VIN: the Tiff Needell Jaguar XJR-15 chassis 047
History of chassis 047
Chassis 047 was the XJR-15 ordered by the British director and general manager of Champion spark plugs, Robin Longdon.
Although a keen historic racer himself, Longdon purchased 047, a racing version of the XJR-15, for Tiff Needell to contest the 1991 JaguarSport Intercontinental Challenge.
The three race series kicked off in Monte Carlo on May 11th where a 16 lap contest was organised in support of that weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix.
Qualifying took place on Thursday and Friday, but as the second session was held in pouring rain, no-one was able to improve their time. Needell went seventh quickest of the 16 runners.
When the lights turned green 047 got a decent start and Needell subsequently moved into fifth on the second lap following incidents for John Nielsen and Armin Hahne up ahead. Although race leader Derek Warwick got it all wrong heading into Swimming Pool on lap six, the chasing pack were unable to capitalise; Needell ultimately came home fifth behind Warwick, Juan Fangio II, Armin Hahne and Bob Wollek.
Next up was a 20 lap race at Silverstone during the British Grand Prix weekend. On this occasion, Needell qualified down in tenth.
The race quickly descended into chaos; after the first couple of rows decided to go passed the pace car early, drivers began making contact trying to regain lost ground.
Following several incidents at the sharp end of the grid, Needell had managed to move up to fourth position having himself hit David Leslie with an ambitious move. Needell then punted Armin Hahne into a spin. Hahne repaid the favour a lap later, but Needell got going again and crossed the line sixth after a most extraordinary contest that saw only ten cars finish.
The Intercontinental Challenge finale at Spa on August 25th was one of the richest events in motor racing with $1m on the line for the winner.
As there had been speculation about race fixing agreements between the drivers, Jaguar decided the race would run for an undisclosed number of laps. All the drivers knew was that the chequered flag would fall after at least six laps.
Just minutes into the opening qualifying session, Needell clattered the barrier at Eau Rouge and 047 incurred extensive damage. Fortunately, the car was repaired in time for the race and Needell had already posted a time good enough for 13th on the grid.
Needell drove more circumspectly in the race. On lap eleven, the commentators announced it was final lap. 047 crossed the line 13th in what was its final competitive outing.
The car subsequently sat in UK storage before undergoing restoration several years later.
Notable History
Robin Longdon, UK
11/05/1991 JIC Monaco (T. Needell) 7th oa (#5)
14/07/1991 JIC Silverstone (T. Needell) 6th oa (#5)
25/08/1991 JIC Spa (T. Needell) 13th oa (#5)
Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
