29 octobre 2024

Jaguar XKSS 1957 at RM Sotheby’s Auction

The RM Sotheby's auction in London, on November 2nd, 2024, is set to write a new chapter in automotive history by presenting one of the most exceptional Jaguars ever produced. The 1957 Jaguar XKSS, chassis XKD 540, is the first of its kind to be offered at auction in Europe, with an estimate between 9 and 11 million pounds sterling, thus becoming one of the most expensive cars at the auction house.

There is no doubt that the Jaguar D-Type stands in the pantheon of iconic cars. However, few would dispute that its nearly identical twin, the XKSS, deserves equally high praise. Indeed, not only does it represent perhaps the most exclusive of all road-going Jaguars, but it certainly deserves to be included alongside the Alfa Romeo 8C, Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder, and McLaren F1 as one of the most important cars in automotive history.

1957 Jaguar XKSSXKSS - Heritage

The XKSS story is inseparable from Jaguar's legendary journey at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Just as Bentley had built its reputation at La Sarthe in the 1920s, Jaguar followed the same path a generation later, exactly matching Cricklewood's record with five remarkable victories in seven years between 1951 and 1957. While the successes of 1951 and 1953 were achieved with the XK120C (or C-Type), it was the historic triple between 1955 and 1957, accomplished by the revolutionary D-Type, that definitively inscribed Jaguar in Le Mans legend.

1957 Jaguar XKSSXKSS - Technical Innovation Serving Performance

The genius engineer Malcolm Sayer, formerly of Bristol Aeroplane Company, played a crucial role in designing both the C-Type and D-Type, although these two models shared surprisingly few technical elements. Both used the same basic 3.4-liter Jaguar XK engine (available in 3.8-liter from 1957), but the D-Type innovated with a complex dry-sump system, replacing the C-Type's conventional wet-sump system.

More significantly, while the C-Type relied on a traditional tubular chassis dressed in aluminum bodywork, the D-Type featured a complex riveted aluminum monocoque center section, to which front and rear tubular sub-frames were attached. This revolutionary structure, inspired by aeronautics, was accompanied by other innovations such as cutting-edge Dunlop disc brakes and a deformable rubber fuel tank. The car also benefited from extensive wind tunnel testing, a crucial factor in its exceptional aerodynamic efficiency.

1957 Jaguar XKSSXKSS - The Birth of the XKSS

The XKSS story originates from a regulatory change: the announcement of a 3-liter capacity limit for World Sportscar Championship events from 1958. This decision prompted Jaguar to officially withdraw from competition in October 1956. Faced with a stock of soon-to-be obsolete D-Types, the brand decided to convert 18 chassis into road-going XKSS versions, adding a full-height windscreen, passenger-side door, and rudimentary weather equipment.

Of the units produced, 14 were exported to North America, one sold to Hong Kong, and one retained in the United Kingdom. The chassis XKD 540 presented here is one of only two chassis (along with XKD 533) to retain their XKD racing numbers and be converted to full XKSS specifications by the factory in 1958.

1957 Jaguar XKSSXKSS - A History

The life of Jaguar XKD 540 began on November 1st, 1955, at the Brown's Lane factory, where it was assembled in D-Type "Short Nose" configuration, in the classic combination of British Racing Green with Suede Green interior. Intriguingly, it remained unsold for over a year, enigmatically mentioned in the registers as "redundant after experiment," the exact nature of this experimentation remaining mysterious.

On April 29th, 1957, it was sold to Jaguar agent Coombs of Guildford, before passing into the hands of Phil Scragg, a wealthy textile industrialist and passionate hill climb racer. A knowledgeable Jaguar collector already owning an SS100 and an HWM-Jaguar, Scragg had the car repainted in light blue and registered it as "WVM 3". At his insistence, XKD 540 returned to Brown's Lane on November 27th, 1958, for conversion to XKSS specification, a process documented in fascinating correspondence with the legendary F.R.W. "Lofty" England, then customer service director.

Jaguar XKSS -- International Racing Career

In October 1959, the car was acquired by Jack Browning, who entered it in several hill climbs successfully, notably achieving a 2nd in class at Prescott and strong performances at Bouley Bay, Jersey. On October 21st, 1960, it underwent a major evolution with the upgrade to 3.8-liter engine specification, while retaining its precious original cylinder head.

After a brief period in Betty Haig's hands in 1962, the car was exported to Australia, where it enjoyed a second racing career with Laurie O'Neill and then Colin Hyams. An anecdote from this period is immortalized in a photograph showing the great Jim Clark at the wheel, accompanied by Jackie Stewart, during testing at the 1967 Tasman Series.

1957 Jaguar XKSSXKSS - Preservation

Returning to the United Kingdom in 1972, XKD 540 joined Bryan Corser's prestigious collection, alongside such exceptional pieces as the last production C-Type, the ex-Jim Clark D-Type, and the ex-Peter Sutcliffe Lightweight E-Type. Its meticulous restoration was followed by a long period under Hermann Graf von Hatzfeldt's ownership (1985-2008), who regularly entered it in prestigious historic events such as the Mille Miglia Storica.

More recently, the car has benefited from meticulous maintenance by the best specialists. In 2011, a complete hydraulic system overhaul and thorough inspection were carried out by Pearsons Engineering for nearly £10,000. A more extensive restoration was undertaken six years later, including engine and transmission rebuilding and detailed inspection of all critical components, for an investment of over £44,000.

1957 Jaguar XKSSXKSS - Engine

Under the hood of this legendary XKSS beats an inline-six engine. Initially equipped with a 3.4-liter displacement, it was converted by the factory in October 1960 to 3.8-liter specification, while retaining its original cylinder head. This engine delivers 250 horsepower and 352 Nm of torque, thanks notably to its dry-sump feeding system, inherited directly from the competition D-Type. Power is transmitted through a 4-speed manual gearbox, sending power to the rear wheels via an optimized 3.92:1 final drive ratio for blistering acceleration.

1957 Jaguar XKSSXKSS - Performance

As you'll understand, competition remains in its DNA, even if it shows on the right pedal. Despite its age, the Jaguar XKSS accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.2 seconds and reaches a top speed between 245 and 265 km/h. These performances are made possible by a contained weight of 1,012 kg.

1957 Jaguar XKSSXKSS - A Heritage Investment

Today, XKD 540 presents itself in remarkable preservation condition, retaining its chassis, front sub-frame, and matching-numbers bodywork. The majority of major components, from the rear axle to auxiliary elements such as the collector tank and radiator, are likely original. Spare parts lots accompany it.

This Jaguar XKSS represents a unique opportunity to acquire one of the most significant automobiles in Jaguar history. Its authenticity, history, and state of preservation make it an exceptional testimony to the golden age of British and even world motorsport, fully justifying its estimate by RM Sotheby's between 9 and 11 million pounds sterling.

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For any additional information about this exceptional sale, collectors are invited to contact RM Sotheby’s directly.

Jaguar XKSSRM Sotheby's

Jaguar XKSS 1957 at RM Sotheby’s Auction

1957 Jaguar XKSSXKSS - Heritage

1957 Jaguar XKSSXKSS - Technical Innovation Serving Performance