1957 Jaguar XK-SS

XK-SS image

The descriptions of the Classic Cars in the Directory were partly generated or supplemented with the help of artificial intelligence (AI). The content may occasionally not always be entirely accurate or factually correct despite careful checking.

The Jaguar XK-SS 1957 is a legendary sports car that combines stunning design with exceptional performance. This rarity of a car is built for performance, with its lightweight construction and powerful engine that make it a true driving enthusiast's dream.

The car is powered by a 3.4-liter DOHC inline-six engine, producing 250 horsepower, and with its four-speed manual Moss gearbox, the car is capable of hitting top speeds of up to 140 miles per hour. The engine has a power-to-weight ratio that is unequalled to anything of its time, the car weighs in at an impressive 1150 kg, making it one of the lightest cars of its era, thanks to its aluminum construction.

The race-bred chassis known for its durability with a rigid drum brake setup provides excellent handling capabilities, even in the most demanding of situations. It possesses a 3,044mm wheelbase, and a rear-wheel drives layout makes the car more responsive to the driver's inputs.

The car's suspension features double wishbones for support on the front and a rigid axle located by radius arms on the rear, with torsion bars to help control its impressive body roll. Its unique system is based on a works racing design and provides the occupants with great ride comfort and handling during rallies and long drives.

The cabin inside the car boasts a range of luxury features that would be ahead of its time, including leather upholstery for the bucket seats giving that luxurious feel, with a handsome and intrinsically simple dashboard design for quick and easy interpretation of its gauges. The car comes with sliding side windows, while the windshield is a flat-plated Perspex unit, which gives the occupants an unobscured view of the road ahead.

The sleek, aerodynamic body in the Jaguar XK-SS 1957 features a distinctive long hood which flows into a beautifully designed grill and a sharply sloped rear, which improves airflow and top-end speed. This iconic roadster is admired for its curves, lines, and the aluminum panels put together by the expert craftsmen at the factory in Coventry, England.

In conclusion, the Jaguar XK-SS 1957 is a truly unique and unforgettable sports car. It possesses a host of technical features, luxurious amenities and unparalleled performance that sets the standard for street-legal sports cars. Its handling, stability, and aerodynamic design make it an icon in motoring history, providing an passionate, unrivaled driving experience.

Milestones

- Introduced at the 1957 New York Auto Show - Based on the Jaguar D-Type racing car - Production limited to 25 units - Feature a 3.4-liter straight-six engine producing 250 horsepower - Top speed of around 150 mph - Revised suspension for improved handling and ride quality - Lightweight aluminum body with a signature curved windscreen - Considered one of the most beautiful cars of all time - Production halted due to a fire at the Jaguar factory, with only 16 units completed - Regarded as a rare and highly sought-after collector's item today.


Technical

- Engine: 3.4-liter inline six-cylinder engine - Horsepower: 262 horsepower @ 5,750 RPM - Torque: 260 lb-ft torque @ 4,000 RPM - Transmission: Four-speed manual transmission - Top Speed: 150 mph - 0-60 mph: <6 seconds - Body: Two-seater convertible sports car - Chassis: Tubular steel framework - Suspension: Double-wishbone front suspension, live-axle rear suspension - Brakes: Front and rear hydraulic disc brakes - Weight: 2,232 lbs - Fuel Capacity: 18-gallon fuel tank - Production quantity: Only 16 models produced in total - Price (in 1957): £5,000 (approximately $13,000 USD)