Description
Arguably the most evocative British sports racer of the 1950s, the Jaguar D-Type boasts a Le Mans winning pedigree, sleek lines and supremely powerful XK six-cylinder engine.
In the years since its original 1954 introduction, many enthusiasts have tried their hand at re-creating the magic of the legendary Jaguar D-Type, especially in the UK where it was almost an industry in itself for many years.
Closer to home, New Zealand motor body builders Rod Tempero specialise in restoring and recreating desirable cars of the 1950s and ‘60s. Under the Tempero Motor Company brand, the business produces recreations of the Jaguar C-Type and D-Type (as here), as well as the infamous XJ13 racer that never was, and the XK180, plus the Aston Martin DBR2 also.
All are highly regarded as quality recreations of the originals.
For a generation of enthusiasts, nothing can touch a Jaguar D-Type for desirability.
Sadly, few of us can afford the multi-million dollar price tag of a storied original today, however replicas such as this 1984 example produced by the famed Tempero Motor Company of New Zealand, offer a more attainable alternative.
Constructed by Tempero around a semi-monocoque chassis with aluminium panels, this D-Type recreation had two long-term owners in New Zealand before being imported into Australia in 2020.
Traditionally finished in British Racing Green, its superb hand-finished alloy bodywork mirrors the style of the original penned so skillfully by renowned Jaguar aerodynamicist Malcolm Sayer, and is complete with the unique Le Mans style rear tail fin that became a signature of the model.
Sitting on the correct silver-finished Dunlop-style peg wheels with triple eared knock off hubs, the bare-bones racer interior is finished in grey aluminum sheeting with a matching leather seat. The instrumentation is Smiths in the original style.
Under the leather-latched bonnet is a 3. 8 litre Jaguar twin overhead cam engine with triple Weber carburettors, and extractor side-exit exhausts, which provides a healthy 265bhp, mated to a four-speed gearbox, with disc brakes all round.
Ensuring it is more than a museum piece, this 1984-built recreation is also equipped with the turn indicators and rear number plate light required for road use.
As close as most of us are likely to get to the real thing, this 1957 Jaguar D-Type Le Mans-spec recreation is one of barely a handful in Australia.
