VIN: the Cor Euser Jaguar XJR-15 chassis 007
History of chassis 007
Chassis 007 was the XJR-15 raced by Cor Euser in all three rounds of the 1991 Intercontinental Challenge.
The opening 16 lap race took place on 11th May in support of the Monaco Grand Prix. Unfortunately, 007 was beset with gearbox and steering problems during the first qualifying session. As the second session took place in heavy rain, no-one was able to improve their time. Consequently, Euser started all the way down in 15th position (second-to-last).
On race day, the Dutchman was hampered by a slipping clutch. Nevertheless, he gained five positions thanks to a combination of overtakes and retirements and finished tenth.
Round two was held at Silverstone on July 14th in support of the British Grand Prix. On this occasion, 007 was much more competitive.
Euser set the fastest time in the opening practice session but was ultimately relegated to third behind Derek Warwick and David Brabham.
The 20 lap race got off to a frantic start when the first couple of rows decided to go passed the pace car early. Brabham initially headed the field until he slid wide at Copse which allowed Euser and Warwick through.
On the second lap, Warwick and Euser had a coming together at Becketts; Euser dropped to third while Warwick continued in the lead. Brabham tried to pass Warwick at Club. The cars made contact and both headed for the pits with damage.
This allowed Euser back into a short-lived lead despite his bonnet coming adrift. A spectacular 120mph spin at Becketts then dropped him to fifth behind Flux, Fangio, Hahne and Needell.
Sixth placed David Leslie was then biffed by Euser at Priory. Shortly afterwards, Euser brought 007 into the pits where it was retired. In a frantic race, eleven of the 16 starters had incurred some kind of damage.
With $1m on line for the winner, the race at Spa on August 25th (in support of the Belgian GP) was one of the richest events in motor racing.
As there had been speculation about race fixing agreements between the drivers, Jaguar decided the finale would run for an undisclosed number of laps. All the drivers knew was that the chequered flag would fall after at least six laps.
Euser took pole early in the second session followed by Brabham, Warwick, Hahne, Percy and Hoy.
In the race, Euser retained his advantage off the line. At the end of the first lap he led from Hahne and Warwick with the front three having broken clear of the chasing pack.
On lap eight, Euser nearly went off at Eau Rouge which allowed Hahne to slipstream into the lead. Warwick also tried to go through and battled with Euser for the rest of lap until the Englishman lost it in the sequence of fast corners before the Bus Stop. Warwick’s car pin-balled off the barriers in what was the biggest crash of the series.
On lap eleven, the commentators announced it was final lap. Hahne held on to win the $1m prize while Euser finished in the runner up spot, four seconds down the road.
Chassis 007 was subsequently refreshed back at TWR. It was later sold to expert Jaguar builder, Brian Wingfield, who went on to use it in the Historic Group C series.
Notable History
11/05/1991 JIC Monaco (C. Euser) 10th oa (#7)
14/07/1991 JIC Silverstone (C. Euser) DNF (#7)
25/08/1991 JIC Spa (C. Euser) 2nd oa (#7)
Later sold to Brian Wingfield, UK
Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
