Highlights

An early Lynx, built in 1979 by the renowned Jaguar continuation specialists
Restored and converted to XKSS specification by D-Type Developments
Documented US competition history with period photographs and Lynx factory correspondence
3.4-litre XK engine rebuilt to 3.8-litre D-Type specification

The Appeal

The Jaguar XKSS is one of the most celebrated sports cars ever produced, born not from a clean-sheet design but from Jaguar's pragmatic decision to convert unsold D-Types into road-going machines following their withdrawal from racing after 1956. Only 16 were completed before the infamous Browns Lane factory fire, and when Jaguar built nine continuation cars in 2016–17, they sold immediately at prices exceeding £1 million each. Lynx, founded in 1968 and widely regarded as the foremost Jaguar continuation specialists, built approximately 50 cars over three decades, earning a formidable reputation for technical accuracy and build quality, even undertaking work on Jaguar's own heritage fleet.

This particular car left the Lynx factory in East Sussex in 1979 as a long-nose D-Type in Ecurie Ecosse Flag Blue, based on a 1970 E-Type platform. Supplied initially to a Scottish owner, it was later exported to the United States, where it was actively campaigned; period photographs and archive correspondence from the Lynx factory documenting this chapter remain with the car. The 3.4-litre XK engine was rebuilt to 3.8 litres, with a plaque crediting engineer Sam Edgar, and larger brakes were fitted during its competition use.

Following its return to the UK in 2020, the car was entrusted to Jerry Booen at D-Type Developments, specialists in C and D-Types, with a clear brief: to re-imagine it as an XKSS, mirroring the same conversion process Jaguar followed in 1957. Finished in Sherwood Green with tan leather, echoing the colour scheme of the 2016 Jaguar continuation XKSS, it now features weather equipment including a full-width windscreen, hood, side screens and a passenger door. The independent rear suspension, inherited from the E-Type donor, makes it notably more tractable on the road than an original D-Type layout. The vendor states the car is in very good condition both mechanically and cosmetically, and it stands ready to be driven, toured and enjoyed.

Key Information

Mileage: 5,542 miles indicated
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Technical inspection status: MOT-exempt, last MOT expired in January 2026
Technical specs: 3.8-litre XK six-cylinder petrol engine (rebuilt from 3.4-litre) (DVLA still notes donor car’s original 4,235cc engine), four-speed manual
Paperwork: history file including period racing photographs, Lynx factory correspondence, V5C, invoices, and a copy of Octane magazine
OUL_5732-2 Luke Papworth.jpg 9.68 MB

The Detail

Originally completed as a long-nose D-Type in Ecurie Ecosse Flag Blue in 1979
Based on a 1970 E-Type platform with independent rear suspension
Returned to Lynx in 1989 for bonnet repairs before export to the USA
Actively raced in the United States while based in Florida
3.4-litre XK engine rebuilt to 3.8-litre D-Type specification, with plaque crediting engineer Sam Edgar
Upgraded with larger brakes during its competition period
Returned to the UK in 2020 and entrusted to D-Type Developments for a comprehensive rebuild
Converted to XKSS specification following the same process Jaguar used in 1957
Full repaint in Sherwood Green
Retrimmed in tan leather
Weather equipment fitted including full-width windscreen, hood, side screens and passenger door
OUL_5755 Luke Papworth.jpg 9.57 MB

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.

✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle.