Compared to a regular short-nodse D-type, the XK SS was modified to incorporate a full array of road equipment

At the front, Jaguar fitted quarter bumpers, indicators and glass headlight covers.

Further back, a full height wraparound windscreen was installed along with detachable arced side screens that gave substantially improved airflow protection. The D-type’s distinctive longitudinal cockpit divider was ditched to free up space. Practicality was further enhanced by the addition of a passenger-side door.

Despite the limited production run anticipated, Jaguar also went to the trouble of engineering a proper mohair canvas roof that came supplied with matching cover for when the top was lowered.

Instead of a rear stabilising fin / faired-in head rest, the XK SS came with a luggage rack mounted on the rear deck. This also meant the fuel filler cap (which was normally concealed within said fin) was left exposed on the trimmed rear deck section behind the driver’s seat (and meant fuel could only be added when the roof was lowered).

Further back, tail lights from the XK140 were incorporated to the rear fenders and the opening spare wheel hatch was given an elegant handle and rear licence plate light.

The new full width wraparound bumper was discretely split to enable the original spare wheel hatch to retain its functionality.

Much of this new equipment to include the light bezels, window frames, windscreen wipers, bumpers, luggage rack and trunk lid handle was chrome plated as was the Jaguar XK SS script added to the nose.

Interior