1966 Jaguar D-Type Replica - 21 June at Wilton House For Sale by Auction

Coming to auction at Wilton House for the Concours Des Legendes, 19-21 June, full catalogue now online, search Dore & Rees Motoring for further info.

1966 Jaguar D-Type Replica      

Registration Number: 24 NBF 
Chassis Number: P1B5861DN
Recorded Mileage: TBA

- In current ownership for some 26 years
- Expertly rebuilt mostly in aluminium
- Early LR Roadsters (later known as Realm) example
- Faithful recreation of the 1957 Ecurie Ecosse Le Mans-winning car

The Jaguar D-Type was one of the most beautiful and charismatic sports-racing cars ever made – not to mention one of the most successful. First appearing in 1954, the D-Type featured bodywork of a highly aerodynamic nature, complete with tail-mounted fin for top speed stability, penned by ex-aircraft designer Malcolm Sayer. The centre section of the car was of monocoque construction, similar to that of an aircraft fuselage, whilst power came from the now legendary twin-cam, dry-sump, producing some 250bhp at a relatively unstressed 5, 570rpm. Top speed was in excess of 170mph, whilst 60mph from standstill could be achieved in a breathtaking 4. 7 seconds. Not surprisingly the D-Type dominated the international racing scene from the outset, winning the Le Mans 24-hour race in 1955, 1956 and 1957. By the time of its demise, just over 70 examples had been built.

Realm Engineering built up a fine reputation over almost four decades for its RAM recreations. In particular their Jaguar D-types with chassis design input by Reynard Racing are known for their greater strength and ultimately better road-holding than its 1950s forebear. After a three-hour stint behind the wheel of a Realm D-Type Sir Jack Brabham commented: "That's a damn sight better than the original!" Richard Noble is known to have had one of his own, and Sir Stirling Moss OBE said: "You guys have done an excellent job here, you should be proud." Jaguar Quarterly magazine described the car as 'impressive' with handling 'beyond question' and 'a whole bucketload of fun'.

This stunning example has been in current ownership for some 26 years, being acquired by our vendor as a nicely built Realm (nee LR Roadsters) replica. The D-Type had been assembled by a prominent member of the Jaguar Drivers Club, who then sold the completed car to the owner of a small collection of classic Jaguars. This D-Type has no doubt been put together with all the correct components, the basis being a 3. 8 Jaguar ‘straight port’ engine fed through triple Weber 45 DCOE carburettors with electronic ignition. The twin cam Jaguar unit drives through a four speed/ overdrive gearbox and a Jaguar S-Type rear end with a 3. 07:1 ratio Power-Lok differential.

Following a chance meeting between our vendor and Jaguar guru Aubrey Finburgh from Classic Autos of Kings Langley, the D-Type was stripped and comprehensively rebuilt, with all opening panels fabricated in aluminium. The newly fitted alloy panels include the complete bonnet, tail fin, petrol cap and boot, with interior side sections and engine bay being crafted by our vendor himself. The rear section of the car remains in fibreglass, the idea being that when a door, petrol cap, boot lid or bonnet was opened it all revealed just riveted aluminium.

In current ownership the engine was stripped, the crank reground, cylinder heads overhauled, and then carefully rebuilt. The differential was also rebuilt in the last c. 500 miles. Further work includes the fitting of replacement brake calipers, discs and pads, and a new Facet Red Top fuel pump. A floor mounted Wilwood brake and accelerator arrangement is a vast improvement over the original, with now adjustable braking from front to rear. The MGB steering rack was also modified to improve feel.

10 or so years ago the D-Type’s coachwork was expensively refinished, and it must be said still looks fantastic with painted white roundels and period drivers names on the door. Around the same time the interior was recreated to give a more authentic feel, with period-style instruments and mechanical full range gauges for oil temperature and pressure. The look is completed with a D-Type gear-lever and bespoke steering wheel by MotoLita.

Part of a small classic car collection, after 26 years our vendor feels the time is right to let someone else enjoy the D-Type so he can focus on other projects. With stunning performance and driveability, the Jaguar has been to Le Mans and back, as well as many 250 mile cross country dashes across in the UK. This very well considered D-Type is both stunning in detail and excellent in condition, a beautiful creation which comes highly recommended.