Broken Dreams: Jaguar XJ13. The Cruelty of Rules

What happens when a manufacturer, celebrated with five victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, faces alarming failures in its production car business? The year was 1963, and Jaguar’s last victory with the magnificent D-Type dated back to 1957. There was only one card left to play: return to Le Mans and win again.

The XJ13 at Le Mans. But only for an exhibition before the 2016 Le Mans Classic.

In Coventry, at the beginning of 1964, the engine was already on the test bench—a 60-degree V12 with a 5,000cc displacement. Regulations allowed for larger engines—Ford would win in 1966 with a 7,000cc!—so Jaguar reinterpreted its traditional 6-cylinder engine, coupling two together to form a new V12 power unit.

The powerful 5.0 L DOHC 60 Degree V12 engine originated from coupling together two 6-cylinder engines from the D-Type.

The designer remained unchanged: Malcolm Sayer, creator of the Jaguar C-Type and D-Type, also penned this car, now featuring a mid-mounted engine. Top drivers like World Champion Jack Brabham, David Hobbs, and Richard Atwood were involved in the development. By 1966, the first—and only—XJ13 was finally ready.

The pure and uncompromising cockpit with the steering wheel still in traditional wood. Note the gearbox located on the right.

The unlucky "13" proved fateful: first, Jaguar underwent a change in ownership with plans for a relaunch. Then, Le Mans organizers introduced new engine size restrictions, limiting entries to 3,000cc. Despite still having theoretical time to compete, the investment no longer seemed justified against Ferrari and Ford.

Today the XJ13 is considered one of the 10 most beautiful and important Jaguars in history. Too bad it never got to race.

And the XJ13? Its V12 engine found a second life in the Jaguar E-Type, and the car itself appeared in commercials. Today, the XJ13 resides at the Jaguar Museum but remains a legend, often seen in recreations auctioned for as much as $500,000. At least that's some consolation for a shattered dream.

On show at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the XJ13 showcases the careful pursuit of aerodynamics.