Despite its unusual birth, interest in the Jaguar XJ220 has been growing over the past few years. Indeed, one particular example sold for $462 000 (R6 644 000) just last year.
Although this is quite a bit less than the mammoth 1992 new price of $610 877 (R8 789 000), it’s still a notable climb over asking prices of, say, 2009.
Being a 300+ km/h vehicle, the car needs to be specced with special 255/45 ZR17 front and 345/35 ZR18 rear tyres. Owners have found it difficult to replace these because of their peculiar sizes.
As a result of this increase in popularity (and the XJ220’s 25th anniversary), Pirelli and Bridgestone have decided to separately develop new sets of tyres for the XJ220.
The Bridgestone side of the deal has been made possible thanks to father and son duo, Don Law Racing, who will work with chassis number 004 alongside the original chief engineer and test driver.
Don Law Racing has had a long history with the XJ220, and is considered the go-to XJ220 specialist.
Pirelli, meanwhile, has partnered with Jaguar Classic to produce a new P Zero version.
With technology having developed so much over the past 25 years, this move could make the supercar a little more pleasurable to drive.
Jaguar was, of course, criticised after removing the V12 powertrain in the show car version of the XJ220 and replacing it with a twin-turbo 3,5-litre V6 for the production model.