French registered with an extremely difficult to obtain 'XKSS Replica' title
Resplendent in period Ecurie Ecosse racing livery
Hand-built by British company Puma Engineering in June 1979
Original build specification documentation present
The Plus
Designed as a road-going variant of the three-time Le Mans-winning D-Type, Jaguar's XKSS was destined to compete in production sports car championships in the USA. Only sixteen were completed before the remaining nine were destroyed in the famous Browns Lane fire on 12 February 1957. As a true road-going racing car, the breathtakingly beautiful and devilishly fast XKSS captivated thrill-seekers of the day, including the 'King of Cool' himself - Steve McQueen.
More than sixty years later, Jaguar set about building the remaining nine XKSSs, and these cars were sold at prices in excess of £1 million. As incredible as these cars are, you can't drive them on the road - the very reason the XKSS was designed. That's where this 1979 replica comes in...
Hand-built by British company Puma Engineering in June 1979, this XKSS replica has a tubular trellis chassis, just like the original, and is powered by an XK 3.8-litre in-line 6-cylinder engine. Resplendent in period Ecurie Ecosse racing livery, which has now acquired a pleasing patina in keeping with track-tested competition cars, this replica allows you to imagine walking in Steve McQueen's bespoke suede shoes and experience what it was like to own an XKSS back in the day.
History and Documents
Built by the Puma workshops in June 1979
Registered in France with the title 'Jaguar XKSS Replica' - which is very difficult to obtain
Original Puma specification sheet accompanies the car
Chassis number 002 by Puma
49,048 miles (79,000 km) indicated
Condition
Flag Blue metallic paint - the Ecurie Ecosse colour
Lightweight fibreglass body on tubular trellis chassis
Supplied with a luggage rack like Steve McQueen's
Vintage light alloy wheels in fair condition
Fitted with a folding bonnet for use in inclement weather
A spare wheel is fitted in a compartment at the rear
Tan leather upholstery
Period Lucas switches in correct condition
A heat shield covers the side exhaust
What makes this replica so realistic, apart from the period Ecurie Ecosse livery, is the patina it has acquired. After all, it was built over forty years ago, so it has had time to accumulate the little chips, scratches and marks that you would see on an original following a racing season.
The same is true of the interior, which has aged very gracefully. The leather has become softer with use and the controls show an even wear pattern. The folding roof shows its age but remains perfectly functional - a useful feature when the rain inevitably makes an appearance. There are no signs of noticeable damage to the bodywork and we are told that the chassis is in very good condition. All the chrome still looks shiny, with a slight patina to match the paintwork.
Borrowed steering components from a Ford Escort Mk1, a Triumph
Triumph TR7 and MG MGB
All in good condition under the bonnet
Just like the original, there's a 3.8-litre in-line six-cylinder XK engine under the bonnet, fed by a trio of Weber carburettors. With a lightweight chassis and body, there's enough performance to exploit the car's capabilities, and we're assured that this XKSS drives very well.
For those looking for a driving experience as close as possible to that of the motorsport heroes of the 1950s, this is the car for you. It's surely the ideal candidate to take part in events such as Le Mans Classic, Spa-Classic or the Nürburgring Oldtimer-Grand-Prix.
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to Car & Classic's terms and conditions. By bidding and/or making a bid, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights under European consumer protection legislation do not apply. Car & Classic's returns policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your bid is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is "sold as seen", on an "as is where is" basis and without warranty. A full vehicle inspection prior to purchase is strongly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for illustrative purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final Auction or Bid price, as specified in the advert.
✓ Buyers are responsible for the collection or delivery of the vehicle. Importing vehicles may incur additional customs duties and import taxes. On request, Car & Classic can refer you to a third-party transport company. For more details, please email auctions@carandclassic.com. Prices start at €150 + VAT within the same country or €400 + VAT for cross-border journeys.
