Overview
Produced: 1957-1957, 16 produced.
Types: Sports,2 doors,2 seats

By 1957 Jaguar had constructed 68 D-Type racing cars as part of its international sportscar racing programme, following withdrawal from racing, 25 completed D-Types were left unsold. To make use of these unwanted cars Jaguar decided to convert them into road-going sportscars with some clever modifications.

The open, single seater bodies had the passenger compartment "uncovered", the rear fin was removed, bumpers added along with door side-screens and a rudimentary hood. These stunning cars were blessed with incredible performance and attracted 16 private buyers, including film star and motor racing fan Steve McQueen.

These fascinating cars are now priceless collectors items and are seldom available for sale.

Engines
CapacityConfigModelBore/StrokeCR
3442ccS6 DOHCJaguar XK83mm x 106mm
Drivetrain and Suspension
DrivetrainSteeringFront SuspensionRear Suspension
Performance
Top Speed0-60SQMMPGEngine PwrComment
149 mph7.3 s250 bhp 5750
Brakes
FrontRearComment
DiscDisc
Auction Sales History
Lot
Num
Description Auctioneer Date Hammer Price Hammer Price
(inc premium)
047 Jaguar XKSS Replica (1969) H&H Sales Limited 28 Jul 1999 £13750.00 -
793 Jaguar Shortnose Sports (1957) Brooks 4 Dec 1997 Not sold
Books
Magazine Articles
Title Pages Options
Article Back from the dead
54 View
Publication Classic Cars November 2010
Back from the dead - This amazing Jaguar XKSS spent 30 years in hiding, believed lost forever, before emerging as the most original survivor of the 16.
Article The Racing Car you could go to the Shops in - Jaguar XKSS
54 View
Publication Classic Cars April 2004
The Racing Car you could go to the Shops in - Jaguar XKSS - There was a time when Jaguar, fresh from a hat-trick of Le Mans victories, couldn't sell its D-type racing cars. No one wanted them.  This was the solution: the incredible, road-ready D-type, the XKSS.  Read its unlikely story.
Article Classic Cars September 2001 pg 76
76 View
Publication Classic Cars September 2001
Vicarage Jaguar XK120. How Jaguar's most stylish roadster has been made as good to drive as it looks.
Article Classic Cars January 2000 pg 86
86 View
Publication Classic Cars January 2000
Jaguar XK 120. 184 miles per hour. Jaguar's old speed record attempts in XK 120s are legendary. So much so that specialist Guy Broad decided to recreate the experience - but at even higher speeds.
Article 155 mph - Mercedes-Benz 300SL vs Jaguar XKSS vs Ferrari 250TR.
80 View
Publication Octane September 2010
155 mph - Mercedes-Benz 300SL vs Jaguar XKSS vs Ferrari 250TR - They were among the fastest cars you could buy in the 1950s, suitable for competition or fast road use.  But which of these 155mph supercars offers the greatest all-round driving satisfaction half a century later?
Article Forlorn three and a half
34 View
Publication Jaguar Enthusiast December 2007
Forlorn three and a half - Nigel Thorley takes a look at a pre-war SS Jaguar which David Davenport has saved.
Article XK Excess - Jaguar XKSS
50 View
Publication Octane September 2004
XK Excess - Jaguar XKSS - Take a Le Mans winner and offer it in a roadgoing version.  Impossible? Not so.  Jaguar did it with the XKSS in 1957.
Article Cats' whispers
88 View
Publication Classic & Sports Car May 2003
Cats' whispers - Alastair Clements compares the sonic delights of Jaguar's V12 in the XJ-S and S3 E-Type.
Article Jaguar Enthusiast March 2003 pg 14
14 View
Publication Jaguar Enthusiast March 2003
XK Extraordinaire! Story by Keith Vincent.
Article Jaguar Enthusiast February 2003 pg 46
46 View
Publication Jaguar Enthusiast February 2003
Jaguar's New Flagship X-350. Out went the old XJ8 in 2002 and in, for 2003 comes the new XJ8 and XJ6. Now we can reveal all the details of these fine new Jaguars.
Article Classics February 2002 pg 86
86 View
Publication Classics February 2002
Jaguar XJ-S V12. With a smooth, powerful and complex V12 motor under the bonnet, is the XJ-S a difficult car to look after? Kim Henson advises.
Article Classic & Sports Car January 2002 pg 82
82 View
Publication Classic & Sports Car January 2002
Jaguar Saloons - Luxury and power: playing the regeneration game from MK2 to XJ6.
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Dealers
Caffyns Jaguar Eastbourne (Eastbourne)
JD Classics Holdings Ltd (Maldon)
KWE
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Clarkes Jaguar Specialist (Heathfield)
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Flying Cat Engineering (Royston)
Hollygrove Jaguar Specialist (Ringwood)
Ivor Searle Ltd (Ely)
Jagtechnic (Eastbourne)
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Sports Car Centre
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Scott's Old Auto Rubber (Mount Waverley)
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Terry's Jaguar Parts (Kalamazoo)
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