1966 Jaguar XJ13 Recreation: Even Better Than the Real Thing?
Only one Jaguar XJ13 was ever built, but you can nab this amazing replica at RM Sotheby’s Monterey sale on August 15-17.
In the wonderful world of automobiles, the word “recreation” is often a slightly dirty one. After all, who the heck wants anything other than the real thing? But while there are certainly some cars that fall under this spectrum (read: Ferrari Fiero kit cars), some recreations actually do the originals justice. That couldn’t be more true in the case of the Jaguar XJ13, a machine built to compete at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Jaguar constructed just one prototype of this drop-dead gorgeous hunk of metal. And sadly, the project fizzled out, never making it to the track. Thus, the only way to get your hands on what was almost the most beautiful racing car in history is to purchase a replica. Luckily, no one would ever dare turn their nose up at this insanely detailed Jaguar XJ13 recreation up for grabs at RM Sotheby’s Monterey sale on August 15-17.
This particular Jag was built by Rod Tempero, a master craftsman from New Zealand who specializes in vintage European classics. If you didn’t know any better, you’d never be able to tell this isn’t the real Jaguar XJ13. It features a mid-mounted 5.0-liter V12, just like the original. That engine itself, like the rest of the car, is a real work of art. Thankfully, it’s on full display courtesy of a clear engine cover.
Completely hand-built, this recreation is faithful to the original down to the last rivet. But we’d wager that the craftsmanship here rivals that of the original, at the very least. The details here are quite simply astonishing to take in. And they make you wonder if the new owner will be brave enough to actually drive and use it.
But that’s where a car like this bests the real thing. The original, one-of-one Jaguar XJ13 is undoubtedly so valuable and significant that it would be a tragedy to lose it. In fact, The Sunday Times reported back in 2006 that the owners turned down an offer of nearly $9 million dollars to purchase the car.
Obviously, this amazing recreation won’t come cheap. But the new owner can drive it with the confidence that it can actually be replaced. And that simple fact alone makes this incredibly crafted machine even better than the real thing.
Photos: RM Sotheby’s
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