Faced with a glut of incomplete and unused D-Type bodies, chassis’ and parts following their withdrawal from racing at the end of the 1956 season, Jaguar made the decision to convert these left-over vehicles to road-going specification, for wealthy enthusiasts and drivers, most notably in the United States of America. Largely unchanged from the competition-spec vehicles (by modern standards, anyhow) this new vehicle - dubbed the XKSS - was fitted with a more conventional body, passenger door, wrap-around windscreen, side screens and quarter-bumpers, and not much else. Rarely did competition vehicles make it to production in such an untamed manner, but that was all part of the appeal for XKSS buyers. Sadly, following a devastating fire at Jaguar’s Browns Lane factory that destroyed all but sixteen XKSS models which had already been built, production was ended. As a result, the remaining survivors of the original 16 vehicles command an understandable premium when they come up for sale, putting them out of reach for all but the wealthiest of owners.

Thankfully, there are numerous companies and talented individuals producing near-identical replicas and recreations, with one such company being Realm Engineering, who supplied the chassis and GRP kit body that made up this fantastic recreation we have here. Notably, Realm are well-known in their field for C and D-Type replicas, as well as producing the only AC Cobra replica which has Carroll Shelby’s personal seal of approval, so you can be certain that they are at the top of their game. Constructed to an incredibly high standard by the current owner over the last two years, this ‘XKSS’ utilises running gear from an XJ6, with the 4.2-litre inline-six engine and 5-speed gearbox providing drive, whilst the build also features a narrowed Jaguar independent IRS rear axle. Upgrades include triple Weber carburettors, big valve head and an unleaded fuel conversion.

Sat on the correct replica 16” Dunlop racing wheels and fitted with a mohair folding hood, this 'XKSS recreation' looks every inch the thoroughbred British sports car, providing its owners with a near-identical driving experience without the eye-watering price tag attached to a real Jaguar XKSS. Alongside the roof, the car is also complete with its side screens, hood cover, boot rack and wet weather gear, should you be caught in a typically British shower.

Following completion of the build, this example was correctly IVA tested and approved, registered on the V5 as a ‘Heritage XKSS’ and given an age-related registration from the donor vehicle’s year. Now, correctly registered MKU 170W can be removed and a private non age defining or personal plate can be fitted. Having driven only to and from the test station and the paint shop to get its coat of freshly-applied Old English White, this 2022-registered 'XKSS recreation' is ready for the next owner to enjoy to its fullest.

Supplied with the V5C showing first registered on 1st May 2022 with no former keepers, a photographic record of the build with around 300 images, folder full of invoices and documentation of the build process, IVA certification and with no requirement for an MOT for the next three years, this really is an unrepeatable opportunity to obtain an as-new XKSS recreation that is ready to drive.