History of the Jaguar XKSS Among the most beautiful automobiles ever conceived and crafted, the Jaguar XKSS continues to reign as one of the most desirable sports cars of the modern performance era. The XKSS arrived in 1957 as Jaguar converted twenty-five remaining racing D-Types (then under construction) into road-going configuration. This conversion, a requirement to compete in the North American SCCA racing series, proved fortuitous for motoring enthusiasts. By adding a full-width glass windscreen, bumpers, passenger door, and a host of other detailed finishing elements, these twenty-five cars would serve as ambassadors to Jaguar’s largest and growing export market – North America. Yet the excitement for these new cars would end abruptly with a grave turn of events; a devastating fire at the Jaguar factory resulting in the loss of the entire production line, while eviscerating nine of these exceptional and unique factory cars. Only sixteen of the original cars survived. Over the years, particularly as values for the remaining sixteen cars have escalated into the millions, much lore has transpired regarding the nine vanquished cars, adding further to the mystique of these beautiful Jaguars. History of the Lynx Engineering XKSS In 1968 a group of dedicated Sussex based motorsports enthusiasts established Lynx Engineering, an establishment specializing in British race cars. By 1972 Lynx team members became intrigued by the concept of reviving vintage Jaguars. They would become one of the first companies to construct accurate recreations of the Jaguar D-Type, C-Type, and E-Type Lightweight, and as presented in this example; the iconic XKSS. With many of the craftsmen from the original period still alive and eager to apply their artistry to such projects, Lynx was able to employ original craftspeople, factory methods, and construction techniques identical to the original designs, with results that accurately mirrored original examples including cleverly engineered improvements to the original design. Artisans worked to not only achieve the beauty and excellence in the recreations, but also worked concurrently on restoration projects, applying their experience and accuracy to each of their Lynx offerings yielding exceptional cars that honor these legends of beauty and performance. History of this Lynx XKSS This particular Lynx XKSS is the last of 18 XKSS models produced by Lynx Engineering. Specially built for the owner of Lynx Engineering, Frank Berger, the car was presented for his personal use, handcrafted to the finest specifications by the capable Lynx staff. As the singular and penultimate example of this final series XKSS, this final iteration benefits from all the improvements achieved during the production of these fine cars. This handmade Lynx XKSS was assembled using authentic Jaguar components, drivetrain, and titled using the original number from a Jaguar chassis. The handcrafted 16 swg aluminum monocoque tub, and riveted bodywork were carefully measured, and assembled to form the basis for this final XKSS. In addition to the chassis component construction, the front frame was upgraded with Reynolds tubing to improve structural rigidity. Once the center body section was completed, alloy front and rear sections were formed and fitted with correctly replicated XKSS details including a laminated safety glass wraparound windscreen with a polished 16 swg aluminum perimeter frame, covered headlights, original specification luggage rack, and correct side exhaust. The XK series 3.8L in-line six-cylinder engine was built with 8.75:1 compression, semi-competition camshaft, lightened and balanced crankshaft, and outfitted with triple dual-throat Weber carburetors fitted to a gas flowed Lynx Weber intake manifold. The robust engine was paired to a Jaguar full synchro four-speed gearbox and independent rear suspension with inboard rear disc brakes. The front suspension was paired with multi-piston disc brakes, and all four corners were outfitted with 16-inch Dunlop peg-drive alloy wheels. Though every effort was made to create the most accurate replica of the original XKSS, Lynx Engineering updated this car with important features to improve the driving experience, including, extended footwells for longer leg comfort, improved braking, modern engine cooling via a high efficiency radiator, and a more robust 285hp engine. Under current ownership this car has been thoughtfully maintained and updated with improvements that greatly enhance the driving experience. In 2024, Vintage Auto Services, Oakland, CA removed the engine from the car to replace the heat insulation. New high performance bonded fiberglass heat insulation sheet was installed on the footwell areas and cowl, and the exhaust headers were wrapped with heat insulating fiberglass. In 2025, the clutch hydraulics were serviced including a new clutch master and slave cylinder, new 36mm carburetor chokes installed, all three carbs tuned and tested, and new oil cooler hose installed using 12AN fittings. Also in 2025, the car returned to the shop for a new set of camshafts with cam settings paired to the Weber carburetors including 145 main jets, 65 FB idle jets, and carburetor idle mixture adjustment. In August 2025 a new speedometer cable was installed and an oil and filter change performed using synthetic oil. Current Condition Exemplary in every aspect, this Lynx XKSS is beautifully finished with smooth and glossy British Racing Green paint beautifully applied to the hand formed alloy body panels. The legendary form and superb craftsmanship are impressive not only for their original appearance but for the high level of construction and exacting standards achieved in this, the last Lynx XKSS built. The bright work and polished accessories are beautifully presented and the ‘ready to pounce’ stance is perfectly perched on the alloy D-Type Dunlop wheels and correctly specified Vredestain Sprint Classic tires. The impressive, shrouded alloy side exhaust is positioned against the curvaceous alloy body, delivering a memorable juxtaposition of power and grace. Period correct details include leather bonnet latches, lever arm locks, hood script lettering, Monza fuel filler, and aircraft inspired riveted body panels. The interior is accurately rendered with attention to detail consistent with the original XKSS, but allowing for safety, greater legroom, and yet still retaining all the charm of the incomparable original. As inspired on the exterior, the use of aircraft construction methods in the raw aluminum monocoque are revealed throughout the riveted floor and welded lap fold construction of the interior. The black leather seats have been formed to allow more driver and passenger space, along with a larger foot box area and slightly reduced diameter wood and aluminum steering wheel. Black dial Smith instruments are accurately arrayed with the controls, switches, and key features easily at hand. Other features include a polished aluminum 4-speed manual switchgear, chrome plated hand brake and lightweight construction doors. Accessing the rear spare tire compartment, the hand formed tailgate drops to position revealing a full-sized spare wheel captured by a proper leather strap fixed into position beneath the accessory rack. Virtually every aspect of the construction is honest, authentic, and reflective of the original intent and design Jaguar envisioned for these rare road cars. Under the hood resides a well-equipped 3.8 Liter Jaguar E-Type engine, enhanced by a beautifully polished twin cam head and triple Weber carburetors featuring a specially constructed Lynx Engineering polished intake manifold, Weber carburetors, and screened polished air horns. The engine compartment is fitted with a polished aluminum water tank, fiberglass wrapped tubular exhaust headers, handmade riveted bulkhead construction, and other delightful mechanical details, completing the look of this very capable XKSS. The underside of the car also features beautifully finished components, superlative construction, and mechanical integrity consistent with just 1,215 miles indicated on the odometer. With the engine cranked and fuel primed, the mighty twin-cam kicks off with a bark and settles into a smooth idle. Driving position is well laid out, low to the ground, yet the driving position commands views of all corners of the undulating fenders. And while some time is required to familiarize oneself with the operational features, within a short period, the driver becomes unified with the car. Shifting is easy through the Jaguar 4-speed synchromesh transmission with power coming on progressively from the 285hp engine benefiting from the recently installed fresh cams which come on strong at higher revs. Cornering is delightful at every turn from lush mountain roads to sweeping higher speed roadways where the independent suspension and fantastic brakes can truly show their capability. Overall, the ride engineering is impressive, engaging, and unforgettable. This Lynx Engineering XKSS delivers undeniable pride of ownership and superlative driving enjoyment at a fraction of the cost of the impossibly rare and coveted museum bound originals. Constructed by a cadre of world renown fabricators to exacting standards, this, the final Lynx XKSS built, honors the lineage of these multi-million-dollar cars heralding their innovative engineering and honoring their well-earned legacy as one of the greatest sports cars ever built