the year was 1990, and Jaguar and Tom Walkinshaw (TWR) joined forces in an alliance called Jaguarsport. In addition to developing machines of competition, collaborated in the development of the Jaguar XJ220, one of the most iconic supercars of the years 90. After the financial crisis of the early 90’s, Jaguar was forced to abandon his original idea of creating a supercar with an engine V12, and joined TWR for the development of the new engine. Is where comes in action one of the Ford Transit more special the history.
An unexpected mule testing the engine of the Jaguar XJ220, a 3.5 V6 with 550 BHP of power.
This Ford Transit long wheelbase began its life in 1989 as the a simple white van. One of the many thousands who each day drove through the streets of the United Kingdom. Completely anonymous. It was therefore the ideal vehicle to test in the streets the engine and it was creating for the Jaguar XJ220. As you may know, the engine of the Jaguar XJ220 has its origin in the MG Metro 6R4. A beast of the B Group that just arrived to make their debut in the competition: he had the bad luck to compete only in their final throes.
Jaguarsport worked hard to convert the V6 in the beast biturbo 3.5-liter, 550 HP that ended up under the rear hood of the Jaguar XJ220. As the chassis of the Jaguar XJ220 was not yet full, needed a mule on which to check the operation and perform the tests necessary in the development of a power plant. The back of the Ford Transit was the perfect place: there was tons of space to work on the engine and was completely hidden from prying eyes.
The roof bars and a ladder intended to divert attention from what is baked into your interior.
The engine was connected to a gearbox, transaxle, located on rear axle. The cooling was courtesy of several radiators installed around the engine, while the intake was carefully hidden. To add more confusion to the passer-by, or the competitor jealous, installed on the roof, some stairs and a few bars to assume that the vehicle had a commercial use. Only two details attract attention: the first is the presence of two exhaust pipes with a discrete lag behind. Passable.
The second, are the crude wheels of the Jaguar XJ220. On the rear, maybe with a tire type slick. Still, it was a van able to pass very unnoticed. The van now belongs to Don Law Racing, a company specializing in Jaguar classics, and in particular the XJ220. They believed that this van was a myth, until you visited TWR and discovered the van in the back, covered with moss and virtually abandoned. Gift Law could not leave TWR without it, but the company was not willing to sell it.
Its maximum speed is 295 km/h, without changes aerodynamic. Simply terrifying.
How did you get to be the new owners? Lying, godly maybe. They said they need a engine urgently, and by using this trick, managed to get the van, committing themselves to desguazarla as soon as the engine is out. The first thing that at Don Law Racing they did was make it point, and get out to shoot with it on the roads of britain. Obviously, they were not going to let a van with so much historical significance fall into oblivion in such a way. Less badly that there are still souls charitable.
The good thing starts at 1:31.
apparently the maximum speed you have reached with this van is 295 km/h, in the oval of Millbrook and without modification of aerodynamic of any kind. Your engine does not deliver 550 HP, have been harnessed to the 640 CV, and is able to accelerate to 100 km/h in less than 5 seconds. Not seem incredible performance, but think that is a Ford Transit for all purposes. Don Law Racing has also changed its scheme of suspensions, and is now a machine much more responsive: before only subviraba of chronic form.
In the future, Don Law Racing you plan to modify your steering system and remove weight. I propose from here to join this Transit to the club of the Super Van.
Source: Crank & Piston
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