Topic: Solved - MJW #298 - Jaguar XJR-8/Magnum 44 by Bob Tullius

[woodinsight]

This sports racer was known by two different names - what were they and who was the person behind it?

[f1fan]

Rings a bell - built but never raced?

[woodinsight]

I believe that's the case

[f1fan]

I see Bob Tulius' Group 44 Jaguars in the background.

[woodinsight]

You have a sharp eye - follow that lead!

[f1fan]

This  has to be has variation of the XJR-7.

[woodinsight]

Okay - I think you are close to solving this one.
Not XJR-7 but close to that.
Locked for you until your next reply.

[f1fan]

Found 3 names: XKR-8, Mag Jag, 44 Magnum. 

[woodinsight]

Well done f1fan.
Bob Tullius called it the Jaguar XJR-8 and everyone else the Magnum 44.
It was built into a working car but cancellation of the contract prevented further development.

[Group44registry]

Well done f1fan.
Bob Tullius called it the Jaguar XJR-8 and everyone else the Magnum 44.
It was built into a working car but cancellation of the contract prevented further development.

All-

  This car was called by several names. Tullius wanted "XJR-8" though given the number sequencing at the time it probably should have been the XJR-9. It earned the "44 Magnum" and "Mag-Jag" sobriquets from the crew due to its experimental magnesium block Jaguar engine. It is indeed a development of the XJR-7 and was constructed from XJR-7 chassis #005. It was never raced, or fully developed in the era. Group 44 tried to market this as a customer GTP car, ala Porsche's 962, so it could be fitted with mounts for Chevrolet or Ford V-8 engines, but there was no interest. As it is currently run in vintage races it uses a standard aluminum Group 44 Jaguar engine, as the magnesium engine deteriorated badly over the years.

-Rick

[Carnut]

Thanks for the info Rick.
Interesing.