Vehicle Description
Chassis No. 7E 69649
In the realm of roadgoing endurance racing cars, few command the
reverence and mystique of the Jaguar XKSS. Born from the
discontinuation of Jaguar's racing program after the 1956 season,
the XKSS emerged as a road-going variant of the remaining D-type
inventory. This transformation saw subtle yet significant
alterations: the removal of the seat divider and prominent tail
fin, the addition of a passenger door, a full-width windscreen with
wipers, removable side screens, chromed bumperettes, and a folding
soft top. In essence, the XKSS remained a barely domesticated
D-type.
Tragedy struck after the completion of a mere 16 XKSS examples, as
a fire at Jaguar's Browns Lane factory consumed the remaining nine
chassis. With the model's production intrinsically tied to the
available D-type stock, this tragedy abruptly ended the XKSS
lineage. Given the XKSS's near-unattainable status, a market
emerged for an authentic, exhilarating, yet economically viable
alternative. The exemplary XKSS recreation presented here, crafted
by Tempero Coach & Motor Company of New Zealand, answers this call.
Renowned for their achingly detailed, hand-formed recreations of
the most coveted sports and GT thoroughbreds of the 1950s and 60s,
Tempero's artisans have spent decades honing traditional
coachbuilding techniques, resulting in inch-perfect machines.
This faithful homage to the XKSS underpinned by a 1966 Series I
E-Type chassis. It is powered by a 4.2-liter XK twin-cam inline-six
with triple Weber carburetors, mated to an XJS-derived five-speed
manual transmission. The exquisite aluminum bodywork is a testament
to Tempero's impeccable craftsmanship. The cabin, trimmed in
scarlet leather, features a padded dashboard and transmission
tunnel, black crinkle-finished dash with Smiths gauges, and
wood-rimmed steering wheel, while exposed floor and side panels
showcase the immaculate alloy structure beneath. Additional
equipment from Tempero includes Dunlop-style knock-off disc wheels
in aluminum, a louvered bonnet secured by leather straps, a
side-exit exhaust system, a black soft top, and a luggage rack.
Completed in 2005, this Recreation first joined the collection of
the late connoisseur Chuck Swimmer. In 2012, it passed to Michael
Granito of Tuxedo Park, New York, with a mere 1,200 miles recorded.
Subsequently, it found a home in Orin Smith's distinguished Vero
Beach, Florida-based collection. Under Smith's stewardship, the
Jaguar reportedly benefited from carburetor and suspension
servicing in February 2020.
This hand-fabricated homage offers exhilarating performance and
timeless elegance, channeling the spirit of the three-time 24 Hours
of Le Mans winner with remarkable authenticity. It would make an
enticing entrant into vintage racing events, offering the
opportunity to experience the XKSS mystique without compromise.
