The Jaguar XJ13 name has been trademarked this week, but Jaguar denies speculation the firm's heritage division may reproduce the car

The Jaguar XJ13 name has been trademarked this week, sparking speculation that its heritage division may reproduce 25 of the iconic cars in order to fulfill the homologation run that was originally intended to support the racing project.

This year marks the ill-fated car’s 50-year anniversary; the one example built was completed in 1966. Notably, Jaguar Land Rover’s heritage division is working around notable dates for its other projects; nine new XKSS models are to be delivered early next year – 2017 being the 60th anniversary of the factory fire which destroyed the original nine XKSS D-Type cars, and the original production of the cars.

At the moment, there’s only one example of the mid-engined experimental XJ13 in existence, which remains in the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust. Unofficial replicas are also around, but these aren't affiliated with Jaguar.

Xj13iv

Jaguar's original car was restored in 1971 after it was written off in a high-speed crash with famed Jaguar driver Norman Dewis behind the wheel while filming promotional material for the E-Type V12 launch. However, Jaguar has always said that the restored car is not an exact reproduction of the original.

The original car used a 5.0-litre V12 engine, and produced 502bhp. Under testing at the MIRA (Motor Industry Research Association) test track as a prototype, the XJ13 reached 161mph; 11mph more than the E-Type’s top speed.

At the time, to compete in Le Mans – the car’s original intended purpose – manufacturers build at least 25 examples for a car to be homologated; speculation has suggested that this 25-car production run could be the number of XJ13s which Jaguar would make in order to complete the XJ13’s failed homologation run.

Xj13iii

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However, a Jaguar spokesperson denied the possibility of the XJ13 being remade by Jaguar’s heritage division, and stated that the filing of trademarks is standard practice. 

Jaguar Land Rover’s continuing investment in building heritage vehicles – including £7.5million invested into its restoration centre, as well as the celebration of the two brands’ histories and the establishment of its Jaguar Land Rover Classic Division - means that a project like the homologation run of the XJ13 would be a major part of the Classic Division’s campaign.

The brand has already begun celebrations of the XJ13’s half century by taking the car to Le Mans for the first time earlier this year. At the time, Tim Hannig, director of Jaguar Land Rover Classic, said: “We have such an incredible history at this circuit, and it’s just a shame that the XJ13 never had the opportunity to write its own chapter there in that period. No celebration of Jaguar’s heritage would be complete without the XJ13.”

Xj13ii

It’s not just Jaguar which benefits from the Classic Division, though - Land Rover’s latest heritage project is restoring 25 Series 1 models to 1948 specification, before selling them off for between £60,000 and £80,000.

The original XJ13 was never road registered, and it’s not known whether the suggested new run of cars would be. 

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FuManchuria 14 August 2016

Norman Dewis and XJ13

Had the privilege of meeting Norman couple of years ago at KOP hillclimb; he is an inimitable individual and a pleasure to talk to. He is a true gent and a terrific driver; a top man. Can you imagine meeting any of today's overpaid prima donnas?
Funniest thing was, somebody turned up with an XJ13 replica for dsiplay. They said you'll never see anything like this again only then to be shown the real (rebuilt of course) XJ13 that was there with Norman.
It is a testament to British design and Engineering; but I wouldn't pay that much for it even so.
TheSaintmobile 13 August 2016

Jaguar will never revive V12

Jaguar will never revive V12 engine. Jaguar drop the V12 in 1997. They said they revive in after 2001. But never happened. It like the V12 Jaguar engine is gone for good.
Sundym 13 August 2016

V12 gone for good

So how do we explain Jaguar bringing the xk engine out of retirement from 1987 for the current recreations ....
audiolab 12 August 2016

The only car magazine...

....That I kept after deciding to throw them all out, was one containing an article on this stunning beauty and it's quad cam v12 engine. For me simply the best looking car on the planet.
k12479 13 August 2016

audiolab wrote:

audiolab wrote:

For me simply the best looking car on the planet.

You make a good point, but the contemporary Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale begs to differ.