Jaguar XKSS
The Jaguar XKSS is one of the most legendary and valuable cars in automotive history. Born from circumstance rather than design, it was created when Jaguar found itself with 25 unsold D-Type racing cars after the withdrawal from factory motorsport following the Le Mans disaster of 1955. The solution was brilliantly simple: convert them into road-legal sports cars by adding a passenger door, a full-width windscreen, rudimentary bumpers, a folding soft top, and side curtains.
The underlying D-Type was one of the most successful racing cars ever built, winning Le Mans in 1955, 1956, and 1957. Designed by Malcolm Sayer using aircraft-inspired monocoque construction with a center section of riveted aluminum alloy, it was incredibly advanced for its era. The beautiful flowing bodywork was shaped by Sayer's aerodynamic calculations, creating one of the most efficient and visually stunning racing car forms ever conceived.
The XKSS retained the D-Type's 3.4-litre XK twin-cam six-cylinder engine with dry-sump lubrication and three Weber carburetors, producing approximately 262 hp. It also kept the D-Type's pioneering four-wheel Dunlop disc brakes, monocoque construction, and independent front suspension. The result was a road car with genuine racing car performance — approximately 149 mph top speed and 0-60 in around 5.2 seconds in 1957.
Only 16 XKSS cars were completed before disaster struck on February 12, 1957, when a catastrophic fire at the Browns Lane factory destroyed the remaining nine partially converted cars along with vast quantities of spare parts, tooling, and records. The fire effectively ended the XKSS program and was one of the most significant losses in automotive history.
The most famous XKSS owner was Steve McQueen, who purchased his car in the early 1960s and considered it his most prized possession. McQueen drove his XKSS regularly around Los Angeles and even used it for informal racing. His car, chassis XKD 534, has become one of the most famous individual automobiles in the world and was sold after his death for a record price.
In 2016, Jaguar Classic announced it would complete the nine 'lost' XKSS cars using original specifications and techniques, calling them 'continuation' vehicles. These nine cars, built to 1957 specifications at a cost of approximately $1.5 million each, were delivered in 2017-2018.
Original XKSS cars are among the most valuable automobiles in existence. With only 16 originals built and their extraordinary racing heritage, connection to Steve McQueen, and devastating beauty, they represent the pinnacle of collectible Jaguar cars. When the rare example comes to market, prices in the $12-18 million range are expected.
Virtually impossible to acquire on the open market. When available, expect $12-18 million or more at major auction houses. Provenance verification through Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust is essential. The nine 2017 continuation cars offer a comparatively accessible alternative at around $1.5 million. Every original car's history is well documented and known.
Only 16 completed before the Browns Lane factory fire on February 12, 1957, destroyed 9 partially completed cars. Original plan was to convert 25 unsold D-Types. In 2016-2018, Jaguar Classic built 9 continuation cars to complete the original run of 25. All 16 originals are accounted for and closely tracked by the Jaguar community.