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The first "Jaguar" model to be named after its top speed was the SS 100 of 1938. With a top speed of 104mph in the 3-1/2L version. The 2-1/2L version could hit 95mph. The last new Jaguar introduced with its top speed as part of its name was the 1992 XJ220. The philosophy behind these two cars couldn't be more different. The cars of SS were always built to be a great buying value as that was the philosophy of Jaguar founder, William Lyons. Superb performance and luxury for less than the competition. The 1938 SS 100 3-1/2L cost the buyer of the day only 445 pounds and the slightly slower 2-1/2L variant only 395 pounds. The limited production XJ220 (281 produced) on the other hand was never intended to be a bargin as its engine is a 3-1/2L twin-turbo V6 producing 542bhp. The initial sticker on the XJ220 was $706,000. Although prices rose initially beyond this the market for hyper-exotics eventually fell flat and XJ220s were hard to move at any price. The aluminium-bodied car itself had no troubles moving. Top speed was well within the "advertised" 220mph (depending on who you listened to the XJ220 could do 208 to 220) and 0-60mph figures were a blindingly quick 3.8sec. |