VIN: Steve McQueen's Jaguar XKSS chassis 713
Jaguar - Jaguar XKSS - Jaguar VINs - XKSS VINs - James Peterson - Bill Leyden - Steve McQueen - William Harrah - Actors
History of chassis 713
When Jaguar pulled out of racing at the end of 1956, they were left with an excess of D-type chassis. Company founder, William Lyons, decided that, with a few light modifications, the now surplus-to-requirement D-types could be sold as the ultimate road cars of their day.
Dubbed the XKSS, 16 were sold, but none became more famous then chassis 713.
Originally finished in Cream with a Red interior, XKSS 713 was constructed on D-type chassis XKD 569. Dispatched to the USA on April 19th 1957, it was delivered to Jaguar Cars North America and sold to James Peterson of Altadena, California.
Peterson was a building contractor who was involved in the construction of Riverside Raceway which opened later that year. Driving 713 in August 1957, he reputedly posted fastest time of the day at one of the San Fernando Drag Strip meets.
Peterson did not keep the car for long. In early 1958, he sold 713 to Bill Leyden of Beverly Hills who, at the time, was host of the game show It Could Be You. Leyden frequently kept 713 in a parking lot on Sunset Boulevard where it was spotted by upcoming actor, Steve McQueen.
Later in 1958, McQueen managed to purchase 713 for $5000. However, he preferred darker colours for his cars and soon had famed customiser, Tony Nancy, redo the Jaguar in British Racing Green with a Black interior and polished wheels. Kenny ‘Von Dutch’ Howard also fitted a cover to the glovebox to keep McQueen’s sunglasses safe.
McQueen nicknamed 713 The Green Rat and reputedly picked up so many speeding tickets he feared for his licence.
During the 1960s, McQueen became the highest paid actor in Hollywood. He had 713 repainted again (this time in red) before reverting back to his favoured shade of green.
After eleven years of ownership, McQueen sold the Jaguar to gambling tycoon, William Harrah.
The XKSS was to be displayed as part of the William Harrah Automobile Collection in Reno, Nevada, with the understanding it was not be sold or driven.
However, McQueen sorely missed the car and first tried to repurchase it in 1976.
He was eventually successful and, in early 1978, took ownership of 713 for the second time.
After a mechanical refresh, McQueen drove 713 until 1980, when he died from lung cancer at the age of just 50.
713 remained part of the McQueen estate until its liquidation in 1984.
The Jaguar was sold for $148,000 to Richard Freshman, McQueen’s friend and neighbour. Freshman sent 713 to Lynx in England, where it was given a sympathetic restoration. He retained it until 1999, when it was sold to current custodians, Robert and Margie Petersen, for their Petersen Automotive Museum on Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles.
Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: unattributed
