V12 Growl returns to JIMF with the Jaguar XJR-5

The headline four-wheeled attraction for this year’s festival is the 1984 Group 44 Jaguar XJR-5 – a stunning prototype sports car developed in the US by Group 44 Inc. for Jaguar's return to endurance racing. Built for competition in the American IMSA GTP Championship, the XJR-5 signalled a bold new era in Jaguar’s sportscar legacy. The example appearing at JIMF is one of the original cars from the factory programme that reignited Jaguar’s presence in North American racing. With its iconic white and green livery and a thunderous V12 engine – the foundation for Jaguar’s later dominance in the category – the XJR-5 offers a rare chance for fans to witness the origins of a motorsport icon.

Visitors will be able to see and hear the XJR-5 in action on Thursday 5 June during the Rolling Roadshow, sponsored by Ruellans Garage, and again later the next evening on the avenue ahead of the first competitive runs of the Moonlight Sprint. The car will then be on static display at People’s Park on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 June.