Over the years there have been many memorable Jaguar cars, but few have the kind of reputation the 1950s Jaguar D-Type boasts. With an innovative, aeronautical body, the D-Type revolutionised the automobile industry. Jaguar Classic, the specialist classic car restoration division, have announced they’re bringing the D-Type back in 2018.
Jaguar have announced the creation of 25 new D-Types in order to complete the original proposal of 100 models. Originally, the marque only produced 75 when Jaguar abruptly retired from racing in 1957. In its heyday, the D-Type was extremely successful, winning the 1955, 1956 and 1957 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Jaguar Classics have a track record for greatness, as they recreated nine £1 million Jaguar XKSS models that were originally lost in a Coventry factory fire in 1957. The new D-Types will feature six-cylinder XK engines and be created to “authentic, original specification.” Each model will be finished to the request of the customer.
The company is going the extra mile to design the new motors. Mechanics have access to original Jaguar engineering drawings and records so each D-Type is built properly. Customers will have the choice between the 1954 to 1955 Shortnose specification or the 1956 and beyond Longnose version.
Jaguar Classics engineering manager, Kev Riches, has commented on the process. “Recreating the nine D-Type-derived XKSSs was hugely satisfying, and an even bigger technical challenge than the six missing Lightweight E-types, but lessons learned from the XKSS project has given us a head start on the final 25 D-types. Each one will be absolutely correct, down to the very last detail, just as Jaguar’s Competitions Department intended.”
Tim Hannig, Director of Jaguar Land Rover Classic, is also excited about the project. “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 the D-Type’s 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.”
The first of the cars is set to be displayed at the Salon Retromobile classic car show in Paris, though it’s only an ‘engineering prototype.’ It’s based on the Longnose specification and recognised by the extended bonnet, large tail fin and quick-change brake calipers.
This is big news for Jaguar enthusiasts and will continue the legacy of the D-Type. What do you think of the recreation of this iconic car?