Jaguar has announced that it will build nine replica versions of its revered XKSS, the road-going version of the Le Mans-winning D-Type.
Similar to the six Lightweight E-Type replicas that were built by Jaguar last year, the nine new XKSS’ are being built to replace those destroyed during a factory fire back in 1957.
Originally, 25 XKSS models were due to be built but only 16 made it to production and the reproductions will be built to the exact specification of the originals, like the previous E-Types.
The cars will be produced by the Jaguar Classic wing in Warwick using the original car’s blueprints and are estimated to cost from around £1.1 million apiece, with some having already been sold.
Tim Hannig, Jaguar Land Rover Classic director, said: “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.
Built to exact original specifications
“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.”
Built as a road-going alternative to the D-Type racing car, which won the Le Mans 24 Hours from 1955 to 1957, the XKSS was to be created on the 25 remaining D-Type body shells.
Taller windscreens were added, along with a door on the left-hand side for a passenger, but apart from that the XKSS was almost identical to its racing alternative.
As with the originals, the reproductions will be powered by a 3.4-litre straight-six engine which produces 250bhp, and each car will be constructed to the exact specifications as the original 16 models.
Like the Lightweight E-Type continuation models, each is expected to be sold to a high-end collector before deliveries, which are expected to start early next year, even begin.
