Jaguar Classics producing nine XKSS sports car classics
Almost 60 years after being destroyed in a factory fire, Jaguar will complete the nine XKSS sports cars it was due to assemble in 1957 when the blaze struck.
The models, conversions of the iconic D-Type race car, will be hand-built by Jaguar's specialist Classic division with each one meeting the exact specification as they appeared 59 years ago.
Fancy one? Well you best have deep pockets, as the British carmaker is valuing the cars at more than $NZ2.1m a piece.
Jaguar's calling the nine cars 'ultra-exclusive continuation models'.
They will replace the nine cars lost in the infamous Browns Lane factory fire in Coventry in 1957, all of which were due to be exported to the US.
Just 16 of the 25 re-purposed race cars were ever built, making the nine remakes incredibly collectible today.
Tim Hannig, director of Jaguar Land Rover Classic, said: 'The XKSS occupies a unique place in Jaguar’s history and is a car coveted by collectors the world over for its exclusivity and unmistakable design.
'Jaguar Classic’s highly skilled team of engineers and technicians will draw on decades of knowledge to ensure each of the nine cars is completely authentic and crafted to the highest quality.
'Our continuation XKSS reaffirms our commitment to nurture the passion and enthusiasm for Jaguar’s illustrious past by offering exceptional cars, services, parts and experiences.'
The nine ‘lost’ XKSS sports cars have already been earmarked for a select group of established collectors and customers, all of whom will be forking out in excess of $NZ2.1m for the privilege of owning one.
The Jaguar D-Type taking the chequered flag to win the second of three consecutive Le Man races in 1956
Jaguar's Classic team will use the expertise gained during the construction of the recent Lightweight E-type project with each XKSS individually built by hand at Jaguar’s new Experimental Shop in Warwick.
Every car will be constructed to the same specifications as those first 16 made in 1957 with every aspect fully certified by Jaguar.
They won't be hanging around either; the first deliveries are expected to take place early next year.