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Ultra-Rare Jaguar XKSS IS a Complicated, Stunning Retro Leaper

Only the organizers of the Goodwood Festival of Speed would be able to do a video like this one, which shows one of only 6 Jaguar XKSS models. This think is rarer than almost every Ferrari ever and we think it's even sexier.
Jaguar XKSS 1 photo
Photo: screenshot from Youtube
So here's how the story of the XKSS goes. You all know about the D-Type that came before the E-Type and had that vertical fin at the back, right? Well, Jaguar withdrew from racing D-Types in 1955 but still had partially and fully built chassis still in the Browns Lene factory. So they decided to turn some of them into road cars to recuperate some of their losses and the XKSS is what came out.

We think these are like proto-supercars from the 50s, because basically, they offer racing cutting-edge technology for the road users. Many changes were made to the bodywork and back in those days, it was all done by hand with hammer, molten tin and metal fires.

Mechanics removed the rear wing behind the driver's seat, added a passenger one, removed the middle divider, added doors with glass and a windshield. As you can see, the folding fabric roof is very rudimentary.

What you need to check out in the video is the spare wheel, which has an awesome hinged cover.

As was the standard of the time, chrome bumpers were made for the front and rear and the rear clusters from the XK140 were mounted high at the back. Power came from the XK6 inline-6 engine combined with a 4-speed manual gearbox. The whole thing is about the size of a VW Polo and weighs just 921 kg (2,030 lb).

Editor's note: the original video has been temporarily taken down but should be back in a few days. In the meantime, here are couple of slightly older ones of the same car to keep you company.

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About the author: Mihnea Radu
Mihnea Radu profile photo

Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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