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The Enduring Appeal of the 1957 Jaguar XKSS: A Legend’s Favorite Ride
Steve McQueen, the iconic “King of Cool,” left an indelible mark on cinematic history and car culture. His legendary status is intrinsically linked to the vehicles he drove, and among his most cherished possessions was the 1957 Jaguar XKSS. This rare and beautiful machine, a street-legal version of the dominant D-Type racer, embodied McQueen’s passion for speed, design, and the raw thrill of driving. This article delves into the history of the XKSS, McQueen’s personal connection to the car, its legendary exploits on Mulholland Drive, and what made it such a perfect symbol of his enduring allure.
The Genesis of a Legend: From Race Track to Road
The story of the 1957 Jaguar XKSS begins on the unforgiving circuits of 1950s motorsport. Jaguar, already a powerhouse with its XK120 and C-Type models, sought to dominate the grueling 24 Hours of Le Mans. The result was the D-Type, a purpose-built racing machine that pushed the boundaries of automotive engineering. With its lightweight monocoque chassis, aerodynamic bodywork by Malcolm Sayer, and the robust XK inline-six engine, the D-Type was a formidable contender, securing multiple victories at Le Mans and other prestigious races.
However, by the late 1950s, the D-Type’s reign as a front-line racer was waning. Stricter regulations and the emergence of more advanced competitors rendered it less competitive. Instead of letting these superb machines gather dust, Jaguar’s visionary founder, Sir William Lyons, conceived a brilliant idea: convert the unsold D-Types into road-going sports cars.
Thus, the XKSS was born. The transformation involved adding a full-width windscreen, side curtains, a soft top, and bumpers, effectively turning a race car into a street-legal GT. Jaguar built just 16 examples of the XKSS, making it one of the rarest and most exclusive Jaguars ever produced. This limited production run, combined with its racing pedigree and stunning aesthetics, immediately cemented the XKSS as a collector’s item.
Steve McQueen: The Man and His Machines
To understand the significance of the XKSS, one must first appreciate the man who drove it. Steve McQueen was a complex and charismatic figure, a rebel with a cause who became one of the biggest movie stars of his generation. Known for his gritty realism, understated coolness, and daredevil persona, McQueen was more than just an actor; he was an adrenaline junkie who lived life in the fast lane.
McQueen’s passion for speed was not merely a public persona; it was a fundamental part of his identity. He was an accomplished motorcycle rider and a competitive race car driver, often participating in amateur and professional events under pseudonyms to avoid the glare of publicity. His film career was punctuated by iconic car chases and motorcycle sequences that showcased his genuine driving skills. From the legendary Mustang chase in Bullitt to the high-octane drama of Le Mans, McQueen brought an authenticity to his on-screen driving that captivated audiences worldwide.
Beyond the silver screen, McQueen’s garage was a testament to his eclectic tastes. He owned an impressive collection of vehicles, including hot rods, European sports cars, and a remarkable array of motorcycles. Yet, among these prized possessions, the 1957 Jaguar XKSS held a special place in his heart.
The Green Rat: McQueen’s Personal Connection
The specific 1957 Jaguar XKSS that would become synonymous with Steve McQueen bore the chassis number XK.SS.713. Originally delivered in right-hand drive to James Peterson, a building contractor involved in the construction of Riverside International Raceway, the car’s early history is intertwined with the burgeoning Southern California car culture. Peterson sold the XKSS to Bill Leyden, a radio and TV personality who would often park the stunning British roadster on a studio lot in Hollywood.
It was here, in the mid-1950s, that a young Steve McQueen first laid eyes on the car that would become his muse. Legend has it that McQueen was instantly smitten by the XKSS’s sleek lines and aggressive stance. He acquired the car in 1958, reportedly for around $4,000, and immediately set about making it his own.
McQueen’s modifications were both aesthetic and functional. He had the car repainted from its original lighter hue to a deep British Racing Green, a color that perfectly complemented its sporting character. Inside, upholstery artist Tony Nancy reupholstered the cockpit in rich black leather, creating a luxurious yet purposeful environment. Perhaps the most iconic customization was the addition of a metal glovebox door fabricated by the legendary pinstriper Von Dutch. This seemingly small detail served a practical purpose: to prevent McQueen’s sunglasses from flying out during spirited drives on Mulholland Drive.
McQueen affectionately nicknamed the car “The Green Rat,” a nod to its racing heritage and his own gritty persona. For years, the Green Rat was his constant companion, a symbol of his freedom and his passion for driving.
Mulholland Drive: The Stage for McQueen’s Legend
Mulholland Drive, winding its way along the ridges of the Hollywood Hills, became the legendary playground for Steve McQueen and his automotive adventures. It was a curvaceous ribbon of asphalt offering breathtaking views of Los Angeles, but for McQueen, it was a test track, a place to push the limits of both man and machine.
Between the late 1950s and 1970s, McQueen, often accompanied by fellow car enthusiasts, would take the Green Rat out for late-night runs. While many residents of the Hollywood Hills came to know the sound of the Jag’s distinctive exhaust note and could identify McQueen’s passage, his exploits were largely kept under wraps. The car’s rarity and McQueen’s desire for anonymity meant that few outside his inner circle witnessed these legendary drives.
Dick Messer, former director of the Petersen Automotive Museum, recalls hearing the XKSS approaching in the distance. “People who lived up in the Hollywood Hills would hear the Jag coming and say, ‘Yep, there goes McQueen.’ The Jag was his favorite,” Messer noted. These late-night excursions were a perfect encapsulation of McQueen’s dual nature: a Hollywood star by day, a speed demon by night.
The Driving Experience: A Raw and Unfiltered Connection
Driving the 1957 Jaguar XKSS is not for the faint of heart. It is a visceral, unfiltered experience that connects the driver to the machine in a way that modern cars simply cannot replicate. Fitting into the cockpit requires a certain degree of athleticism, as the low-slung body and compact interior leave little room for error.
Once settled, the driver is greeted by a symphony of mechanical sounds. The starter motor cranks with a determined growl, and the 3.4-liter XK engine roars to life, its side-exit exhausts emitting a throaty bark that echoes through the hills. The sound is pure, unadulterated racing heritage.
Shifting gears in the XKSS is a tactile experience. The stubby, aluminum-knobbed shifter requires a firm hand, but when treated with authority, the gear changes are crisp and precise, like chambering a round in a high-end rifle. The tachometer, with its characteristic snapping increments, provides a constant visual reminder of the engine’s eagerness to rev.
Every input feels direct and mechanical. The steering feeds information directly back to the driver’s hands, allowing for precise cornering. The clutch is quick and responsive, and the engine delivers ample torque, eliminating the need for constant downshifts. The transmission is perfectly spaced for spirited driving, with second and third gears keeping the engine in its power band, while fourth gear provides comfortable cruising for the long straights.
With an estimated 300 horsepower and a weight of just over 2,000 pounds, the XKSS is not merely quick; it is genuinely fast, even by today’s standards. 0-to-60 times of around five seconds were extraordinary for 1957 and remain impressive to this day.
The only control that might disappoint is the brake pedal. While the Dunlop disc brakes provide ample stopping power, the pedal feel is somewhat dead. However, this is a minor quibble in a car that excels in so many other areas. The ride quality, considering its racing origins, is remarkably supple, making it suitable for long drives even on imperfect pavement.
Driving the XKSS is like stepping back in time. As you navigate the curves of Mulholland Drive, it’s easy to imagine McQueen at the wheel, clipping apexes and power-sliding through corners. The car’s intoxicating blend of speed, sound, and handling creates a sensory experience that is both thrilling and deeply satisfying.
The Legacy of the Green Rat
After years of ownership, McQueen sold the Green Rat to the legendary car collector William F. Harrah in the late 1960s. Harrah, known for amassing one of the world’s most impressive automotive collections, kept the car on display at his Harrah’s Auto Collection in Reno, Nevada. However, McQueen’s attachment to the car was so strong that he eventually repurchased it in the late 1970s after a protracted negotiation.
Sadly, McQueen’s time with the car was drawing to a close. He passed away in 1980 at the age of 50, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire. In 1984, the Green Rat was sold at auction to Richard Freshman, an avid enthusiast who had
