, I would love to see someone bring back the Pontiac Pegasus using 1970-73 Firebirds.
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fizzandpop 2:25AM (9/21/2006)
Undeniably not "one of", it's the best looking car ever designed, by a long, long way. You should see it in the flesh. It's tiny, curvy...it looks like Selma Hayak, for chrissake.
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Ayaz 2:26AM (9/21/2006)
It is really gorgeous...
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Richard 2:34AM (9/21/2006)
I'm with Chuck, but I'd only sell her (my kid) for this one.
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Tired_Watcher 2:49AM (9/21/2006)
Oh yes this is one of the best looking cars EVER. The 1:18 Autoart is beautiful but I need to see this beauty in person.
http://www.sportscarfactory.com/
That company too is making replicas of the XJ13. I didn't calculate the prices but it is quite a lot but man wouldn't it be cool to drive this around (hope it won't rain).
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RacetrackOwner 7:58AM (9/21/2006)
There are XJ13 replicas available from several sources, but they're all outrageously priced (generally over $100K sans drivetrain) and I haven't been very impressed with the quality, although I've yet to see an example from SCF. I've been keeping an eye out for a reasonably priced replica for quite a few years -- one which is sturdy enough to race, of course. This car made such an impression on me that I bought a large version of that Daily Express photo and had it framed for my office. I don't really like Jaguars all that much, but this one just reaches out and grabs you...
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gkz 11:28AM (9/21/2006)
#2, Mk
Are you suggesting that they're aren't functional, safety, and aerodynamic reasons that cars aren't designed like this anymore? This is what it sounds like you're saying to me.
It's a beautiful design, there's no debating that; but you're being a bit delusional to think that modern cars can be shaped like this. You think that just maybe there is the slightest chance that a lack of downforce contributed to the crash #1 mentioned? I do.
Automotive engineers and designers aren't stupid - there are reasons that cars (racing and street) aren't designed like this anymore.
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Gary 7:09PM (4/07/2008)
If you knew anything about Jaguar's and the true reasons for the XJ13 crash you wouldn't have said what you said. I met Norman at his home, the wheels were Magnesium Alloy which were stored too long in a dark storeroom at Jaguar. They crystalized from the inside out, from the outside they looked perfect, at high speed one exploded without warning causing the .... CRASH.
Gary