RM Sotheby’s is offering an extremely rare piece of Jaguar history, a 1957 Jaguar XKSS. With only 16 examples known to exist, the XKSS stands out as one of the most coveted road-going Jaguars, capturing the spirit of Jaguar’s D-Type racing legacy.
The particular model up for auction, chassis XKD 540, features notable provenance. Originally crafted as a “Short Nose” D-Type, it was later converted to XKSS specification at Jaguar’s facility in 1958, a transition ordered by then-owner Phil Scragg, a prominent hill climber. This included modifications like a full-height windshield, a passenger door and enhanced acceleration thanks to an upgraded 3.8L engine from the original 3.4L.
Beyond its rare specifications, XKD 540 boasts a well-documented racing history. After its debut in the UK, the car was shipped to Australia in 1962, where it competed under Laurie O’Neill and later, Colin Hyams, a notable racer. In the hands of various esteemed owners, XKD 540’s journey stretched from track events in the UK and Australia to the prestigious Mille Miglia Storica.
Restored and maintained by Jaguar specialists, including Pearsons Engineering and CKL Developments, the XKSS retains many original components, like its matching-numbers monocoque chassis and front sub-frame. The vehicle is accompanied by a wide range of spares, from headlights to wheels, adding further value.
Set to be offered on November 2 as part of RM Sotheby’s London 2024 sale, the rare XKSS is estimated to fetch as much as $14,500,000 USD. See the XKSS in action in the reel below, where Chris Harris takes it for a spin through London streets.
