The Jaguar XKSS: The British Gem Worth Over 15 Million Dollars

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11/04/2025

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The Jaguar XKSS: The British Gem Worth Over 15 Million Dollars

In the exclusive world of collectible automobiles, few names inspire as much admiration as the Jaguar XKSS, a model that blends British handcrafted elegance with a racing legacy. With an estimated value exceeding 15 million dollars, this legendary sports car has gone down in history not only for its rarity but also for the fascinating story that surrounds it.

The Jaguar XKSS was born in 1957 as the road-going version of the iconic Jaguar D-Type, winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans for three consecutive years (1955, 1956, and 1957).
The brand’s intention was to convert several racing chassis into a car suitable for everyday use, maintaining its sporting spirit while adding luxury finishes such as leather interiors, a full windshield, side doors, and space for luggage.

However, fate intervened: only 16 units were ever produced. A devastating fire at the Browns Lane factory destroyed nine cars ready for delivery, turning the XKSS into one of the rarest and most coveted vehicles in the history of the automobile.

In 2016, Jaguar Classic decided to recreate the nine units lost in the fire, following the original specifications down to the smallest detail. These reproductions, known as “continuation cars,” were immediately sold to carefully selected collectors around the world, further reinforcing the myth of the XKSS.

Among the 16 original examples, one stands out as particularly famous: Steve McQueen’s Jaguar XKSS, nicknamed “The Green Rat.” The actor, a true car enthusiast, purchased it in 1959 and drove it for years through the streets of Los Angeles, making it an integral part of his personal legend.

With only 25 cars originally conceived and just 16 surviving originals, the Jaguar XKSS stands as a living museum piece. Its current auction price can exceed 18 million dollars, depending on its condition and provenance.

For experts, however, its value goes far beyond the financial — every curve, every rivet, and every line of its bodywork tells a story of passion, speed, and handcrafted perfection.