Jaguar is back at it again (59 years on) with an ultra-exclusive continuation of the legendary XKSS. Fitting for the feline marque, a total of nine new models of the vintage motor will be handmade by Jaguar Classic to the exact specification as they appeared in 1957, replacing the cars lost in the infamous Browns Lane factory fire.
The vehicle is widely regarded to be the world’s first supercar, but all of the expertise gained during the construction of the Lightweight E-type project will be transferred to the construction of the nine continuations. “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,” explained Tim Hannig, director of Jaguar Land Rover Classic.
“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.” Each and every car will be constructed to the same specifications as those first 16 made in 1957 with prices in excess of £1 million (US$1.4 million).
Every car will be constructed to the same specifications as those first 16 made in 1957 – every aspect fully certified by Jaguar. The story of the XKSS began following Jaguar’s three successive Le Mans victories in 1955, 1956 and 1957 with the all-conquering D-type. After the hat-trick of wins, Sir William Lyons took the decision on 14 January 1957 to convert the remaining 25 D-types into road-going versions with several external modifications - creating the world’s first super car.
The modifications included the addition of a new higher windscreen, an extra door on the passenger side, taking away the divider between driver and passenger and the removal of the famous fin behind the driver’s seat. The first deliveries of the new continuation Jaguar XKSS will commence in early 2017. An original 1956 model was featured in hit YouTube series Jay Leno's Garage in 2014, harking back to Steve McQueen himself.
