By Dean Larson

Photos: Seller, BringaTrailer.com

There are few cars on the Earth romanticized as much as the Jaguar XKSS, and if you don’t agree, I'll count you the ways. For one, it’s simply stunning on the eyes. Voluptuous and curvaceous, yet somehow still compact and tightly formed, the XKSS is beautiful in an artistic and mechanical sense. Based on the D-Type race car, its aluminum monocoque chassis, riveted bodywork and slippery aerodynamic shape were dictated by function, in the most alluring fashion.

So it’s got both performance and good looks on its side, but it’s also become somewhat of a cultural icon. Not quite in as big a way as the Lamborghini Countach, but more sophisticated and unique. Let’s not forget the king of cool Steve McQueen owned an XKSS, which he drove at every opportunity.

But in addition to its beauty, mechanical excellence and exclusive coolness, the XKSS also has an unreal origin story. With Jaguar’s withdrawal from competition at the end of the 1956 season, the company sought to recover some funds by converting a number of unsold D-Types into road-going cars for the public. But unfortunately a fire broke out at the factory at Browns Lane, destroying all but 16 XKSS roadsters, making the originals impossibly rare, and ridiculously expensive. The last XKSS I saw at auction was estimated at $13,000,000 to $16,000,000.

So what about an XKSS replica then? While there are a few options to choose from, this Lynx XKSS recreation on BringaTrailer.com makes a pretty powerful statement for the marque. A BaT premium listing, the Lynx is already bid to $220,000, with 12 days remaining.

Constructed between 2017 and 2017, this Lynx XKSS is a stunning example of the British manufacturer’s ability. The car features an aluminum monocoque chassis with that telltale riveted aluminum bodywork. A 1964 Jaguar XKE donated its 4.2-liter six-cylinder, which has been warmed over with a forged crank, competition rods and semi-competition camshafts. The cylinder head was also massaged slightly and now breathes through three Weber 45 DCOE carburetors. A five-speed Getrag transmission handles shifting, while a newer Salisbury differential and independent rear suspension handle things out back.

A walk around the outside of the Lynx shows all the panache of the original XKSS, from the covered headlights up front, to the wrap-around bumper out back. A luggage rack and leather bonnet straps add traditional appeal, while the 16-inch Dunlop alloys and Vredestein rubber hit the mark perfectly. The black Glasurit paintwork over red upholstery is a sultry combination, offset by the right amount of chrome accents.

The interior is finished in red leather to a high degree without loosing the XKSS character. A wood-rimmed wheel is the centerpiece of the cockpit, and the footwells and seats have been modified for taller drivers. A black soft top and removable side curtains are included in the sale.

There’s no doubt we’re looking at a high profile auto here, and they’ll definitely be more bidding to come on this one. It’ll be interesting to note where the selling price lands on this car, especially compared to this Lynx XKSS from the 1970s sold by RM Sothebys. At $423,000, the older Lynx is not likely to be beat on hammer price, especially given its correct 3.4-liter engine.

Check out the Lynx XKSS here on BringaTrailer.com.

For more information on Lynx and Proteus Jaguar recreations, contact our friend Lawrence Baxter at Bespoke British Sports Cars.