More than 60 years after the original 75 models were built, Jaguar Classic is building a further 25 D-Type race cars to complete the 100 models the British brand had originally planned for production.
Famous for winning the Le Mans 24-hour race between 1955 and 1957, the D-Type is considered one of the most iconic race cars of all time and all of these new models will be built to the exact specification of the original set.
The first of these models will be shown at the Salon Retromobile in Paris today, with the remaining 24 customers able to choose between having a 1955-spec shortnose or a 1956-spec longnose body type.
The 1956 version is iconic thanks to its extended tailfin behind the driver’s seat, which aided stability while cornering at high speeds.
Powered by a 3.4-litre straight six-cylinder, the D-Type was capable of a top speed of 167mph and could go from 0-60mph in 4.7 seconds.
Due to the popularity of the race version, Jaguar made road-going models called the XKSS, which came with the same specifications – minus the large wing.
Tim Hannig, Jaguar Land Rover Classic director, 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 Land Rover Classic are proud to fulfil.”
