Success on track is not enough to ensure the profitability of a production line. In 1956 the last 25 units in various assembly phases of the highly efficient Jaguar XKD (D-Type) are no longer able to find acquirers.
The brand decides to modify them with a target on the North American market including all the characteristics necessary for road homologation. In this approach Jaguar follows a market logic similar to that of Ferrari. The new XKSS however appears as a unique opportunity in the history of Jaguar.
The transformation began in January 1957. On the following month a fire in the factory destroyed 9 cars. The population of the XKSS was thus limited to 16 units.
With no technological innovation in comparison with the D-Type, the XKSS is improved in the comfort of its two-seater cockpit and of the windscreen, and the stabilizing fin is removed. With its aerodynamical body similar to the D-Type, it is the most beautiful road car of its time.
On March 10 in Amelia Island, Gooding sells one of these XKD transformed into XKSS that were not involved in the fire. Sold new to a Canadian driver, it has accumulated the wins in local competitions. It never had a major accident and remains in an excellent original condition. This XKSS is estimated $ 16M, lot 061. Here is the link to the press release.
This splendid road-going Jaguar model deserves to be compared to the masterpiece of the following decade, the Ferrari 250 GTO. Both are dual for competition and road, in limited series. Their owners keep them jealously and they are extremely rare at auction.
For the 75th anniversary of Jaguar in 2010, the XKSS model was the theme of a special class in the Pebble Beach concours d'elegance, reuniting 12 of the 16 cars including the one that is now coming on sale.
Please watch the video shared by Gooding.
unsold
The brand decides to modify them with a target on the North American market including all the characteristics necessary for road homologation. In this approach Jaguar follows a market logic similar to that of Ferrari. The new XKSS however appears as a unique opportunity in the history of Jaguar.
The transformation began in January 1957. On the following month a fire in the factory destroyed 9 cars. The population of the XKSS was thus limited to 16 units.
With no technological innovation in comparison with the D-Type, the XKSS is improved in the comfort of its two-seater cockpit and of the windscreen, and the stabilizing fin is removed. With its aerodynamical body similar to the D-Type, it is the most beautiful road car of its time.
On March 10 in Amelia Island, Gooding sells one of these XKD transformed into XKSS that were not involved in the fire. Sold new to a Canadian driver, it has accumulated the wins in local competitions. It never had a major accident and remains in an excellent original condition. This XKSS is estimated $ 16M, lot 061. Here is the link to the press release.
This splendid road-going Jaguar model deserves to be compared to the masterpiece of the following decade, the Ferrari 250 GTO. Both are dual for competition and road, in limited series. Their owners keep them jealously and they are extremely rare at auction.
For the 75th anniversary of Jaguar in 2010, the XKSS model was the theme of a special class in the Pebble Beach concours d'elegance, reuniting 12 of the 16 cars including the one that is now coming on sale.
Please watch the video shared by Gooding.
unsold
A Jaguar XKSS will be offered for sale at Gooding's Amelia Island sale, with an estimate of $16 to $18 million. Any takers? pic.twitter.com/2qhgBJe3Gp
— Sports Car Digest (@SportsCarDigest) February 14, 2017
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