The History of the XK SS - Evolving from the D-Type

Every decade at LeMans there seems to be a racing car that defines the era and dominates the competition. In the 70s, the flat-nosed Porsche 917 reigned supreme. In the 60s, the revenge-driven Ford GT40 took the crown. And in the 50s, one was left speechless by the legendary Jaguar D-Type.

The D-Type was so successful, it won LeMans for three consecutive years from 1955 to 1957. The latter race was a total domination, five of the top six places were D-Types. Jaguar initially planned on building 100 D-Types but owing to this success of 57, they decided to retire it from racing.

The remaining 25 chassis were repurposed to create road-going versions of the D-Type, called the XK SS. It’s gorgeous aluminium body and monocoque chassis meant it weighed a featherweight 925kg. Powering it was Jaguar’s legendary 3.4L 262 horsepower XK straight six. 0-62mph took 5.7 seconds and the top speed was a staggering 159mph.

This made it the fastest car in the world, so it's no surprise it went on sale for £5,200. To own one you had to be an elite no surprise one ended up as the car of choice for legendary actor Steve McQueen.

Unfortunately on February 12th 1957, there was a fire at the factory and nine of the XK SS chassis were destroyed. However, in 2016, Jaguar set up its classic division and by 2017, hand-built the remaining 9 XK SSs, each being sold at £1 million.

Specifications for XKD 540

This particular XK SS, XKD 540, was completed as a D-Type in 1955 and later transformed into XKSS specification in 1958. Retaining its original D-Type racing chassis number makes it a standout among collectors.

Painted in the iconic British Racing Green, XKD 540 was first owned by Jack Browning in 1959. He uprated the straight six to 3.8L and competed the car in hill climbs and speed trials across the UK.

XKD 540 was then sold to Australian owners Laurie O’Neill and Colin Hyams in 1962. Here it caught the attention of legendary racers Jim Clark and Jackie Stewart. Despite being way down under, this beauty continued to make a name for itself in racing.

XKD 540 subsequently returned to the UK in 1972 under the ownership of Bryan Coser. It was then sold to Hermann Graf von Hatzfeldt in Germany in 1985. Hatzfeltd took the car to several iconic races such as the Mille Miglia Storica and several editions of the Nürburgring Old-timer Grand Prix.

Since 2008, XKD 540 has returned to the UK, where it has been meticulously maintained by renowned Jaguar specialists like Pearsons Engineering and CKL Developments Ltd. Amazingly all this car’s mechanical components are the same as they were 65 years ago.

Suspension overhauls, brake repairs, and engine services have all resulted in a total spend of over £70,000. A bargain though, considering that when this car hits auctions at RM Sotheby’s it is estimated to achieve between £9-11 million.

RM Sotheby’s - The UKs most prestigious auctioneers

As one of the UK’s leading auctioneers, RM Sotheby’s has often been the hub for some of the most historically significant vehicles in the world. Since 1976, they have set high standards for high-end car auctions, known for their meticulous attention to detail, expert appraisals, and ability to connect sellers and buyers in the luxury car market.

With events held globally, RM Sotheby’s has become a premier platform for collectors and enthusiasts to acquire rare and iconic cars. The upcoming auction for XKD 540 is set for November 2nd 2024, at RM Sotheby’s London.

The Seventh Most Expensive British Car sold

At an estimated £11 million this XK SS is set to be the seventh most expensive British car sold in auction. The only car to be valued more in ascending order include:

· Three McLaren F1s:

o A 1995 model sold by Bonhams for £11.9 million in 2017.

o A 1994 LM Variant sold by RM Sotheby’s for £15.1 million in 2016.

o Another 1995 model sold by Goodling & Company for £15.6 million in 2021.

· A 1963 Aston Martin DB215 sold by RM Sotheby’s for £16.4 million in 2018.

· An actual 1955 D-Type sold by RM Sotheby’s for £16.6 million in 2016.

· A 1956 Aston Martin DBR1 sold by RM Sotheby’s for £17.2 million in 2019.

It’s no surprise that this XK SS will join this elite category. While all 16 models are incredibly rare and unique, XKD 540 truly stands out for its direct lineage to Jaguar’s racing pedigree.

More so, given Jaguar’s recent troublesome transition to EVs, the XK SS stands as a timeless memory. As a reminder of when Jaguar were the kings of grace and pace in racing and sports cars. It’s just a shame that today, they are the kings of absence.

Source: RM Sothebys