Rare Jaguar XJR-15 Heads to Auction With Mint Condition and Low Mileage
In early March, RM Sotheby’s presented a singular Jaguar XJR-15 supercar at auction. This model stands out not just for its rarity but for its pristine state, a precise snapshot from the era when the XJR-15 defined a bold fusion of racing engineering and street performance. Of the limited 53 units built for 1990 to 1992, only 27 were released for civilian use, making this one of the few examples still strikingly original. The specific lot, serial number 042, commanded a sale price of 1.27 million dollars, underscoring the model’s enduring appeal among collectors and enthusiasts alike.
The car’s rarity is amplified by its mint condition. Since its debut in 1991, the odometer shows a mere 246 kilometers, a figure that signals exceptionally low wear for a vehicle designed to push the limits of speed and handling. With such limited use, the vehicle requires careful and informed maintenance before it is ever driven on public roads again. Some spare parts are included with the purchase, easing the road to reconditioning for prospective owners who want the experience without compromising the car’s heritage and performance.
The XJR-15 is powered by a 6.0-liter V12 engine delivering approximately 450 horsepower. The transmission options reflect its dual identity: a five-speed manual designed for street duties, and a six-speed designation tailored to racing configurations. Performance figures emphasize a quick, responsive drive, with the car accelerating to 97 kilometers per hour in about 3.2 seconds and achieving a top speed near 307 kilometers per hour. These numbers sit at the intersection of classic supercar allure and the era’s race-bred sensibilities, making the XJR-15 a compelling bridge between track technology and road-going excitement.
Car enthusiasts appreciate how the XJR-15 embodies a moment when passenger comfort and outright performance could coexist within a limited production run. The importance of maintenance becomes clear when considering a vehicle built around a racing-tested chassis and a powertrain tuned for peak output. The provenance of each unit matters, and buyers often weigh not only the mechanical condition but also the completeness of the package, including any original accessories and factory documentation that help confirm authenticity.
For collectors, the combination of rarity, low miles, and the historical significance of the XJR-15 creates a favorable milieu for investment and display. The model’s unique place in Jaguar’s lineage—blending the brand’s racing roots with a bold, mid-engined silhouette—continues to resonate with enthusiasts who value both engineering and artistry. The auction result for this particular example reflects market demand for historically important supercars that have remained largely untouched by time, preserving the sensory cues of the late 1990s and early 2000s automotive culture. In the context of today’s market, the XJR-15 remains a symbol of performance purity, a collectible that rewards patient restoration and careful stewardship with a distinctly singular driving heritage. [Cited: RM Sotheby’s]