1984 Jaguar XJR-5
After Jaguar’s withdrawal from racing in the late 1950’s, it was up to privateers to defend the marque’s honor. One of the more successful was Bob Tullius, whose Group 44 racing campaigned V12 cars in SCCA and Trans Am events. In the early 1980s, when the new IMSA GTP class was formed, Tullius decided to build a racer based on the engine he knew so well.
Designer Lee Dykstra, a noted ground effects specialist, used the relatively long V12 engine as a stressed chassis member in the new car, bolting it directly to the aluminum monocoque. The slim design allowed room for underbody aerodynamics as well as large, clean wing surfaces on both sides of the engine.
The result was better than anyone could have hoped for, and the XJR-5 went on to a stunning series of victories. Impressed by the results, Jaguar agreed to back Group 44’s 1984 Le Mans entry. It was the first Jaguar to compete at Le Mans in 22 years.
Chassis 010 was the final car built and raced in that period. It’s been fully restored by Rick Knoop and Jim Busby. The engine, built by Ed Pink, is virtually new with just 30 minutes of run time. The entire car has been detailed and sorted and is ready for vintage racing.
Specifications
ENGINE
6.0 liter V-12
Aluminum Block & Heads
Electronic Fuel Injection
Horsepower: 650bhp
Torque: 480ft-lbs
BODY/CHASSIS
Aluminum Monocoque
Rack & Pinion Power Steering
Ventilated Disc Brakes
5-Speed Hewland VG Gearbox
DIMENSIONS
Length: 179in/455cm
Width: 79in/201cm
Height: 39in/100cm
Weight: 2050lbs/930k
