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In early 2026, news broke that a legendary piece of automotive history was going up for auction. This wasn’t just any car; it was the 1957 Jaguar XKSS once owned by none other than Steve McQueen. This specific car, chassis number XK.SS.713, is one of the most iconic vehicles in the King of Cool’s illustrious collection and represents a pivotal moment in both automotive and cinematic history. As an industry expert who has spent the last decade immersed in the world of high-end automotive sales and restorations, I can attest that the rarity and provenance of this particular Jaguar make it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for collectors.
The story of McQueen’s XKSS is inextricably linked to the golden age of Hollywood and the thrilling, often dangerous, lifestyle of one of its most iconic figures. McQueen, known as “The King of Cool,” was more than just an actor; he was a bona fide gearhead, a racer, and a man who lived life on the edge. His passion for speed and machinery was evident in his films, most notably the legendary 1968 Mustang chase in Bullitt, and his ill-fated attempt to capture the raw essence of endurance racing in Le Mans (1971). While many celebrities have owned impressive collections, McQueen’s relationship with his cars was deeply personal. He didn’t just collect them; he raced them, modified them, and lived with them, earning him the adoration of car enthusiasts worldwide.
The 1957 Jaguar XKSS itself is a product of a fascinating footnote in racing history. Born from the ashes of Jaguar’s dominance in 1950s sports car racing, the XKSS was essentially a road-legal version of the legendary D-Type. The D-Type, with its advanced monocoque construction and powerful straight-six XK engine, was the car that put Jaguar on the map as a true competitor to Ferrari and Maserati on the world stage. However, as racing regulations evolved, Jaguar found itself with a surplus of D-Types that were no longer competitive. Rather than let these magnificent machines languish, Jaguar took the bold step of converting them for road use, creating one of the most beautiful and exclusive GT cars ever produced.
Only 25 of these D-Types were ever converted into the road-going XKSS, and with the factory fire in 1957 destroying several examples, the true number of surviving cars is even lower. This scarcity alone would make any XKSS a prize for collectors, but when combined with its ownership history, the value skyrockets. The fact that this car passed through the hands of Steve McQueen elevates it to legendary status, placing it in a rarefied category of automotive artifacts that transcend mere transportation and become cultural icons.
McQueen’s acquisition of XKSS 713 in 1958 marked the beginning of a decades-long relationship with the car. Purchased for a reported $4,000, the car was immediately personalized. McQueen, a hands-on tinkerer, had the exterior repainted from its original white to a deep, lustrous British Racing Green. The interior was reupholstered in black leather by the legendary SoCal hot-rodder Tony Nancy, a fitting touch for a car that would spend much of its life being thrashed on Mulholland Drive. Even the famed pinstriper Von Dutch contributed, fabricating a custom metal glovebox door to prevent McQueen’s sunglasses from flying out during spirited drives. This car wasn’t just a status symbol for McQueen; it was a tool, a companion, and a testament to his authentic love of driving.
The legacy of McQueen’s ownership continues to shape the narrative of this specific car. While many celebrity cars are museum pieces that rarely see the light of day, McQueen drove his XKSS hard. Stories abound of him tearing through the Hollywood Hills in the dead of night, the car’s side-exit exhausts echoing off the canyon walls. Local law enforcement allegedly even placed bets on which officer could finally ticket the elusive McQueen and his roaring Jag. This history of spirited use is a key selling point for modern collectors, as it validates the car’s racing pedigree and McQueen’s own reputation as a driver who wasn’t afraid to push his machinery to the limit.
Beyond its racing roots and association with McQueen, the technical specifications of the 1957 Jaguar XKSS make it a marvel of engineering for its time. Powering the car is a 3.4-liter XK DOHC inline-six engine, a powerplant renowned for its smooth operation and robust performance. In its XKSS configuration, the engine was capable of producing around 250 horsepower, which, when mated to the car’s lightweight aluminum body and chassis, resulted in a top speed exceeding 150 mph. This was truly exotic performance for the mid-1950s, placing the XKSS firmly in the realm of professional racing machines rather than mere road cars. The car’s advanced features, such as its monocoque construction (a design innovation that would heavily influence the later E-Type) and Dunlop disc brakes, were cutting-edge for the era, further enhancing its racing credentials.
The transition from a race-winning D-Type to a road-legal XKSS involved a series of significant modifications. A full-width windscreen replaced the original aeroscreen, and a rudimentary convertible top and luggage rack were added to the rear deck. Removable side curtains provided a modicum of weather protection, and a vestigial exhaust system was installed, though it did little to tame the car’s aggressive auditory presence. These changes, while perhaps appearing crude by modern standards, only add to the car’s charm and authenticity. They are a physical manifestation of its dual nature—a race car that was reluctantly tamed for the road, but never fully lost its wild spirit.
The car’s journey through the hands of subsequent owners further adds to its rich tapestry of history. After McQueen sold the car in the late 1960s, it passed through the hands of several collectors, including the legendary William F. Harrah, founder of the Harrah’s Auto Collection in Reno. McQueen, reportedly missing the car, eventually repurchased it a decade later, keeping it until his death in 1980. Following his passing, the car was sold at auction in 1984 to Richard Freshman, who commissioned a high-quality restoration by Lynx in England. Freshman’s directive was clear: preserve McQueen’s modifications while ensuring the car was roadworthy. This approach resulted in a car that honors its racing heritage and its most famous owner while remaining a joy to drive.
The 2026 auction of XKSS 713 is particularly timely, as it arrives at a moment of renewed interest in classic sports cars and the golden age of Hollywood. With the rise of electric vehicles and autonomous driving, there is a growing appreciation for the visceral, mechanical connection that comes with driving a car like the XKSS. In an age of digital interfaces and synthetic driving experiences, the raw, unfiltered feedback of a naturally aspirated straight-six and a manual gearbox is a rare and precious commodity. For many collectors, the opportunity to own a piece of history that offers such a pure driving experience is the ultimate prize.
When we consider the potential buyers for a car of this caliber, we are looking at a very specific demographic. The price tag for a car with this level of provenance can easily reach into the seven-figure range, placing it out of reach for all but the most dedicated and affluent collectors. This is not a car for the casual enthusiast; it is a trophy, a piece of automotive art that represents the pinnacle of collecting. The ideal buyer is someone who appreciates not only the monetary value of the car but also its cultural significance. They are likely someone who grew up idolizing Steve McQueen, who has a deep understanding of automotive history, and who wants to preserve this icon for future generations.
The auction itself is likely to be a high-profile event, drawing collectors from around the globe. This isn’t a sale that happens quietly on a backroom deal; it is a spectacle, a moment in time that will be savored by automotive journalists, historians, and fans alike. The car’s provenance will be the star of the show, with every detail of its history meticulously documented and presented to potential bidders. The story of McQueen’s ownership, the modifications he commissioned, and its subsequent life will all be part of the narrative that drives the bidding to what will undoubtedly be a record-setting figure.
Looking ahead, the future of XKSS 713 is secure in the hands of its next owner. Whether it finds a permanent home in a private collection or is displayed at a museum for the public to admire, its legacy is assured. The car is more than just a collection of metal, rubber, and glass; it is a time capsule, offering a tangible link to a bygone era of Hollywood glamour and automotive engineering excellence. As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, there is a growing need for these tangible connections to our past, for artifacts that remind us of the passion, craftsmanship, and bold spirit that defined the mid-20th century.
The 2026 auction of Steve McQueen’s 1957 Jaguar XKSS is a momentous occasion, a chance to own a piece of automotive history that embodies the very essence of the King of Cool himself. It represents the intersection of Hollywood legend, racing pedigree, and engineering brilliance—a combination that is rarely found and even more rarely offered for sale. For the fortunate individual who ultimately takes home XKSS 713, the reward is far more than the acquisition of a rare car; it is the opportunity to become the next steward of a legend, to continue
