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 1957 Jaguar XKSS is an iconic British sports car that boasts powerful performance, stunning design, and advanced engineering features. This two-seat roadster is crafted with precision and skill, and it is regarded as one of the greatest sports cars of all time. Here are some technical details of this legendary machine:
Engine and Performance: Under the hood, the Jaguar XKSS 1957 houses a 3.4-liter inline-six engine that generates a power output of 250 horsepower at 5,500 rpm. It features twin overhead camshafts, hemispherical combustion chambers, and triple SU carburetors. The engine is mated to a four-speed manual transmission, providing smooth and precise shifting. The car can accelerate from 0-60mph in just 5.2 seconds, and it has a top speed of 149mph.
Suspension and Steering: The XKSS features independent front and rear suspension, comprising upper and lower wishbones with coil springs and telescopic dampers. The front suspension also features an anti-roll bar to reduce body roll during cornering. The steering is rack and pinion type, providing excellent feedback and accuracy. The car rides on 16-inch wire wheels shod with Dunlop racing tires.
Brakes: The braking system of the XKSS is an advanced disc-drum setup, with discs at the front and drums at the rear. The front discs measure 12 inches in diameter, providing outstanding stopping power. The brake calipers are four-piston type, providing good pedal feel and modulation. The emergency brake is operated by a handbrake lever located in the center console.
Body and Construction: The Jaguar XKSS has a sleek and aerodynamic body design, crafted from lightweight aluminum. The car measures 171 inches in length, 65 inches in width, and 49 inches in height. The wheelbase is 96 inches, providing good stability and handling. The car weighs just 2,015 pounds, further enhancing its performance.
Interior Features: The interior of the XKSS is luxurious and comfortable, with leather-trimmed bucket seats, a wood-rimmed steering wheel, and a classic-style dashboard. The car comes with various amenities, such as a radio, carpets, and a heater. However, the car lacks modern features such as air conditioning and power windows, which were not available at the time of its production.
Conclusion:
The Jaguar XKSS 1957 is a magnificent sports car that combines beauty and performance in a unique way. Its advanced engineering and technical features set it apart from its contemporaries, and it remains a coveted collectible for car enthusiasts around the world.
Milestones
- Production began in February 1957 and ended in November of the same year - Only 16 units were produced due to a fire at the factory that destroyed the remaining nine - Originally built as a road-going version of the D-type racing car, the XKSS featured some modifications, including a full-width windscreen, side windows, a folding roof, and a bump at the passenger side - Equipped with a 3.4-liter inline-six engine that produces 262 horsepower and a top speed of 149 mph - Considered one of the most beautiful and iconic sports cars of all time, the XKSS was also successful as a racing car, winning the 12 Hours of Sebring and the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1956 - One of the most famous owners of an XKSS was Steve McQueen, who reportedly purchased one in 1958 for $5,000 - In 2016, Jaguar announced that it would produce nine “continuation” XKSS, using the original blueprints and tooling. These cars were sold for around $1.5 million each.Technical
- Body style: two-seater open sports car - Engine: 3.4-liter inline six-cylinder engine - Horsepower: 262 bhp (brake horsepower) - Torque: 260 lb-ft (pound-feet) - Transmission: Four-speed manual transmission with overdrive - Top speed: Approximately 150 mph (240 km/h) - Acceleration: 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) in 5.5 seconds - Suspension: Independent front suspension with torsion bars, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs - Brakes: Four-wheel disc brakes - Steering: Rack and pinion steering - Wheelbase: 96 inches (2,438 mm) - Weight: Approximately 2,160 pounds (980 kg) - Production: 16 units were built in 1957, with some surviving examples being restored or replicad.CLASSIC CAR MATCHER