This 1957 Jaguar XKSS 710 was counted as part of Jaguar’s stock of unsold D-Types on November 21 1956. It was originally sold to Richard Kessler who raced the car between July and September 1957 at American venues including Lime Rock, Marlboro, Montgomery and Watkins Glen. The car was then converted back to D-Type specifications and sold to Don Horn of Memphis Tennessee. He raced the car on a few occasions and it was eventually sold to Gary Bartlett in the US who also purchased the old 3.4 liter engine and the XKSS components. That collection of pieces was carefully rebuilt during the 2005-2006 period. The car was entered and rolled over during the 2006 Mille Miglia, luckily without permanent harm to vehicle or its occupants. It was repaired and purchased by the current owners afterwards.
Design and Features
- Manufacturer: Jaguar Cars, United Kingdom.
- Body Style: 2-seat roadster.
- Chassis: Based on the Jaguar D-Type race car chassis, adapted for road use with additional features such as a full-width windshield, side windows, and other comfort modifications.
- Interior: Minimalist cockpit with leather bucket seats and basic instrumentation, focusing on driver engagement and functionality.
Performance
- Engine: 3.4-liter (3442 cc) inline-6 engine (similar to the D-Type's engine).
- Power Output: Approximately 250 horsepower.
- Transmission: 4-speed manual gearbox.
- Top Speed: Around 150 mph (241 km/h).
- Acceleration: 0-60 mph in approximately 5.2 seconds.
- Suspension: Independent front suspension with torsion bars, and rear suspension with a live axle and torsion bars, optimized for both road comfort and sporty handling.
- Brakes: Disc brakes all around, a relatively advanced feature for its time, providing excellent stopping power.
Production and Legacy
- Production Years: Originally produced in 1957, but due to a fire at Jaguar's factory, only a small number were completed.
- Total Units Produced: Approximately 16 XKSS cars were built, making it one of the rarest and most desirable Jaguars ever made.
- Price: The XKSS is highly valued among collectors, with prices reaching into the multi-million-dollar range at auctions due to its rarity and historical significance.
Significance
- Racing Pedigree: The XKSS was essentially a road-going version of the Jaguar D-Type, which had significant success in racing, including multiple wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
- Historical Impact: The XKSS is famous for being one of the first production cars to bridge the gap between race car technology and road-going usability, setting a precedent for future sports car designs.
- Cultural Icon: The XKSS gained further fame when a planned production run was cut short, making it an elusive and mythical car among enthusiasts and collectors.
Challenges
- Limited Availability: Due to the small production run and the fact that some were lost in the factory fire, acquiring an original XKSS is exceedingly difficult.
- Authenticity and Restoration: Ensuring the authenticity of any XKSS and restoring it to original condition can be challenging due to the scarcity of parts and specialized knowledge required.
Notable Features
- Handcrafted Bodywork: Each XKSS was meticulously crafted, featuring lightweight aluminum body panels and a distinctive, aerodynamically efficient design.
- Unique Styling: The XKSS combined the aggressive, purposeful look of a racing car with the elegance and refinement expected of a Jaguar road car.
- Legendary Owners: The XKSS has been owned by prominent figures, including Steve McQueen, further adding to its mystique and collectibility.
You may purchase a print of the 1957 Jaguar XKSS 710 in our dElegance 2017 online gallery.