1954 Jaguar XK SS
1954 Jaguar XK SS
1954 Jaguar XK SS
HIGHLIGHTS:Jaguar relied on the XK engine, but some modifications were made to limit frontal area. The sump was halved in height by switching from wet to dry-sump lubrication. The engine was also mounted at an 8-degree angle, with the off-centre bump in the engine-cover as a result. Mechanically, the only difference between the 1954 and 1955 works cars was the use of larger valves on the latter. Extra space was required to house the larger valves. Frontal area was not sacrificed as the 1955 works D-Types were the first Jaguars to use an asymmetrical head that would come to be known as the '35/40 head'. The intake valves were mounted at 35 degrees, whereas the exhaust valves were mounted at 40 degrees.
SPECIFICATIONS:Rule changes, limiting the displacement to 3 litres, left the D-Types pretty much obsolete for 1958. Jaguar did supply a three litre version of the XK-engine, but it was no match for the competition. Dozens of short-nose production D-Types were sold to privateers, which successfully campaigned them on both sides of the Atlantic. To get rid of the remaining chassis, Jaguar equipped them for road use and sold them as the XKSS model. After only sixteen examples were produced a fire in the factory abruptly ended the run. With three Le Mans wins, the Jaguar D-Type remains as one of the most successful racing cars ever. In both road going XKSS and racing D-Type guise, it is also one of the most desirable Jaguar models.
DESIGN:XKSS Jaguars constructed. It was delivered new to the United States and when was purchased off its first owner by actor / racing driver Steve McQueen in the 1960s. At one point he had legendary artist Von Dutch customize the interior. He used it both on the road and on the track before selling to William Harrah at the end of the decade. He missed the stylish Jaguar so much that he bought it back a few years later and kept it until his untimely death in 1984. Today it's part of the Petersen Museum Collection and is seen here receiving the 'best of show' award during the 2006 Quail, a Motorsports Gathering.
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