The most coveted of all Lynx cars this XKSS is a particularly fine example. An early factory built car (No.6) it was completed in 1991 for first owner Mr Anthony Cope and former owners include Frank Sytner. It features a rare dry sump engine and was the subject of a restoration to concours standard, by Richard Bond, after which it was sold in November 2001 for 4.3m FRS, or the equivalent of 700,000 euros today. Bills in the file confirm this. 

Only sixteen original XKSSs were sold when Sir William Lyons decided to ulitise the spare D-Type chassis, left over when Jaguar withdrew from motor racing, to create a small number of road-going D-Types, principally for the American market. The unlikely result is one of the most 
stylish and iconic XKs ever, with the most famous owner being Steve McQueen. 

When Lynx was launched in 1968 its principle aim was to repair and maintain specialist sports and racing cars, but quite quickly the name became synonomous with the restoration and care of genuine Jaguar C-Types, D-Types, and E-Types. 

The evolution from restoration to recreation was a natural one and within six years the company was launching its first Lynx D-Type, and demand ensured that the road-going Lynx XKSS, C and E-types followed in quick succession, and by the time the original company closed its doors it had built over 50 Lynx recreations. 

What sets the Lynx cars apart from other recreations is the ethos of the brand. From the outset the aim was to combine the authenticity of the original with the distinctive handwriting of Lynx engineering. The cars were conceived not as the later ‘tool room copies’ but as a ‘classic with a twist’, with all the cars, including the C-Types based around the proven underpinings of the E-Type. 

Featuring a 4.2 Litre Jaguar engine, the original rebuild included the fitting of a new fully-balanced, forged steel crankshaft, new lightweight steel competition connecting rods and forged pistons. The newcylinder head was machined to accept larger valves, uprated springs and lighter, higher quality cam buckets. High-lift camstafts, made ot Lynx's own profile are also fitted. Another Lynx developed modification is an inlet maniffold designed with an integral water rail that is then ported to the cylinder head and fitted with triple weber DCOE carbs. 

With a compression ratio of 8/785:1 performance figures given by Lynx at the time was 320 bhp at 5,400rpm with 350lb ft of torque at 3,800rpm and 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds. 

This is one of only ten Lynx cars fitted with an authentic dry sump engine and marks a highpoint in both Lynx’s output and desirability, and this was reflected in the price. By 2005 the standard XKSS cost cost £170K, with the dry sump model costing £185K. 

In Gloss Black with red leather this example is in mint condition, having covered just 8,000 miles from new, and includes the valuable registration no. OHV 7. This is a rare opportunity to acquire one of the most coveted of classic Jaguars and the finest of Lynx recreations. 

Photo Credit: John Dominis/Life McQueen in XKSS 

XKSS By Lynx OHV 7