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1966 Jaguar XJ13

Built as a potential Le Mans contender, the unique XJ13 never competed in any race. Its development inevitably had to take second place to that of the XJ6, launched in 1968. By the time XJ13 was completed, it was already obsolete against new cars from Ferrari and Ford, never mind the Porsche 917. Le Mans regulations were changing too; prototype cars limited to 3 litre engines. To run cars with larger engines, manufacturers had to build 50 examples as production cars (later reduced to 25).

The XJ13's shape was penned by Malcolm Sayer who had been responsible for the C-type and D-type. Its unique 502bhp, 5 litre V12 engine had great potential. During early testing in 1967, it lapped the MIRA test track at over 161mph, establishing a lap record in the hands of racing driver David Hobbs. Many of the lessons learned were used in development of the production V12.

There is, however, a twist in the tale of the XJ13. In 1971, having spent four years sitting under a cover in the factory, it returned to MIRA to be filmed for the E-type V12 launch. With Norman Dewis at the wheel, a tyre punctured on the banking, sending the car into a terrifying set of rolls, before coming to rest on its wheels. Dewis, who had the presence of mind to turn off the ignition, took refuge under the scuttle and escaped unhurt. The car was later rebuilt.

Engine: V12 cyl, 5000cc Top Speed: 170mph (274km/h) Power: 502bhp Coachwork: two-seater sports Price New: not quoted