The widely unheard of Jaguar Sport XJR-15 is quickly becoming an iconic collectable. Its extensive carbon fiber construction, V-12 engine, and racing heritage is more valued to automotive enthusiasts today, especially to those willing and able to spend millions on a 30 year old piece of Jaguar history.

What is the Jaguar Sport XJR-15?

The Jaguar XJR-15 was a special project of the highly successful Tom Walkinshaw Racing Team and only 27 road-going examples were manufactured by then Jaguar Sport. It was built to celebrate Jaguar's victories at the 1987 Daytona 24 Hours, 1988 LeMans 24 Hours, and the Group C World Championship.

The XJR-15 is infamous for using a similar carbon fiber monocoque as the Le Mans-winning Jaguar XJR-9, and is one of the first cars to make use of carbon fiber and kevlar body panels. It also is known for its unique powertrain. Behind the driver sits a 6.0-Liter V-12 with a Cosworth forged crankshaft and connecting rods, aluminum pistons, and a total output of 450 horsepower. The supercar boasted impressive performance figures as well with a top speed of 215 miles per hour, and it weighed just 2,315 pounds.

How much is the XJR-15 Worth?

Judging the worth of a now-classic supercar is always subject to its condition, desirability, and market value. Though with this XJR-15 being chassis number 18, and with it being just one of 27 out of the 53 total units made, converted for road use, it is sure to fetch a pretty penny. RM Sotheby's is projecting a value for this example of $1,200,000 - $1,400,000. This auction is set to be at the Monterey Conference Center from August 18-20th.

Even when new, the XJR-15 was not cheap as it featured exotic materials at the time and sold for a starting price of $960,165 in 1990. Adjusted for inflation, if the original XJR-15 was sold new today, it would cost $2,176,797. So the projected value from RM Sotheby's is sort of a bargain for this example with less than 1,000 miles on the odometer.

Jaguar's Future

The Jaguar brand today has not been as successful as they may have once hoped for. The brand, in North America, consists of two SUVs, one sedan, and their last combustion sports car, the F-Type.

Due to poor sales and low brand traction, Jaguar has changed leadership, and their brand mission, once again. The brand aims to become a fully electric brand with all new models coming by 2025 to replace their entire existing lineup. Jaguar also hopes to move upmarket, building new vehicles on a brand-dedicated platform, and aims to restore the exclusive British luxury the marque has traded in the past decade for sporty performance.