Jaguar, renowned for its blend of luxury and performance, is set to revive automotive history with the recreation of the iconic XKSS. Often hailed as the world’s first Jaguar Supercar, nine new XKSS models will be meticulously hand-built by Jaguar Classic. This ultra-exclusive continuation project honors the legacy of the original 1957 XKSS, replacing the vehicles tragically lost in the Browns Lane factory fire.
Tim Hannig, Director of Jaguar Land Rover Classic, emphasizes the XKSS’s unique status: “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. 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.” This statement underscores Jaguar’s dedication to preserving its heritage and offering enthusiasts a chance to own a piece of automotive legend.
Originally destined for the American market, only sixteen XKSS models were completed before the devastating fire in 1957 halted production. Now, nearly six decades later, Jaguar is bringing back the ‘lost’ XKSS jaguar supercars for a select group of collectors and discerning customers. This revival leverages the expertise gained from the successful Lightweight E-type project, ensuring unparalleled authenticity and craftsmanship. Each jaguar supercar will be hand-built at Jaguar’s new ‘Experimental Shop’ in Warwick, adhering strictly to the original 1957 specifications and certified by Jaguar. The price for this piece of automotive history? In excess of £1 million.
The story of the jaguar supercar XKSS is deeply rooted in Jaguar’s racing triumphs. Following Jaguar’s remarkable three consecutive victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1955, 1956, and 1957 with the dominant D-type, Sir William Lyons made a pivotal decision. On January 14, 1957, he resolved to convert the remaining 25 D-types into road-going versions. This transformation involved significant modifications, including the addition of a higher windscreen, an extra passenger door, the removal of the central divider, and the iconic fin behind the driver’s seat. These changes gave birth to what many consider the world’s first jaguar supercar, blending racing pedigree with road-ready sophistication.
Deliveries of the new continuation Jaguar XKSS models are scheduled to commence in early 2017, marking the return of a true automotive icon. This project is not just about recreating a car; it’s about reviving a legend and reaffirming Jaguar’s place in supercar history.
