Jaguar XKSS
The world's first supercar: a Le Mans-winning D-Type for the road.
- Power
- 250 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 5.2 s
- Top speed
- 149 mph
- Est. value
- $11m–$15m
About the Jaguar XKSS
The Jaguar XKSS was born from the remaining chassis of the D-Type racing car after Jaguar withdrew from competition in 1956. Sir William Lyons ordered the conversion of 25 unused D-Types into road-going sports cars for the American market, adding a passenger door, a full-width windscreen, and basic weather protection. A devastating fire at the Browns Lane factory in February 1957 destroyed nine of the cars, leaving only 16 original examples completed at the time. It remains one of the most desirable Jaguars ever built, famously owned by Steve McQueen, who nicknamed his British Racing Green example the 'Green Rat'.
Jaguar XKSS specs
The Jaguar XKSS produces 250 bhp (186 kW) and 325 Nm (240 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 5.2 seconds and has a top speed of 149 mph (240 km/h).
| Make | Jaguar |
|---|---|
| Model | XKSS |
| Trim | 3.4 |
| Years | 1957 |
| Type | Supercar |
| Body style | Roadster |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Production | About 25 built |
| Engine | 3.4-litre DOHC straight-six |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,442 cc (3.4 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 250 bhp (186 kW) at 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 325 Nm (240 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 6,000 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 5.2 s |
| Top speed | 149 mph (240 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 921 kg (2,030 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 271 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Jaguar XKSS worth?
A typical Jaguar XKSS is estimated to be worth $10,500,000 – $15,000,000 (about £7,830,000 – £11,190,000).
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Jaguar XKSS rarity in CarSpot
The Jaguar XKSS is a Unicorn card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 100 out of 100. The rarest tier: hypercars, one-offs and cars built in tiny numbers, typically fewer than about 500. A Unicorn card is worth 320 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Jaguar XKSS fun facts
- The 1957 factory fire destroyed nine of the planned 25 cars; Jaguar eventually built nine 'continuation' models in 2016 to complete the original production run.
- Actor Steve McQueen was so fond of his XKSS that he reportedly received so many speeding tickets in it that his driving licence was nearly revoked.
- The XKSS was essentially a D-Type with the central cockpit divider and rear tail fin removed to accommodate a passenger and a luggage rack.
