1967 XKSS Re-Creation

• This  XKSS re-creation was constructed in 2015-17 by historic Jaguar engineer, Jim Tester, at Tester Engineering
• Hand-made, all-alloy bodywork by Gregson in conjunction with a 1967 Jaguar E-Type
• Using riveted aluminium sheet, the coachwork conforms to the original method of construction
• Superbly finished in gloss black by Normandale of Daventry 
• Smart red interior by Tester Upholstery with competition harnesses, racing seats and a padded transmission tunnel 
• 3.4-litre, dry-sump engine with triple Weber 45DCOE carburettors.(c250bhp)
• Uprated throughout to maximise potential where possible
• 16", Dunlop-pattern, peg-drive alloy wheels with 3-eared spinners
• With just rolling-road and shakedown miles covered to date, a sensible period of running-in is recommended to achieve the best from this stunning machine
• Rarely do such animals come on to the open market, presenting an opportunity to acquire an homage to one of the rarest and most desirable Jaguars ever

Following Jaguar’s withdrawal from racing after the 1956 season, a number of both completed and incomplete D-Types remained in factory stock and unsold. The decision was made to convert these cars to road-going specification, for sale to enthusiasts, many of whom were in the States. The distinctive D-Type bodywork was modified with the removal of the divider between the seats and the large tail fin, followed by the addition of a passenger door, a full-width windscreen with a chromed frame, side screens in both driver and passenger doors and chromed quarter-bumpers. A simple folding mohair hood and side screens provided weather protection and a luggage rack was provided on the tail. Otherwise, the XKSS was a D-Type, barely, slightly tamed—a wolf that had no interest in dressing as a sheep.

It was a rare occasion when a ‘factory’ race car with only a few minor changes was then resold as a road car, and perhaps unsurprisingly, most of the people who bought an XKSS were amateur sportsmen who wound up racing them anyway. Yet not many had the chance to make such a dream their reality, regardless of the state of their bank balance, as, after only sixteen D-Types had been completed to XKSS specification, the remaining nine chassis were destroyed in a fire that swept through Jaguar’s Browns Lane factory. Since the intention had been only to build the model until the remaining D-Type stock was used up, the fire meant that the XKSS came to an end at that point.

The survivors of the sixteen 1957 models are today treasured as some of the world’s most valuable and fiercely prized classics, often hidden away in collections. The most frequently seen in photographs is that owned and enthusiastically driven, much to the consternation of studio executives, by Steve McQueen—a car now so famous that it has become a part of its owner’s legend.

Commissioned by the current owner in 2015, this XKSS re-creation took two years to complete with the task falling at the feet of Jim Tester of Tester Engineering. Utilising a painstakingly crafted, Robert Gregson body formed from riveted aluminium sheet, as was the original, exceptional lengths have been taken to achieve what must surely be one of the very best re-creations built to date. Attention to detail is evident wherever you look and the fit and finish are exemplary. Motivation is provided by a period-correct, 3.4-litre, dry sump, XK 6-cylinder breathing through triple Weber 45DCOE carburettors and the power output is fed through an all-synchro gearbox to a Jaguar independent rear axle. Everything on the SS is either fully refurbished or new with the underside being as detailed and as clean as the remainder of the vehicle. Following completion, the Jaguar has formed part of our client's race-inspired collection living in dry storage covering only a few shakedown miles and consequently remains fresh from restoration.

Rolling on correct-style, 16’’ Dunlop peg-drive wheels, this hand-built XKSS re-creation offers a rare opportunity for the true Jaguar enthusiast to acquire, what to many, is one of the most iconic Jaguars ever produced. This special car would undoubtedly be welcome at classic/historic events all over the World, or would be equally at home simply nipping to the local hostelry in true Steve McQueen style! Your inspection is welcomed and encouraged to fully appreciate this exquisite machine.