Historic 1987 Jaguar XJR-7 Donated to Philadelphia Museum Collection

Donation of a Historic Racing Legacy

In a significant contribution to automotive history, Jim and Mary Rogers have generously donated a 1987 Jaguar XJR-7 to the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum. This historic race car, recorded as chassis XJR-7/001, is the first of its model and a testament to the engineering excellence achieved in the high-octane world of motorsports. It will now become a visual centerpiece in the museum located in Philadelphia, where it will be open to the public for viewing.

A Glimpse of the XJR-7's History

The Jaguar XJR-7 was developed by Group 44, an American racing team spearheaded by the legendary Bob Tullius, specifically to compete in the IMSA GT Championship. With several examples produced, the XJR-7/001 stands out not only for its limited production but also for its impressive competition record. The vehicle boasted a powerful 7.0-liter Jaguar V12 engine that delivered 720 horsepower, allowing it to race against some of the best in the field, including the iconic Porsche 962 and Nissan GTP.

The XJR-7 made its competitive debut at the 1985 Daytona 3 Hours, finishing fourth. This successful start led to the car racing under the stewardship of renowned drivers such as Hurley Haywood, Brian Redman, and John Morton. One of its crowning achievements was securing Group 44’s final victory at the West Palm Beach 3 Hours.

A Testament to Excellence

Harry Hurst, the Director of Programs at the Simeone Museum, emphasized the significance of this donation, remarking, "XJR-7/001 was the culmination of three decades of racing excellence by Group 44. It was the fastest, most powerful, and most sophisticated car produced by the team." He noted that this vehicle was so highly valued by Tullius that it was kept in pristine, running condition even after retiring from competitive racing until it was sold to the Rogers family in 1992.

Kevin Kelly, Executive Director of the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum, expressed excitement about the donation, saying, "This car is a remarkable addition to the collection. The XJR-7 embodies the spirit of competition that has defined this museum since its founding. It tells the story of American ingenuity applied to one of motorsport's most demanding challenges."

Details of the Museum and Visitor Information

The Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum houses over 70 of the most exceptional sports racing cars ever assembled, representing a century of motorsport history. Other noteworthy vehicles on display include the 1966 Ford GT40 MkII, the 1970 Porsche 917 LH, and the 2007 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR. The museum's location at 6825-31 Norwitch Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19153, makes it a must-visit destination for automobile enthusiasts.

The XJR-7 will be showcased publicly at the museum with operating hours from 10 AM to 6 PM, Tuesday to Friday, and from 10 AM to 4 PM on weekends. Admission to the museum is priced at $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, and is free for children under 18. This opportunity to view the Jaguar XJR-7 and other iconic vehicles firsthand is not to be missed.

Through live demonstrations and educational events, the Simeone Foundation continues Dr. Frederick Simeone's legacy of sharing stories of remarkable automobiles. For more information about the museum and its exhibits, please visit simeonemuseum.org.