Where can I find an XKSS (replica)?
Discussion
d.wilde said:
"great platform from which to create a perfect XKSS recreation". I think if i had the money, it will remain a D-Type racer. Do you have any information about the builder ? Dave Brown ? http://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/customs-classics/1...
Very very nice 
Platform for a XKSS? Hopefully not.
d.wilde said:
Do you have any information about the builder ? Dave Brown
I've not seen one of his D-Types, but his C-Types were very well regarded. The CKL site says the car has FIA papers and uses the well worn phrase "toolroom copy". As far as I know the C-Types they build were considered to be as close to original as possible without importing Coventry air to inflate the tyres. Not sure about the carbs, I seem to remember there was an issue with one owner getting FIA papers needing to spend a lot of money to source the right Webers, Lowdrag knew the details. The Dave Brown C-Types were sold in this country by Racing Green back when Peter Hugo was there.Some earlier chat on PH at http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=873...
I was sure at one point I'd found a website for him, but can't find it now.
He's been around for years and been supplying parts and shells to the UK for some time. The XKSS replica based on #1 Lynx D-type had a new front and rear made by him, and many have bought their D-type suspension from him. AFAIK even Jaguar Heritage themselves have a "proper" XKSS replica which was in the Hull collection with one of his body shells. I have an idea that the replica of XKC 003 was one of his shells too.
Look here:-
http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/business/29...
Look here:-
http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/business/29...
To be accurate, Racing Green Cars C-Types were not built by David Brown. They comes from Concours Sportcar Restoration, a nice company run by Gavin King in Australia. Look at this old advert -> https://www.classicdriver.com/en/car/jaguar/c-type...
KKV603, maybe this only one sold via Racing Green Car was built in Australia. http://www.concours.com.au/c-type
To date, 7 or 8 were built by them.
Lowdrag is right, the Hull/Jaguar Heritage XKSS and the XKC003 "replica" currently for sale by my friend Gael G. in France were built in England with Brown's parts.
But, I realize that we are again out of the original topic.
KKV603, maybe this only one sold via Racing Green Car was built in Australia. http://www.concours.com.au/c-type
To date, 7 or 8 were built by them.
Lowdrag is right, the Hull/Jaguar Heritage XKSS and the XKC003 "replica" currently for sale by my friend Gael G. in France were built in England with Brown's parts.
But, I realize that we are again out of the original topic.
Edited by d.wilde on Friday 27th November 18:56
I was surfing for some information and stumbled here. I own this car in Australia http://www.theversatilegent.com/cts-jaguar-xkss/ - It is a RAM that has a few useful extras incl. adjustable shocks, supra 5 speed box.
a) It really is fun to drive and though I haven't really had it over 100 m.p.h - it has really long legs though
c) I am 6' 1" and I don't have any problems, though driving in hobnail boots is inadvisable. I use a leather skull cap for longer trips.
d) It is fibre glass - I don't see what the big deal of having aluminium body is, aside from harder to repair.
This is not the only replica (or original sports car) I own. I had an Autocraft C many years ago that I had made as LHD. Loved it, but it went during hard times
The 2 E-Types are long gone as well. They were all driven extensively.
Replicas/recreations are for enjoying, not for investing or pretending that they are anything but what they are. Few of us can afford a real XKSS or a 206SP or whatever old sports car floats your boat - but many of us can have a high quality replica which provides the same driving experience, is fun and looks the part.
Buy one, drive one, have fun, die happy!
a) It really is fun to drive and though I haven't really had it over 100 m.p.h - it has really long legs though
c) I am 6' 1" and I don't have any problems, though driving in hobnail boots is inadvisable. I use a leather skull cap for longer trips.
d) It is fibre glass - I don't see what the big deal of having aluminium body is, aside from harder to repair.
This is not the only replica (or original sports car) I own. I had an Autocraft C many years ago that I had made as LHD. Loved it, but it went during hard times
The 2 E-Types are long gone as well. They were all driven extensively.Replicas/recreations are for enjoying, not for investing or pretending that they are anything but what they are. Few of us can afford a real XKSS or a 206SP or whatever old sports car floats your boat - but many of us can have a high quality replica which provides the same driving experience, is fun and looks the part.
Buy one, drive one, have fun, die happy!
No complaints as to what kit it is (this looks to be a RAM) but I would ask you to get the history right in that link. 16 only were made (which went to 18 and back to 16 as D-types were converted and then changed the other way) and a passenger door already existed due to the Le Mans rules of 1956, which required a full screen and two doors. But who cares really. Most don't. As long as you enjoy the car and drive it, that's what counts. But do take it up to 150 mph. Mine is still stable enough to take my hands off the wheel.
parttime_racer said:
...Replicas/recreations are for enjoying, not for investing or pretending that they are anything but what they are. <clip>... a high quality replica which provides the same driving experience, is fun and looks the part.
Hear, hear to enjoying whatever floats your boat but I would disagree that they provide the same driving experience. So, modern suspension like adjustable shocks, 5 speed gearbox, perhaps hidden power steering, electronic ignition etc. If you want the real driving experience you need a 60 year old car. 
RichB said:
parttime_racer said:
...Replicas/recreations are for enjoying, not for investing or pretending that they are anything but what they are. <clip>... a high quality replica which provides the same driving experience, is fun and looks the part.
Hear, hear to enjoying whatever floats your boat but I would disagree that they provide the same driving experience. So, modern suspension like adjustable shocks, 5 speed gearbox, perhaps hidden power steering, electronic ignition etc. If you want the real driving experience you need a 60 year old car. As for the "same experience", well, I am guessing you might not have driven either a real or a replica 50s Jaguar - let me know how the experiences work out for you
lowdrag said:
No complaints as to what kit it is (this looks to be a RAM) but I would ask you to get the history right in that link. 16 only were made (which went to 18 and back to 16 as D-types were converted and then changed the other way) and a passenger door already existed due to the Le Mans rules of 1956, which required a full screen and two doors. But who cares really. Most don't. As long as you enjoy the car and drive it, that's what counts. But do take it up to 150 mph. Mine is still stable enough to take my hands off the wheel.
I have nothing to do with the link, it was just somewhere I found that had pictures of my actual car. I think the history came from the shop that was selling the car when I purchased it.As for 150mph, that is probably not likely or possible in Australia - even on a racetrack.
parttime_racer said:
RichB said:
parttime_racer said:
...Replicas/recreations are for enjoying, not for investing or pretending that they are anything but what they are. <clip>... a high quality replica which provides the same driving experience, is fun and looks the part.
Hear, hear to enjoying whatever floats your boat but I would disagree that they provide the same driving experience. So, modern suspension like adjustable shocks, 5 speed gearbox, perhaps hidden power steering, electronic ignition etc. If you want the real driving experience you need a 60 year old car. As for the "same experience", well, I am guessing you might not have driven either a real or a replica 50s Jaguar - let me know how the experiences work out for you
parttime_racer said:
I have nothing to do with the link, it was just somewhere I found that had pictures of my actual car. I think the history came from the shop that was selling the car when I purchased it.
As for 150mph, that is probably not likely or possible in Australia - even on a racetrack.
I don't know. I think it might be possible here As for 150mph, that is probably not likely or possible in Australia - even on a racetrack.
I wore out my tyres in not too many laps I seem to remember.
a8hex said:
Gearboxes would be a difficult thing on a rep D-Type/XKSS as these didn't run standard Moss boxes. C&G might make you a replica engine but does anyone make the right gearbox?
Jaguar didn't fit a full synchromesh box to mainstream production car for another 5 or so years.
Jaguar box came out with the E-type in 1964, IIRC. I have seen modified Jaguar boxes used with the Plessy pump on replica D-types, but my C-type took a standard 1952 Moss box. Since no one wants a Moss box these days (they don't understand no synchromesh and double declutching) I know where there are loads rusting away. The cars they came out of all have Toyota, Getrag or whatever 5-speed boxes now.Jaguar didn't fit a full synchromesh box to mainstream production car for another 5 or so years.
lowdrag said:
a8hex said:
Gearboxes would be a difficult thing on a rep D-Type/XKSS as these didn't run standard Moss boxes. C&G might make you a replica engine but does anyone make the right gearbox?
Jaguar didn't fit a full synchromesh box to mainstream production car for another 5 or so years.
Jaguar box came out with the E-type in 1964, IIRC. I have seen modified Jaguar boxes used with the Plessy pump on replica D-types, but my C-type took a standard 1952 Moss box. Since no one wants a Moss box these days (they don't understand no synchromesh and double declutching) I know where there are loads rusting away. The cars they came out of all have Toyota, Getrag or whatever 5-speed boxes now.Jaguar didn't fit a full synchromesh box to mainstream production car for another 5 or so years.
Yes, sadly people are moving away from the Moss box. My XK150 is currently fitted with the Guy Broad 5 speed box which is basically Ford MT75 internals and is a great gearbox, but doesn't have the character of the original. I miss my Moss box and when I get my next XK it will have an original gearbox. The MT75 might be better by every subjective measurement, but then by all logical ways of looking at it my X150 is a better car than my XK150. But the XK150 still puts an even bigger smile on my face.
a8hex said:
lowdrag said:
a8hex said:
Gearboxes would be a difficult thing on a rep D-Type/XKSS as these didn't run standard Moss boxes. C&G might make you a replica engine but does anyone make the right gearbox?
Jaguar didn't fit a full synchromesh box to mainstream production car for another 5 or so years.
Jaguar box came out with the E-type in 1964, IIRC. I have seen modified Jaguar boxes used with the Plessy pump on replica D-types, but my C-type took a standard 1952 Moss box. Since no one wants a Moss box these days (they don't understand no synchromesh and double declutching) I know where there are loads rusting away. The cars they came out of all have Toyota, Getrag or whatever 5-speed boxes now.Jaguar didn't fit a full synchromesh box to mainstream production car for another 5 or so years.
Yes, sadly people are moving away from the Moss box. My XK150 is currently fitted with the Guy Broad 5 speed box which is basically Ford MT75 internals and is a great gearbox, but doesn't have the character of the original. I miss my Moss box and when I get my next XK it will have an original gearbox. The MT75 might be better by every subjective measurement, but then by all logical ways of looking at it my X150 is a better car than my XK150. But the XK150 still puts an even bigger smile on my face.
XJ13 said:
a8hex said:
lowdrag said:
a8hex said:
Gearboxes would be a difficult thing on a rep D-Type/XKSS as these didn't run standard Moss boxes. C&G might make you a replica engine but does anyone make the right gearbox?
Jaguar didn't fit a full synchromesh box to mainstream production car for another 5 or so years.
Jaguar box came out with the E-type in 1964, IIRC. I have seen modified Jaguar boxes used with the Plessy pump on replica D-types, but my C-type took a standard 1952 Moss box. Since no one wants a Moss box these days (they don't understand no synchromesh and double declutching) I know where there are loads rusting away. The cars they came out of all have Toyota, Getrag or whatever 5-speed boxes now.Jaguar didn't fit a full synchromesh box to mainstream production car for another 5 or so years.
Yes, sadly people are moving away from the Moss box. My XK150 is currently fitted with the Guy Broad 5 speed box which is basically Ford MT75 internals and is a great gearbox, but doesn't have the character of the original. I miss my Moss box and when I get my next XK it will have an original gearbox. The MT75 might be better by every subjective measurement, but then by all logical ways of looking at it my X150 is a better car than my XK150. But the XK150 still puts an even bigger smile on my face.
Err apparently you need it coming out of sharp turn at the end of the Mulsanne Straight if the car is geared to give a good top speed on the straight itself. Which is why the D got synchro on first.
Bugger, I'd forgotten the lovely straight-cut whine in first.
The synchro on 2nd isn't that good and even 2nd to 3rd doesn't like to be rushed.
But when you snick back into second before easing into first its such a wonderfully mechanic feeling.
You have to remember the axle ratios too Ken. Back in the day Mulsanne bend was far more difficult than today, and IIRC the axle ratio of a D-type was 2.93, nothing like the short circuit ratio of 3.4 or the E-type ratios of 3.31 (early cars) then 3.09 and the "American" ratio later used in the V12 of 2.88. Like I said to you, it would have been far cheaper and long-term far more satisfying to have changed your rear axle ratio than the Moss box. I've over the years changed the XKSS from the 3.54 to 3.31 but regret not putting a 3.07 in really. But the E-type has it's original Moss box, soldiering on after a rebuild some 14 years back when the spigot shaft broke in the Alps, and still has the 3.31 which give about 70 mph at 3,000 rpm. Personally I love the character of the Moss box and wouldn't change it for the world, but the Lynx came with a Jaguar box from the start.
lowdrag said:
You have to remember the axle ratios too Ken. Back in the day Mulsanne bend was far more difficult than today, and IIRC the axle ratio of a D-type was 2.93, nothing like the short circuit ratio of 3.4 or the E-type ratios of 3.31 (early cars) then 3.09 and the "American" ratio later used in the V12 of 2.88. Like I said to you, it would have been far cheaper and long-term far more satisfying to have changed your rear axle ratio than the Moss box. I've over the years changed the XKSS from the 3.54 to 3.31 but regret not putting a 3.07 in really. But the E-type has it's original Moss box, soldiering on after a rebuild some 14 years back when the spigot shaft broke in the Alps, and still has the 3.31 which give about 70 mph at 3,000 rpm. Personally I love the character of the Moss box and wouldn't change it for the world, but the Lynx came with a Jaguar box from the start.
As I said, above, given the ratios need for the straight, and only 4 gears to play with, they needed first coming out of the sharp corner. I guess on other circuits they probably didn't need synchro on first. But the D-Type was first and foremost about winning at Le Mans. Axle ratios.
Yes I kicked myself when you suggested it.
You're right, rather then fitting the 5 speeder I should have had a long legged rear diff ratio fitted instead and gone back to my original CR Moss box, which was a peach. Much nicer that the OD one I had installed when the engine was changed. I had even had a discussion about diffs, although not about changing the ratios. The real 150S have a limited slip diff. A Powr-Loc one. Chris Window had suggested that Quaife do one of their modern ones that fits.
Even with new box LadyB8 isn't ever go to drive the car, so fitting the easy to use box didn't buy me anything there either.
Hindsight is a wonderful thing.
Next time you give me such good advise please could I ask for it before I spend all the money on the wrong solution.
One the other hand, other people (except CKL, who found the Moss box much easier
) who've driven the car have found the new box much easier.Gassing Station | Classic Cars and Yesterday's Heroes | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff