CLASSIC JAGUAR C-TYPE AND D-TYPE

CLASSIC JAGUAR C-TYPE AND D-TYPE. During the mid-1950s, Jaguar (jaguar.com) was the dominant force on the tracks and on the streets, especially after it unleashed the D-Type – a car that captured the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1955, 1956 and 1957. The marque originally planned to build 100 of the now-treasured vehicles, but completed only 75 examples. Today, more than 60 years later, Jaguar Land Rover Classic Works in Warwickshire, England, has announced it will construct the remaining D-Types – with a serious and respectful adherence to historical accuracy.

The original D-Type was powered by a 3.4-litre (and later 3.8-litre) in-line six-cylinder engine from the Jaguar XK120 and wrapped in a tube chassis and gorgeous, wind-cheating aluminium bodywork designed by Malcolm Sayer. The notable vertical fin aft of the driver remains the model’s aerodynamic trademark. Resurrecting such a classic design is a daunting task, but it’s one that makes sense for Jaguar, given how highly valued the original cars are today. (A 1955 example sold at Sotheby’s in 2016 for more than $21 million.) The period-correct continuations will also allow owners to compete in historic racing without exposing priceless originals to the terrors of the track.

The first new D-Type assembled by Jaguar Classic is based on the 1956 Longnose specifications, with an extended bonnet, tail fin and wide-angle cylinder head; the 1955 Shortnose specification will also be offered. Both are currently available to order, with prices likely to be around US$1.4 million. 

Closer to home, veteran Sydney Jaguar and Rolls-Royce specialist Paradise Garage (paradisegarage.com.au) has undertaken a program of ‘legacy’ Jaguar models, commencing with the C-Type of 1951-’53 (below). Using a British-sourced steel spaceframe chassis and hand-crafted, all-aluminium body, and fitted with a 3.4-litre XK120 engine, the ‘legacy’ car features more modern Jaguar suspension, steering, gearbox and brakes – and the option of a passenger’s door – to provide more enjoyable motoring. At $285,000, it’s also more affordable than a survivor of the original 53 built, which today change hands for $10-$20 million. Paradise Garage intends to follow the C-Type with legacy versions of the D-Type and XK-SS. – ROBERT ROSS/MICHAEL STAHL

Sources: Robb Report Australia, July 2018

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