Jaguar to build XKSS anew

Jaguar has committed to building nine new cars to match the original specifications of the XKSS model from 1957.

Little more than a modified D-Type race car for the road, the XKSS was the brainchild of Jaguar founder Sir William Lyons. Jaguar had campaigned the D-Type with some success, winning Le Mans three years in a row between 1955 and 1957. The race car made the perfect platform for a road-going progenitor to what we would now consider a supercar.

With one eye on the lucrative American market, Lyons set the company to work modifying 25 units of the D-Type for road registration. Just 16 of the total were built before a fire wiped out the factory at Browns Lane.

Jaguar's initiative – nearly 60 years later – to finish the production batch, reflects the importance of the company's heritage to the brand. The XKSS will take its place alongside another heritage project the company's 'Jaguar Land Rover Classic' arm undertook two years ago. Six lightweight E-Types that were originally to be part of a batch of 18 from 1964 were finally built – 50 years late. Expertise gained from that project is expected to be of inestimable value for the resurrection of the XKSS, which will be built by hand at Jaguar Land Rover Classic's 'Experimental Shop' facility in Warwick (UK).

“The XKSS occupies a unique place in Jaguar’s history and is a car coveted by collectors the world over for its exclusivity and unmistakable design," said Tim Hannig, Director Jaguar Land Rover Classic.

“Jaguar Classic’s highly skilled team of engineers and technicians will draw on decades of knowledge to ensure each of the nine cars is completely authentic and crafted to the highest quality.

“Our continuation XKSS reaffirms our commitment to nurture the passion and enthusiasm for Jaguar’s illustrious past by offering exceptional cars, services, parts and experiences.”

What sets the XKSS apart from the D-TYPE includes a higher windscreen, a door on the passenger side, removal of the divider between driver and passenger, and the removal of the D-TYPE's fin behind the driver.

The 'new' cars may be built as an accurate rendition of 1957 engineering, but the asking price is very much a symptom of 21st century consumption and is projected to exceed £1 million. For that amount, at least, the car is fully certified by Jaguar. Deliveries will commence early next year.