Jaguar Classic will build 25 D-Type racing cars in original specification to complete a run that has remained unfinished since 1956.
When the final D-Type rolled out of Jaguar’s factory 62 years ago, it was chassis number 75 of 100. The ‘new’ run of cars will pick up where that car left off and be made using the same design drawings.
The D-Type, which won the Le Mans 24 Hours race three times between 1955 and 1957, was powered by a six-cylinder engine taken from the XK. It was produced in two forms, 1955-spec Shortnose and 1956-spec Longnose, both of which are offered now.
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Jaguar Land Rover’s Classic division boss, Tim Hannig, said: “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 Classic are proud to fulfil.”
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Replication.
I love the D-Type, but part of me feels that making a set of 'official' replicas diminishes the D-Type and Jaguar a little. Owners of real D-Types possess something rare and historically meaningful which will become less rare and less special.
I know that others make replicas, but they will never be Jaguars, and are not intended to be Jaguars. Jaguar should leave the replica market to others and concentrate on making fantastic modern cars.
XJ220
i wonder if they will go down the XJ220 rabbit hole as that they did not get close to there original production target
tomy90 wrote:
XJ220s wouldn't be economically viable, they would be far too expensive to try and replicate and the values of them aren't that high anyway. Plus with the advent of cars being bought for investment/speculation since the 80s, there's more likelyhood of running into legal challenges from existing owners. Seems a bit short-sighted to have done E-Types, XKSSes and now D-Types in such quick succession. Other than C-Type, what's left for the future?
X type
ha ha, as the new Xe leaves me cold, could they replicate me an x type with the walnut dash and ivory leather interior like I used to have. Only this time make sure the electrics work, the back windows don’t rust due to having metal under the rubber, give it modern headlights, new engine, in fact all new mechanicals.
Actually, screw the x type. Can they replicate me a 1998 xjr in black with walnut and ivory interior. I want the outside exactly original and the interior the same but with better radio and electronic instruments.
If they can squeeze the 5.0 out of the f type in that would be great. Plus make it about £35k and do a good dealer deposit contribution and 0% finance please.
Austin Allegro Continuation.
I can't wait until they announce the Austin Allegro Continuation! Finally my chance go buy one!
Ok, seriously, the Jaguar D-Type is a work of art. It's beautiful.