This Classic Jaguar Fetched Over $13 MILLION At Auction

The ultra-rare is Jag is one of just 16 surviving examples of an iconic roadgoing race car.

In the 1950s, post-WWII America’s booming economy fostered a demand for beautifully sculpted cars with high-powered engines, a demand that European automakers in counties recuperating from the taxing global conflict were happy to meet. Revered classic rides like the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, Ferrari 250 GT California Spider, and Porsche 356 Speedster were all born of this era.

But “the epitome” of this automotive golden era was the Jaguar XKSS—at least according to RM Sotheby’s, which just sold one for $13,205,000 in late-August.

The XKSS is essentially a roadgoing version of the D-Type, an elite Jaguar racing model that won Le Mans in 1955, 1956 and 1957, after which Jaguar temporarily retired its full-fledged racing team. With a number of unsold D-Types sitting without events to compete in, Jaguar decided to convert the vehicles for consumer sale in the American market.

The headrest fairing, tailfin, and center cockpit divider were removed, while a passenger door, full windshield, side screens, chromed bumperettes and a folding top were equipped. Only 25 examples were planned for production, nine of which were lost in a fire at Jaguar’s Browns Lane factory, limiting effective production to just 16 examples.

This 1957 model, which is designated XKSS 707, has a rich history, having originally been ordered by racer Lou Brero, who died on the track prior to its delivery. It subsequently became known as “JAG 1” after former owner I.G. Campbell McLaren’s Scottish registration plates. RM Sotheby’s has further details on its lengthy provenance, if interested.

A report compiled for the owner indicates that the present 25,535 miles are likely authentic. It’s loaded with a number of original parts, including the serial number plate, chassis number stamping, gearbox (with a replacement center), brake calipers, master cylinder, tubular chassis frame and monocoque.