Jaguar XKSS Recreation by Lynx

TGR Staff

After decades spent amassing one of the most significant private collections in the world, restaurant magnate Herb Wetanson has decided to bring three of his most unique and collectible cars to auction at RM Sotheby’s December 8, 2018 auction at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, California. Including his Lynx-built Jaguar XKSS that is nearly identical to the storied Steve McQueen-owned model that resides in the Petersen Museum in Los Angeles.

This car is one of nine built by Lynx, a Jaguar marque expert specializing in C-Types, D-Types and E-Types. Completed in the 70s with a production E-type as its base, this hand-built XKSS benefitted from tooling identical to the original cars and is exceptionally accurate – even boasting period race history. Collectors who have lusted after the iconic McQueen Jaguar XKSS, a centerpiece of the Petersen collection, but don’t want to spend eight-figures should look no further. Wetanson’s Jaguar ownership resume includes an original D-Type and XKSS, which speaks to the quality and accuracy of this Lynx-built example. In reference to the Lynx-built example, Wetanson said that it’s impossible to tell the difference between it and the original when you’re behind the wheel. Outside of the 16 original cars, this is the closest you can come to owning an XKSS.

The car was built with special cams, pistons, crankshaft, and 3.8-liter dry sump engine. It also features many of the details one would expect from the original car, from its right-hand drive configuration to the worn leather bonnet straps. With performance and looks to match the original, the Lynx XKSS represents excellent value – a true XKSS experience at a fraction of the cost.