AUTOart # 73510 JAGUAR XK SS 1956, Blue
CLASSICS Collection.
DISCONTINUED.
Die-cast, 1/18 scale
Actual size L: 8.7” (22.2cm) W: 3.7” (9.4cm) H: 2.3” (5.8cm)
Retails for $72.00
LAST ONE IN MY INVENTORY
ABOUT model
DISPLAYS GREAT it is simply irresistible! As all AUTOart models this one is well-detailed accurate model that featuring: steering front-wheel, opened doors, detailed interior, engine compartment, and more. Unbelievably highly detailed models from any aspect, exterior, interior and even underbody, including accurately detailed chassis parts and turn able front wheels. Packed in an attractive window box, model secured with two screws on a plastic display base.
A great model of a great car indeed.
ABOUT A CARBy 1957 Jaguar had build sixty-eight D-Type racing cars as part of its international sports car racing program. Following withdrawal from racing, twenty-five completed D-Types were left unsold. To make use of these cars, Jaguar Cars Ltd converted them into road-going sports cars – Jaguar XK SS. This is according to the information printed in AUTOart Book/Catalog about Steven McQueen car. However in other publication we can find that the total of 71 D Type were made (including 18 team race cars) and the total of only 16 XKSS were made. Furthermore, all XKSS were made in 1957 and it was the only year of production for this model. But, in AUTOart catalog it says 1956. It is a truth that XKSS was a street version of D – Type with 2 opening doors, instead of one, minimal bumpers, and a rudimentary folding top, plus of cause full windshield. Other also says “A disastrous fire at the Jaguar plant cut short production, which was never resumed afterward”. So, is it a conversion from an already build racing version or specially build street version? There were 25 or 16? Was it in 1956 or 1957? My suggestion is make your own research, but what ever it was the car is great. Its aerodynamic shape predicted the styling of the production of E – Type, which was known in US as XKE.
Car is 154” Long; 90.6” wheelbase; 2,015 lb weight (85lb heavier than D – Type). Price new was $5,600 compare to $9,900 for D-Type (in US). They say that XKSS probably worth a seven digits figures.
A MUST FOR A JAGUAR ENTHUSIAST!
The D-Type succeeded the C-Type as Jaguar’s “factory racer”. It has race-tuned XK engine (3442 cc / dohc L 6 (210 cid); 250 bhp) hooked to an all-synchromesh gearbox. A separate monocoque center and tail section was based on a complex multi-toolbar front frame. Top speed was over 150 mph.
This car is very significant to Jaguar racing history.
ABOUT THE MODEL MAKER
Gateway Global is licensed by most of the car manufacturers in the world to manufacture perfect miniature replicas of their vehicles in die-cast zinc alloy; the highest quality models manufactured by the company distributed under AUTOart brand name.
AUTOart models available in 1/12; 1/18; 1/43 and 1/64 scales. 1/18 scale line was presented in 8 collections: Millennium; Performance; Classics; Movie; Of Road; Contemporary; Motor Sport and Racing. Models retail at between $60 and $90.
Recently, AUTOart decided to concentrate on the Millennium Series, which is featured the most detailed models from this brand. It appears that all other series age going to be phase out. Many models from those series are already discontinued and sold out. Many become rare, difficult to find models, which started appreciated.
The brand has often been praised by hobby magazines as being responsible for producing some of the best quality models cars to 1:18 scale at their respective price points.
The company has sufficient tooling capacity for running production from 600 sets of moulds and able to launch significant numbers on new models each year.
Products developed for the mass market and sold through chain stores and hypermarkets at more competitive prices are marketed under the GATE brand name.
