In the narrative of automotive history, there are tales that transcend mere machinery, stories that intertwine with the lives of icons. One such legend revolves around the Jaguar XKSS, a rare breed of road-going racing cars born from the fiery depths of tragedy.
On a fateful evening in 1957, flames engulfed Jaguar's Browns Lane factory in Coventry, devouring nine nearly completed XKSS models destined for North American shores. This catastrophe, coupled with the car's limited production, left only 16 of these automotive jewels in existence, one of which found its way into the possession of none other than Hollywood's own Steve McQueen.
It's not hard to understand McQueen's attraction to the XKSS. Like the actor himself, the car exuded style, elegance, and a spirit of motor racing adventure. Originally conceived from repurposed D-Type racing chassis, the XKSS underwent a metamorphosis to meet road-worthy standards, complete with a full-width windscreen, revamped lighting, and sleek bumpers.
But it was McQueen's personal touches that truly made his XKSS stand out. Dubbed the "Green Rat" for its distinctive hue and McQueen's penchant for customization, the car underwent a transformation under the actor's discerning eye. From a darker repaint to a lavish interior reupholstered in black leather by renowned craftsmen like Tony Nancy and Kenny Howard, every detail reflected McQueen's unique vision.
McQueen's love affair with the "Green Rat" extended beyond mere aesthetics. He relished late-night drives through the winding roads of the Santa Monica Mountains, pushing the car to its limits with the kind of fearless spirit that defined his on-screen persona.
Despite numerous close encounters with the law, including a memorable instance involving his wife's supposed "false labor" as an excuse for speeding, McQueen held onto his prized possession until his passing in 1980. The car eventually found a new home in the hands of Richard Freshman, who entrusted its restoration to Lynx Motors while preserving McQueen's signature alterations.
Today, the "Green Rat" resides in the Petersen Automotive Museum, a testament to both its storied past and the enduring legacy of its iconic owner. As former Museum Director Dick Messer fondly recalls, the roar of the XKSS still echoes through the Hollywood Hills, a fitting tribute to the man who made it legendary.
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