What’s ironic with this distinction is the fact that there was only one-Jaguar XJ13 ever produced—today, it is displayed at the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust. Still,-the Jaguar XJ13 remains to be one of the most beautiful Jaguars ever created, if it isn’t one-of the most beautiful cars regardless of manufacturer. Its design was way beyond the standards of-its time, and its power was also way above the industry usual. However, changes in the industry and-a string of unfortunate events forced the Jaguar to forego the mass production of the Jaguar XJ13.-Of course, this only made the 1968 Jaguar XJ13 more valuable and more desirable. This is an example-when reputation usually precedes actual achievements. 

In any case, the Jaguar XJ13 was produced with the intention of competing it in-racing competitions, particularly the Le Mans. And on paper, it is more than equipped to take on the-challenges of what was then the most prestigious racing competition. It had a very powerful-engine—the five liter V12. Its mid-engine design further encapsulated what designer Malcolm Sayer wanted to do: use techniques in the-aircraft industry for car manufacturing. The name of the designer alone can ensure anyone that the-Jaguar XJ13 was in good hands—after all, the man was the one responsible for the Jaguar C-type, D-type, and E-type, as well as the later Jaguar XJS (released after Sayer’s death). The car design really-stood out. Even before the car was released, industry insiders were already looking forward to this-extremely beautiful car. 

These facts would make it seem as if the Jaguar XJ13 was poised to become-Jaguar’s greatest creation yet.

However, this was not meant to be. For one, the Jaguar XJ13 did not even make it to-the official race tracks. This Jaguar was meant to race Le Mans; however, Le Mans banned cars with-engines beyond three liters to race. Therefore, the Jaguar XJ13 was automatically banned on the very-race track it was designed for. Also, because of the long time it took the company to produce the-XJ13 (development and production weren’t taken seriously due to internal issues),-manufacturers such as Ferrari, Ford, and Porsche already exceeded the power and design of the XJ13.-Still, Jaguar tried to test the XJ13 several years after developed—only to be crashed by famed-racer Norman Dewis at the MIRA test tracks. The crashed car was fixed—that model is the one-that is on exhibit.

Still, although the XJ13 did not become a race track leader, it was and still is-considered to be one of the most dynamic and ambitious cars ever created. The numerous replicas,-including the 1968 Jaguar XJ13, should be enough proof that the Jaguar XJ13, despite its failure, is-still known as one of the most influential Jaguar cars ever.

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