Unearthing the Legend: Ostrich Shed's Hidden Gem, the XJ220 Supercar Resurrected to Glory
Imagine stumbling upon a legendary supercar, not in a gilded showroom, but in an ostrich shed, enshrouded in dust and forgotten by time. Our story begins with the discovery of a dormant Jaguar XJ220, a true relic from the Fastmasters Racing Series era that found its slumbering place among ostrich feathers and straw.
From Race Track to Ostrich Pack
We trace the car's thrilling past back to 1993, where it was one of 10 or 11 bespoke XJ220s that vied for domination in the Fastmasters Series at Indianapolis. Each car started life not as converted road cars but purpose-built racers, earmarked for this high-octane championship right from the Jaguar factory.
This particular XJ220 enjoyed its renaissance, having been lavishly repainted and rebadorned with original Fastmasters decals—an astonishing find from a Tom Walkinshaw Racing depot. The car's transformation from racing stallion to street-legal steed is fascinating, made road-worthy complete with all the necessary trimmings and ready for action on public roads.
The Ostrich Shed Secret
The narrative takes an eccentric turn as we revisit the mid-90s: Tom Walkinshaw Racing, also known for breeding ostriches, was looking to offload surplus ex-Fastmasters XJ220s. Gathering dust in a shed, each car bore the battle scars of their track days—some stripped of parts, others wearing panel damage.
The negotiation to rescue these automotive treasures ultimately resulted in the purchase of five, including our hero. The underappreciated potential of these beasts captured the attention of their saviors as they began to envision a marriage between their original form and Le Mans-inspired design. The result? The creation of the XJ220S, with an enhanced engine featuring bigger turbos and those distinctive Le Mans body panels.
Racing Roots Resurging
With a new owner at the helm, the XJ220 underwent a purist transformation. Out went the gray interior, replaced by a black Alcantara finish with just Recaro seats remaining—an ode to its racing roots. The newly designed interior took a practical bent, suited for track endeavours with its harnesses and lack of carpets.
One surprising story, pivotal to the survival of the XJ220 legacy, concerned the quest for new tires. With originals extinct and MOTs looming, a dedicated effort birthed a custom tire and compound, which meant this historical chassis could roll once more.
Driving the Dream
Finally, we come to the visceral experience behind the wheel of this resurrected icon. The XJ220 is a deceptive giant, measuring over 16 feet, yet on the move, it paradoxically feels approachable, friendly even, in direct contradiction with its intimidating stature.
Having emerged from a comprehensive restoration and sold to a new custodian of speed, our XJ220 is not fated for aggressive driving this day. Nevertheless, its legend permeates every aspect of the driving experience. It dominates in a straight line and, in skilled hands, outshines its contemporaries like a British Ferrari F40 slayer.
It's the details that endear—the torque-heavy personality, the throw of the gearbox, the feeling of raw, analog power sans the interference of modern driver assists. Despite its years, the XJ220 carries a comforting solidity, with its racing underpinnings whispering through the bespoke interior and sharp handling.
In the end, the discovery of an XJ220 in an ostrich shed is more than just an impressive barn find. It's a tale of rebirth, a journey that restores the car to its legendary status, preserving both its tangible and intangible essence. Thanks to the efforts of dedicated aficionados like Don Law, the XJ220's unique story continues to inspire and thrill, making it a living piece of automotive heritage, a 90s racing icon brought back to life.