jaguar restarts production of classic D-type race car

jaguar is re-starting production of the iconic ‘D-type’ race car, 62 years after the last example was built in 1956. the first jaguar D-type to be assembled by jaguar classic, an engineering prototype, makes its world debut at the salon retromobile show in paris.

all images © jaguar

just 25 new examples of the ‘D-type’ will be meticulously hand-built at jaguar land rover classic works in warwickshire, england. in 1955 jaguar planned to build 100 ‘D-types’. with only 75 completed, the british-automaker is now fulfilling its original ambition by creating 25  brand new, period-correct sports cars. the ‘D-type’, which won the le mans 24 hours race three times between 1955 and 1957, was powered by a six-cylinder ‘XK’ engine. every aspect of the sports cars built for clients from 2018 will be created to authentic, original specification.

jaguar classic’s research, with access to original engineering drawings and records, ensures each new ‘D-type’ will be built to the authentic specifications laid down by competitions manager lofty england and his engineers in the 1950s. clients can choose between either 1955-specification shortnose, or 1956-spec longnose bodywork. the engineering prototype is the 1956 longnose, identifiable by its extended bonnet, characteristic tail fin behind the driver’s head, wide-angle cylinder head and quick-change brake calipers.

‘the jaguar D-type is one of the most iconic and beautiful competition cars of all time, with an outstanding record in the world’s toughest motor races. and it’s just as spectacular today. the opportunity to continue its success story, by completing its planned production run in coventry, is one of those once-in-a-lifetime projects that our world-class experts at jaguar land rover classic are proud to fulfil’, comments tim hannig, jaguar land rover classic director.