Fantasy Junction

Description

1965 Jaguar XJ13 Replica (Auction ends Wednesday May 4th)

VIN – RCRXJ1315160217
Exterior Color – Metallic British Racing Green
Interior Color – Tan Leather
Engine – Fuel-Injected Jaguar V12
Transmission – 5-speed Porsche G50 transaxle
Current Miles – 495 TMU
Current Owner – Commissioning build completed 2021

General Overview

Among the most beautiful automobiles ever conceived and crafted, the Jaguar XJ13 began in 1960 with experiments for a mid-engine design destined for Le Mans. Development in earnest proceeded in 1965 with the Malcolm Sayer body design completed in 1966. Efforts included the expertise of Jack Brabham and David Hobbs as test drivers integrating top engine and suspension technology of the period. During early test sessions, the car proved promising, setting an unofficial lap record that would stand for decades, but there was still much to refine. Given the rise of the GT40 and durability of the 7-liter V8 engine, the V12 proved to be out of date. Development halted, and the once promising singular prototype was put into storage. In 1971, with the launch of the new V12 powered E-Type, the XJ13 was removed from storage and piloted by Norman Dewis for promotional footage. Driven on a damaged tire, Dewis lost control at high speed and the XJ13 was heavily damaged. Fortunately, Dewis escaped unharmed. The wreckage was put back in storage and remained there until it was rebuilt some years later using significantly new body panels and chassis components. The singular prototype, having been heavily rebodied and reconstructed, remains on display today at the British Motor Museum, itself a recreation of the original car.

Race Car Replicas, a Detroit, MI based company specializing in building bespoke replicas of iconic vintage race cars, is a leading manufacturer of top-quality performance cars. Their background in racing, state of the art CNC and CAD development tools, and facilities dedicated to serving some of the largest automobile companies, uniquely allows them to combine modern technology with vintage history. More recently, RCR came into the public eye after building some of the cars for the movie Ford vs. Ferrari. Developed over a period of several years and refined through ongoing iterations, the RCR XJ13 is considered one of the best replicas on the market today. Utilizing an RCR developed all-aluminum monocoque chassis and aluminum suspension, modern brakes, and Jaguar V12 power, the RCR XJ13 presents one of the best opportunities to drive an icon of motorsports history.

History and Build Details of This Car

This particular RCR XJ13 was commissioned by the current and consigning owner and issued an RSR Certificate of Origin in 2017. It is titled and registered in California as a 1965 Jaguar and exempt from emissions testing. Invoices for the RSR build began in 2013 as the engine and gearbox were prepared, custom stainless headers constructed ($6,600), a custom V12 wiring harness assembled ($2,200), twin fuel system and Magneti fuel injectors were installed, and the Porsche G50 gearbox, flywheel, and starter were prepared as part of the build. The engine and Fuel Injection system was professionally built by Fran Olsen of Fox Engineering at a cost of $28,000.00. During the construction, the fuel-injection system was custom fabricated specifically for this engine and specialized fittings and features built to fit the Jaguar V12 engine. Upon completion, the engine was dyno tested delivering 310 hp with 281 lb. ft. of torque. The $80,000.00 RCR build package included an aluminum monocoque chassis, billet aluminum rear chassis brace with upper shock mounts, billet front and rear suspension uprights and upper and lower control arms, adjustable coilover shock absorbers with adjustable aluminum shocks, a custom manual rack and pinion quick ratio steering unit, collapsible steering wheel column, six piston front and rear brakes with ventilated rotors, 15 x 8 front and 15 x 10 rear wheels with XJ13 style 3 piece CNC knock off centers, and a G50 shifter assembly. All fiberglass body panels, hardware and accessory features were purchased along with a custom aluminum radiator rated to 600hp, replica door handles, lines, hardware, and various components to complete the build.

Upon completion of the car, it was delivered to the commissioning owner and sorted out for final refinement and testing. As with any handmade car, mechanical systems were carefully reviewed, sorted out, and reconfigured as miles accumulated to the current 500 miles shown. Although the car performed well under testing, the owner was very particular about getting the car to operate in the best possible way. In 2018 the alternator was rebuilt, and a larger gauge power cable installed, which was replaced later that year with a higher output alternator which proved to be more efficient. An electronic emergency brake and calipers were also installed at this time. Refinement for mechanical operation continued in February 2020. At that time, the owner engaged Performance Fabrication, San Carlos, CA to review the car. The team carefully evaluated the car making recommendations for improvements including a new starter and improved mounting mechanism, installing a new clutch master cylinder, resurfacing the flywheel, and replacing the clutch cover. A new spark box was installed, along with a coil pack unit, and engine wiring was addressed to improve ease of access and consistency. Shifting was improved by strengthening the rear linkage mounting brackets, revising some of the engineered linkage, and using a better grade Swepco gear oil. The car was road tested and then returned to Performance Fabrication where it remained from January to September 2021. At that time, further work was performed including the installation of a new CV boot, coolant lines were studied and rerouted for better efficiency, and revised for optimal water flow management and better cooling. New larger fuel filters were also installed. The throttle cable was rerouted to a more efficient path with custom adjustments fabricated at each end, a new set of water manifolds were custom made with better surface contact and improved water flow. The electric parking brake system adjusted and a new microswitch installed, and the fuel gauges were tested for operation. While the car was being road tested the fuel-injection system was tested, refined, and improvements made in the operation. In February 2022 an upgraded new water pump was installed, oil change performed, new spark plugs installed, and the fuel gauges reviewed for operation. In 2021, the car participated in the Corte Madera Lions Club Classic Car Show where it won the People's Choice Award.


Condition Overview

Today, the exquisite body design and craftsmanship of this XJ13 are impressively presented in this beautiful replica. The metallic British Racing Green paint is smooth and glossy with excellent reflections and tight panel lines. The fiberglass body is reflective of the original design including raised rivets as installed in the original body panels. Handsome details continue throughout the fluid surfaces of the sensuous fender lines including dual side view mirrors, jaguar emblems, and E-type taillights. The stance is powerfully contained over the wide wheels and Firestone tires, finished off with polished triple ear alloy knock offs. Wilwood 6-piston calipers are mounted at each corner over 11.5” ventilated discs. The look and feel of the car is very rewarding both historically and as one of the most breathtaking mid-engine designs ever conceived. Hood louvers, rear fender air intakes, covered headlights, and an impressive clear view of the beautifully finished engine complete the exterior design.

The interior is handsomely tailored with attention to detail well beyond what is typically seen in other lesser builds. The dashboard houses multiple gauges with key operational features, finished in satin black and flanked by a traditional wood rimmed steering wheel. The interior is trimmed in tan leather with matching carpets, wide door sills, and finish work that is admirably refined throughout the cabin. The 5-speed manual G50 Porsche gearbox is positioned through an aluminum bezel topping the leather covered center tunnel. A view through the rear bulkhead shows the engine and air trumpets lined up in brilliant harmony. A set of drilled alloy foot pedals, alloy panel door pockets, and contoured bucket seats add additional competition touches to the cockpit. The trunk is finished in black and offers surprising space for soft overnight luggage

Under the clear mid-engine cover resides a gloriously finished Jaguar V12 engine, enhanced by polished finishes, alloy castings, and twelve polished intake trumpets topping the bespoke fuel-injection system. The engine compartment is a beautiful combination of mechanical details, artful craftsmanship, and impressive fabrication including the stainless-steel headers, uniquely built fuel-injection, Porsche gearbox, and billet suspension components. The impressive engine compartment is certainly the highlight of this stunningly equipped XJ13, but it is perfectly matched to the quality and excellence of the entire car. The underside of the car features correctly finished components, excellent construction, billet suspension, RCR aluminum monocoque construction, adjustable components, mechanical integrity, and minimal evidence of use consistent with less than 500 miles currently showing.

This XJ13 is ready to deliver undeniable pride of ownership and engaging driving in a tribute to the unfulfilled promise of Jaguar’s mid-engine sortie into Le Mans.

Items Included with the Car

This car is accompanied by a set of Lexan side windows, a car cover, a Jaguar key fob, and copies of invoices from RCR, services after completion of the build, and various reference materials collected by the owner.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608