1957 Jaguar XKSS XKD 540 (RM Sotheby’s).
The rare 1957 Jaguar XKSS No. XKD 540 – one of only 16 XKSS versions Jaguar converted from their race-winning D-Type—offers collectors a chance to own a “race car for the road.”
Crafted originally as a “short-nose” D-Type in 1955, XKD 540 was modified in 1958 to meet XKSS specifications at the request of its first owner, British textile mogul and motorsport competitor Phil Scragg. This conversion transformed the car from a track-only powerhouse into a road-legal marvel, featuring updates like a wraparound windshield, passenger door, side screens, and a simple folding top, along with an engine upgrade to a more powerful 3.8-litre.
Its unique appeal is further enhanced by its XKD chassis designation—one of only two XKSS models to retain this original marker, a detail shared only with a sister car in Ralph Lauren’s esteemed collection. Finished in an elegant black with a matching black leather interior, XKD 540’s distinct character is accentuated by bare, riveted aluminium side panels, red-centered magnesium wheels, and a dashboard bearing the subtle marks of its storied past.
The two-seater car has undergone a sympathetic restoration in recent years while preserving its authentic patina, evident in the original dashboard with its slightly scuffed and scratched details—signs of a life well-lived on the road and track.
Over its lifetime, XKD 540 developed an impressive racing history, including stints in the UK and Australia with drivers like Laurie O’Neill and Colin Hyams.
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Maintained by expert restorers over the years, the XKD 540 preserves key original elements, blending authenticity with mechanical precision.
