Jag to roar into record books with £13.5m price tag
A RARE classic Jaguar is set to become the most expensive British road car in history when it goes under the hammer next month.
The 1957 XKSS is expected to fetch £13.5million.
It is the first example of the model to go on public sale in more than a decade.
Experts expect a fierce bidding war from collectors around the world who are desperate to get their hands on the iconic car.
The XKSS was based on the Le Mans-winning Jaguar D-Type racing car and only 16 were built.
The guide price of £12.8million to £13.5million will make it one of the most valuable cars ever sold. It is nearly 5,500 times the car’s original 1957 price tag of around £2,500.
Auctioneer David Gooding, of Gooding &Co, said: “This renowned sports car delivers D-Type performance with nimble and responsive driving dynamics, paired perfectly with the most voluptuous design.
“For us to present this XKSS, one of the greatest sports cars of all time and the first one offered at public auction in over a decade, is truly a great honour.”
Of the 16 cars which were completed, 12 were delivered to the US, two to Canada, one to Hong Kong and a sole example remained in Britain. Famous owners included the actor Steve McQueen, who owned an XKSS for 10 years.
The car will be auctioned in Florida on March 10.
The most expensive British road car at the moment is the Aston Martin DB4 Zagato which sold for £9.5million in December 2015.