American privateer Bob Tullius and his Group 44 crew modified this competition Jaguar, which racked up an astounding seven victories in a row. The 1976 Jaguar XJ-S by Group 44 stands as one of the most successful Jaguar racing cars in history, earning more victories in a single season than any other chassis in the British manufacturer’s storied competition history.
In the middle of the 1977 and 1978 race seasons, this Jaguar’s camshafts and heads were revamped to boost the power of the V12 engine to an astonishing 580 bhp at 8,000 rpm compared to the 525 bhp before the modification. This was especially impressive for a Jaguar in the 1970s. It was also painted in Group 44’s Quaker State colors before it hit the first of the Trans-Am championship’s ten rounds at Sears Point. The car was made with an acid-dipped bodyshell supplied by Jaguar to make it super light, equipped with stock suspension, and fitted with massive Goodyear tires. Being the first of only two built, this illustrious XJ-S would be a phenomenal addition to any car collection.
