This 1957 Jaguar XKSS 716 was counted as part of Jaguar’s stock of unsold D-Types on November 21 1956. On June 12 1957, it was sold to Stanley McRobert of Montreal, who raced and hill climbed in Canada with some success including at Harewood Acres where two races were entered resulting in first and second place finishes. In October at the Mount Gabriel hill climb, the Jaguar finished first, set the fastest time and held the course record for several years.

This car went through several owners who raced at Harewood Acres and at the Mosport Canadian Grand Prix. In approximately 1980 it was converted into a D-Type by Lynx and raced at Silvertone in 1981-1982. In 2000 it was used for vintage racing and tours and was converted back to an XKSS Jaguar specification.

Design and Features

• Manufacturer: Jaguar Cars Ltd., a British luxury and sports car manufacturer.
• Body Style: Roadster, with an open-top design that combines sleek, aerodynamic lines with functional styling.
• Chassis: Based on the D-Type's lightweight monocoque chassis, featuring a central tub made of magnesium alloy with aluminum body panels.
• Bodywork: The XKSS retains much of the D-Type's aerodynamic shape, including the distinctive rear fin (though this was removed for the XKSS version), and features additional road-going elements like a passenger-side door, windshield, and bumpers.
• Interior: More refined than the D-Type, the XKSS interior includes leather seats, a passenger seat, a proper dashboard with additional instrumentation, and some luggage space behind the seats.

Performance

• Engine: Powered by Jaguar's 3.4-liter XK inline-6 engine, a highly advanced engine for its time.
• Power Output: Approximately 250 horsepower, offering robust performance.
• Transmission: Equipped with a 4-speed manual gearbox, providing smooth and precise gear changes.
• Top Speed: Capable of reaching speeds around 150 mph (241 km/h), which was extremely fast for a road car in the late 1950s.
• Suspension: Independent front suspension with torsion bars and a live rear axle with torsion bars, offering a balance of comfort and sporty handling.
• Brakes: Equipped with Dunlop disc brakes on all four wheels, providing superior stopping power and control.

Production and Rarity

• Production Years: The Jaguar XKSS was produced in 1957.
• Total Units Produced: Originally, Jaguar planned to convert 25 D-Types into XKSS road cars. However, a fire at the Browns Lane factory destroyed nine of these, leaving only 16 completed.
• Chassis Number 716: Chassis 716 is one of these ultra-rare cars, each with its unique history and provenance.

Historical Significance and Legacy

• Racing Pedigree: The XKSS is essentially a road-legal version of the Jaguar D-Type, a car that dominated the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the mid-1950s, winning in 1955, 1956, and 1957.
• Celebrity Ownership: The most famous owner of an XKSS was actor Steve McQueen, who owned chassis number 713 and famously referred to it as his "favorite car."
• Historical Impact: The XKSS represents a unique bridge between Jaguar's racing success and its production sports cars, combining the best of both worlds.

Notable Features

• Racing Heritage: The XKSS retains many of the D-Type's advanced racing features, including the aerodynamically optimized body, lightweight construction, and powerful engine.
• Iconic Design: With its sleek lines, distinctive front grille, and roadster layout, the XKSS is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful sports cars ever made.
• Performance: Even by today's standards, the performance of the XKSS is impressive, reflecting its racing roots.

Challenges

• Maintenance and Restoration: Preserving an XKSS requires specialized knowledge and expertise, as well as access to authentic parts. Restoration efforts must be meticulous to maintain historical accuracy and value.
• Authenticity: Ensuring the authenticity of an XKSS is crucial, given the high value and rarity of these cars. Detailed documentation and provenance are essential in verifying the originality of each vehicle.

Legacy

• Collector's Item: The XKSS is one of the most sought-after collector cars in the world, with its combination of rarity, beauty, and performance making it a pinnacle of automotive collecting.
• Influence: The XKSS influenced the design of future Jaguar sports cars and remains a testament to Jaguar's engineering and design excellence during its golden era.

You may purchase a print of the 1957 Jaguar XKSS 716 in our dElegance 2017 online gallery.

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