Films: Jaguar XKSS: A Re-creation Built For Recreation
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Made To Drive | S11 E14

Jaguar XKSS: A Re-creation Built For Recreation

Here’s how to properly enjoy a $10 million car without paying the price.
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Paul
Paul
6 years ago

What an awesome video! Anyone who is doing their part to keep manual cars, and driving in general, alive in today’s world is awesome in my book! The fact that he has an amazing collection and actually drives his collection makes it even better.

I will keep my 981 Cayman with manual 6-speed and NA flat-6 motor for as long as I possibly can drive it.

Long live the sports car!

JB21
JB21
6 years ago

What a charming man. It was so much fun watching this one.

Kurt Uzbay
Kurt Uzbay
6 years ago

Excellent… love the energy, vibe, the matching Jag shirts, attitude, James, his son…. but I LOVE the car… and I have zero problem with the idea of a “reproduction”… one of my cars is a SPF ’66 GT40, for the exact same reasons James cited… rock on… Kurt

Dennis White
Dennis White
6 years ago
Reply to  Kurt Uzbay

I’ll take yours too!

Bret Dodson
Bret Dodson
6 years ago

I love that car and the fact that it’s getting enjoyed and shared with the world. Kudos to the owner for driving his cars and letting folks hear their voices and see them in motion. Nothing is sadder than seeing a cool old sports car hobbled in a garage.

Robert in LA
Robert in LA
6 years ago

Thanks for taking the time to do this video. The profit margins in this kind of work tend to be small. People do this work because they love it.

As it happens I was standing in front of Steve McQueen’s XKSS Jaguar today. The Petersen Museum in Los Angeles has it. And I believe that they start the engine from time to time, but the car has become too valuable to drive it in any circumstances that are not highly controlled. This one is close enough to be highly similar to the experience of the original, but not so close as to have a price in the stratosphere. Not *real*. Not fake. Just something done authentically in the spirit of the original.

drake
drake
6 years ago

I can feel the satisfaction you feel from driving your car.. The car may not be “Real” but the experience is. I drive a replica(Cobra) that is very real to me. And my grand kids all love it. To hear them giggle and scream when we go through the gears is priceless. I hope they will become enthusiasts. When they say” Do it again Grampy” really makes my day.

Andy Cantrell
Andy Cantrell
6 years ago

I loved this car, and James has such a contagious passion that it made me want to race out to the garage and go for a drive, then doing donuts in the dirt at the end, that was pure gold.

Johnathan Sanford
Johnathan Sanford
6 years ago

What I love about James is that he reminds me of Jay Leno’s deep appreciation and interest for all things classic—no matter the Make or Model, James is a motoring purist.

Tingram
Tingram
6 years ago

Wow gorgeous car. You drive it like you stole it! Love it!

Dennis White
Dennis White
6 years ago

Do I recognize that white Countach from another Petrolicious moment? I don’t care what you call it, I’ll take it! Great video, but James how did you get that old California yellow plate?

Dwight Watts
Dwight Watts
6 years ago

geezer:

I luv your videos; luv your choice of cars and I Luv your passion for the hobby.
I lived through the 50’s through the 80’s as both a racer and enthusiast and I still enjoy a noisy quick analog car as you do. I’m glad to see you engaged with your son in this venue. I love it!!!!

Jared
Jared
6 years ago

Man, I love the XKSS, and I love this one because it can be driven on gravel without the terror of trashing a (practically to me anyway) priceless design icon. I like this guy’s way of doing things.

Bohemianracer
Bohemianracer
6 years ago

What a beautiful car, what a lovely sound those Jags make. I certainly do appreciate what he says about younger kids losing interest on the beauty of sports cars.
I also taught my kids to drive with a manual transmission.

wing nut
wing nut
6 years ago

Mr. Chen, you spoke for so many of us through your words on this film. Thanks.

Matt
Matt
6 years ago

It’s the people. Always the people. Brought together for a shared loved

Lawrence Baxter
Lawrence Baxter
6 years ago

Well done James. Beautiful car!

Roger Allard
Roger Allard
6 years ago

Excellent video. A passionate guy. I love it. That is why I have reintroduced the Allard J2X as a modern roadster. It’s a driver, not a bookend in someones’ garage. Most of my customers own a number of valuable collector classics, but don’t drive them. My J2X is designed to drive (safely, comfortably, reliably and is very agile). My Commemorative Edition MkIII will be released soon, with a number of options for those who like to drive long distances, or do track, without the hassles of the originals. Lovely XKSS!

David Martinez
David Martinez
6 years ago

Good for him. Keep the younger generation intrested in this car world.

MARK JONES
MARK JONES
6 years ago

Passion!…and concern for the future. Well done!

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