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The Legacy of the 1957 Jaguar XKSS: Driving Steve McQueen’s Rarest and Most Iconic Sports Car
For automotive enthusiasts and collectors worldwide, the name Steve McQueen is synonymous with rebellion, speed, and a rugged, undeniable cool. He wasn’t just an actor; he was an icon who lived life in the fast lane, both on screen and off. Among his legendary collection of cars and motorcycles, one vehicle stands out as a rare gem, a perfect embodiment of his spirit: the 1957 Jaguar XKSS. This particular chassis, number 713, has a storied history that intertwines directly with McQueen’s life, making it one of the most sought-after and significant Jaguar models ever produced.
The Birth of a Legend: From Racing Pedigree to Street Legend
To understand the allure of the 1957 Jaguar XKSS, one must first appreciate its origins. The car wasn’t initially conceived as a road-going vehicle. It was born from the legendary D-Type, a dominant force in endurance racing during the 1950s. With its sleek, aerodynamic body penned by Malcolm Sayer and its powerful, race-proven XK inline-six engine, the D-Type was a true champion, securing multiple victories at the grueling 24 Hours of Le Mans.
However, by the late 1950s, the D-Type was beginning to show its age on the track. Stricter regulations and the rise of newer, more potent competitors left Jaguar with a surplus of race-ready chassis. Rather than let these magnificent machines gather dust, the company embarked on an ambitious and visionary project: to convert these race cars into legitimate, road-legal sports cars for the discerning few.
The result was the XKSS, a vehicle that retained the D-Type’s soul while embracing the practicalities of street use. Each conversion was a meticulous process, involving the addition of a full-width windscreen, removable side curtains, a proper luggage rack, and a road-legal exhaust system. Only 16 of these remarkable cars were ever built, making them exceedingly rare from the moment they left the factory in Coventry.
Chassis 713: A Journey Through Time and Hollywood Glamour
Among the select group of XKSS chassis, number 713 holds a special place in automotive history. Originally painted in a light hue with a contrasting red interior, this particular D-Type chassis was imported to North America in April 1957. Its early life saw it pass through the hands of several notable figures, including James Peterson, a contractor involved in the construction of Riverside International Raceway.
It was Peterson who sold the car to Bill Leyden, a local radio and television personality whose Sunset Boulevard studio became an unlikely stage for the car’s debut. Legend has it that it was here that a young Steve McQueen first laid eyes on the sleek, powerful Jaguar. A regular fixture at the studio lot, McQueen was instantly captivated by the car’s aggressive stance and undeniable presence.
Accounts vary on the exact details of the transaction, but most agree that McQueen purchased the XKSS in 1958 for a sum reported to be around $4,000. This acquisition marked the beginning of a lifelong love affair between the “King of Cool” and this extraordinary machine.
The McQueen Touch: Customization and Character
Once in McQueen’s possession, the 1957 Jaguar XKSS underwent a series of personalized modifications that transformed it into a true reflection of its owner’s personality. McQueen, known for his fastidious attention to detail and his love of working on his own vehicles, set about making the car his own.
The car was repainted in British Racing Green, a color that perfectly complemented its sporting pedigree and enhanced its already stunning lines. The interior was given a luxurious upgrade by renowned SoCal hot-rodder and upholsterer Tony Nancy, who reimagined the cockpit in rich black leather. This transformation not only added a layer of sophistication but also created a more comfortable and driver-focused environment for McQueen’s legendary midnight drives.
Perhaps one of the most iconic modifications was the addition of a metal glovebox door, fabricated by the legendary pinstriper and automotive artist Von Dutch. This custom addition was purportedly designed to prevent McQueen’s sunglasses from flying out of the dashboard during spirited drives through the Hollywood Hills. While the practicality of the modification may be debatable, its significance as a testament to McQueen’s hands-on approach and his circle of influential friends is undeniable.
McQueen affectionately nicknamed the car the “Green Rat,” a moniker that perfectly captured its rugged charm and undeniable character. It became his constant companion, the vehicle of choice for countless late-night excursions where he would push the car to its limits on the winding roads of the Hollywood Hills.
The Legend of Mulholland Drive: Midnight Rides and Unclaimed Steak Dinners
Mulholland Drive, a winding ribbon of asphalt that snakes along the ridge of the Hollywood Hills, served as McQueen’s personal proving ground. It was here, under the cloak of darkness, that he would unleash the full potential of the Green Rat. Along with a select group of friends, he would tear through the curves and elevation changes, the roar of the Jaguar’s engine echoing through the canyon.
These midnight rides weren’t just about speed; they were about the experience, the connection between man and machine, and the sheer thrill of pushing the limits. Dick Messer, former director of the Petersen Automotive Museum and one of the car’s subsequent caretakers, recalls how the sound of the Jaguar was a familiar signal to residents of the Hollywood Hills. “People who lived up in the Hollywood Hills would hear the Jag coming and say ‘Yep, there goes McQueen.’ The Jag was his favorite.”
Local legend also tells tales of law enforcement agencies placing bets on who could be the first to catch McQueen and issue him a speeding ticket. While he was spotted and pursued on numerous occasions, the stories persist that he was never successfully ticketed, the ultimate prize of an “expensive steak dinner” forever unclaimed. Whether fact or fiction, these tales only add to the mystique surrounding McQueen and his beloved 1957 Jaguar XKSS.
A Taste of the Legend: Driving the Green Rat in 2026
Decades after McQueen’s passing, the opportunity to experience the Green Rat firsthand remains a rare and coveted privilege. In 2026, this iconic machine continues to captivate all who encounter it, offering a tangible link to a bygone era of automotive excellence and Hollywood legend.
Approaching the car, the first thing that strikes you is its timeless beauty. The British Racing Green paint glows under the California sun, accentuating the car’s voluptuous curves and taut, muscular stance. The long, sculpted hood, the feline-like fenders, and the purposeful rear deck all speak to its racing heritage, while the addition of a full-width windscreen and removable side curtains hint at its dual nature.
Sliding into the cockpit is an experience in itself. The Tony Nancy-restored black leather interior, showing a rich patina that speaks to years of passionate ownership, surrounds you. The wood-rimmed steering wheel sits close to the chest, placing you firmly in command, while the classic Smiths gauges loom large, their needles poised to react to the slightest input. The cabin is intimate, compact, and utterly devoid of unnecessary clutter—a pure driver’s environment.
Turning the key ignites the legendary XK inline-six. The starter motor cranks with a satisfying growl, and the engine bursts to life with a throaty bark. The side-exit exhaust system, a nod to its D-Type roots, doesn’t offer much in the way of refinement, instead emitting a rich, race-bred gurgle that resonates deep within your chest. It’s a sound that commands attention, a symphony of mechanical precision and raw power.
Engaging the stubby, aluminum-knobbed shifter requires a firm hand, but the reward is immediate. The gearbox, a testament to Jaguar’s engineering prowess of the era, snaps through the gears with satisfying precision. There’s a mechanical directness to every input, a tactile connection between driver and machine that is all too rare in modern automobiles.
The suspension, a sophisticated setup of wishbones and torsion bars up front and a live axle with trailing links in the rear, manages to blend road-going comfort with race-car responsiveness. On Mulholland Drive, the car feels alive, every nuance of the pavement feeding directly through the steering wheel. The clutch is quick without being grabby, and the ample torque from the blue-printed XK engine ensures that power is always on tap.
The acceleration is exhilarating, even by today’s standards. With an estimated weight of little more than 2,000 pounds and around 300 horsepower on tap, the Green Rat surges forward with an urgency that belies its age. The tach needle snaps up and down the dial in characteristic fashion, the engine note hardening to a throaty blare as you approach the redline. The intake noise harmonizes with the exhaust, creating a captivating auditory experience that makes it easy to understand why McQueen was so enamored with this car.
Even the braking, a system of Dunlop discs that were cutting-edge technology for 1957, feels remarkably effective. While the pedal may feel a bit firm by modern standards, the car hauls down from speed with confidence, the chassis remaining composed and balanced.
A Lasting Legacy: Why the 1957 Jaguar XKSS Continues to Captivate
The enduring appeal of the 1957 Jaguar XKSS, and specifically chassis 713, lies in its perfect storm of factors: its racing pedigree, its rarity, its Hollywood provenance, and its pure, unfiltered
