Jaguar XKSS Production
When Jaguar withdrew from racing in 1956, they had 25 unsold D-Type chassis. To recoup costs, they converted these into road-legal XKSS models by adding a passenger door, basic windscreen, bumpers, and rudimentary weather equipment. The result was effectively a Le Mans-winning race car for the street, with devastating performance. Tragically, a fire at Jaguar's Browns Lane factory in February 1957 destroyed nine partially-completed XKSS, leaving only 16 ever built. Steve McQueen famously owned chassis XKSS 713, cementing the car's legendary status.
Arguably the most valuable Jaguar ever made. The 16 original examples rarely change hands. Authentication is critical - verify chassis number matches factory records. Original D-Type components should be present. Factory fire survivors and McQueen's car command premium values. Continuation cars are worth significantly less than originals.
Only 16 were completed before the Browns Lane factory fire in February 1957 destroyed the remaining chassis. Built from unsold D-Type race car chassis with minimal modifications for road use. In 2016, Jaguar announced they would build nine 'continuation' XKSS to replace those lost in the fire.