To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' The Petersen Automotive
Museum Auction event, 8 December 2018.
Estimate:
$400,000 - $500,000
- Showing less than 7,000 original miles
- One of nine Lynx-built XKSS recreations
- Special-ordered and purchased new by legendary car hunter Colin
Crabbe
- 3.8-liter dry-sump engine
- Exceptionally original car
The Jaguar XKSS was derived from the D-Type racing program and is
one of the most coveted Jaguars of all time. Racing regulations
dictated that the D-Type be built in numbers greater than could be
sold, so a street version was created called the XKSS.
Modifications to make the D-Type acceptable for road use included
installing a seat and door on the passenger side, fitting a
full-width windscreen, and heat-shielding the side-exit exhaust
system. A mohair hood and detachable side screens provided weather
protection and, as twin fuel tanks and the spare wheel occupied the
boot space, a luggage rack was provided on the tail. The 3.4-liter
XK engine remained close to racing specifications, resulting in
spectacular performance. The loss of a number of bodyshells in a
fire at the Brown's Lane Works in February 1957 severely curtailed
the XKSS program, and only 16 had been made before production
ceased in November of that year. Actor and racer Steve McQueen
acquired one in 1958, adding to the mystique of the XKSS.
Among the most widely respected Jaguar experts on the planet is the
Sussex-based firm of Lynx Engineering, which enjoys an
international reputation for accuracy and quality second to none.
Founded by Guy Black, Chris Keith-Lucas, and Roger Ludgate in 1968,
Lynx began as a repair and tuning shop specializing in Jaguar
C-Type and D-Type racing cars. In 1972, Lynx began constructing
D-Types built from Jaguar's production E-Type, as well as the XKSS,
using the same master coachbuilders to create both.
This Jaguar XKSS was constructed by Lynx in the 1970s and is one of
an exclusive series of only nine such cars made, ordered new by
legendary car hunter, enthusiast, and racer Colin Crabbe. Working
closely with Lynx founder Chris Keith-Lucas, Crabbe special-ordered
the car with special cams, pistons, crankshaft, and 3.8-liter dry
sump engine. In addition to the performance upgrades, Crabbe had
the car's foot-well area recessed two inches, allowing his 6-ft.
5-in. frame to fit comfortably in the car. Crabbe raced the car at
Goodwood for several years before selling it to Aston Martin CEO
Victor Gauntlett. Subsequently, the current owner purchased it,
where it has been part of his collection for nearly 20 years,
accumulating less than 7,000 since new.
With low mileage, superb pedigree, and in exemplary condition, this
Lynx-built XKSS represents a unique opportunity to acquire a car
ideally suited for vintage racing, rallies, and exhibition.To view
this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please
visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/ca18.
