1957 Jaguar XKSS Roadster

Nine of the intended 25 Jaguar XJSS were destroyed by a fire in the Browns Lane factory, meaning the effective total production was 16 cars. These were unsold D-Type that remained in factory stock at the end of the 1956 season. The conversion to road-going specification involved the removal of the large headrest fairing and tailfin and the center cockpit divider. A full windscreen, passenger door, side screens, chromed bumperettes, and a rudimentary folding top were added for usability and safety.

This particular example began as XKD 564, which was transformed into XKSS 707. It wore a cream exterior over a red leather interior when it was sent to the United States. It was purchased by racer Lou Brero, who lost his life in a racing accident in another car prior to actual delivery. So the Jaguar was sold to sports car dealer Sammy Weiss, whose Oxford Motors of Sacramento, California, sold it in 1960 to Sidney Colberg of San Francisco. The XKSS remained with Mr. Colberg until 1973, preserving the car's originality and using it sparingly.

The car's next owner was Anthony Bamford (later Lord Bamford). Now wearing a black paint scheme, the car resided in Mr. Bamford's impressive collection of highly desirable automobiles. It was sold from his collection in 1975 to Geoffrey E. Marsh of Hampshire, whose in-house shop removed the body from the chassis, and replaced the bulkhead behind the seats to eliminate holes once cut for roll bars. Additional work included new paint and upholstery.

When the work was completed, the car was sold to Chris Stewart of Essex and then in 1976 to I.G. Campbell McLaren of Glasgow, Scotland. Mr. McLaren registered the car with Scottish registration plates, 'JAG 1.' A cosmetic freshening repaired minor damage incurred during history racing, with the dents in the bonnet repaired by replacing it with a new unit ordered from RS Panels. The black paint scheme was changed to metallic blue, similar to the color used by Ecurie Ecosse C- and D-Type racers.

While in Mr. McLaren's stable, the car competed in historic events, including the first historic race held at Le Mans in June 1978.

Allen Lloyd of Staffordshire purchased the car in 1992 and had it serviced by Chris Keith-Lucas, who discovered that while the car retained its original cylinder head, the block itself had been replaced, probably during its early years of track time in the United States. The numbers-matching engine block was later located and reinstalled in the car. A new radiator and aluminum header tank were installed, both made from patterns taken from original pieces. A new fuel tank replaced the old unit, the cylinder head was overhauled, and new valves and springs were fitted.

The Jaguar XKSS remained in Mr. Lloyd's care for 19 years. It was used often in historic events such as the 2004 Mille Miglia. It was shown at the Jaguar Heritage Museum at Browns Lane, as well as for a brief cameo in the Jaguar edition of Victory by Design. Ownership then passed to its present owner.

It is believed that the car's 25,535 miles are likely authentic and that it retains its original serial number plate, its original chassis number stamping, and the original gearbox with a replacement center casing. Additional original elements include the block, head, rear axle, and two of the three carburetors (the front was replaced). It has the original steel tubular chassis frame, major front and rear suspension components, all four brake calipers, and the master cylinder and Plessey pump.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2024