1955 Jaguar D-Type

Not all cars are created equal, that’s something which goes without saying but this, frankly spectacular, 1955 Jaguar D-Type that is going under the hammer with RM Sotheby’s is breathing the most rarified of air such is its uniqueness and visual impact. It is in the luxury auctioneer’s Arizona event at the end of January and, as you might expect of a vehicle of this considerable clout, there is already a lot of interest surrounding the lot.

The 1955 Jaguar D-Type from RM Sotheby’s is a well-documented example with substantial period competition history and it also keeps many original components and features from the day it rolled off the production line which includes the bodywork and matching-numbers engine and cylinder head. If you’re after one of the most extraordinary looking vehicles ever produced for your luxury car line up, look no further.

Mind Blowing Visual Impact

Everything about this lot from RM Sotheby’s is spot on and it is offered in its rare, distinctive, and factory-correct Red with Red interior – something which merely serves to add to its appeal still further. The 1955 Jaguar D-Type was originally purchased new from Bernie Ecclestone by British racer Peter Blond so has a motoring backstory which is sure to resonate with the sort of luxury car enthusiasts who can afford the likely lofty price tag.

This sensational looking 1955 Jaguar D-Type from RM Sotheby’s has had a number of notable former owners which includes racer Jean Bloxham and Led Zeppelin manager Peter Grant so you’ll be in good company if you’re the lucky one adding this to your line up of classic cars in 2021. The Jaguar D-Type was a drastic leap into the future of performance. With its round haunches and small, oval grille, the D-Type represented a friendly face to the world; behind it, however, lurked a fierce competition car packed with advanced technology.

Unlike its rather standard predecessor, the D-Type Jaguar made use of a strikingly contemporary chassis configuration which revolved around a robust, lightweight monocoque body tub that enveloped the cockpit. An XK-type dual-overhead camshaft inline-six engine was cradled in a subframe assembly and attached to the front of this monocoque. The vehicle’s solid rear axle and rear suspension assembly were correspondingly fitted to the rear bulkhead. While materials and technology have evolved extensively in the following decades, this basic design concept is used on race cars and exotics to this day.

Amazing Automotive History & Aesthetic

This beautiful vehicle was painted British Racing Green at some point in its past but it has since been returned to its factory Red. Inside the remarkably low-slung cockpit, the correct red interior upholstery found on the lap belt-equipped seats carries on to the transmission tunnel. The car’s two seats are a separated by a divider, a design feature which was eliminated on the XKSS road cars; a purposeful wood-rimmed steering wheel – all D-Types were right-hand drive – sits in front of a suite of Smiths gauges.

Beneath the car’s aerodynamically sculpted bonnet, and appropriately secured by leather straps, you’ll find the numbers-matching 3.4-litre dry-sump XK engine. This engine is fed by triple Weber carburettors, breathing through passenger-side-mounted exhaust, and mated to four-speed transmission. Together, this combination was rated at 245 horsepower when new which is most impressive indeed. Meanwhile, at the very tail of the car, a full-size spare wheel is hidden away in small boot; the fuel filler cap is also concealed from sight in a compartment behind the driver’s headrest at the base of the tail fin. After a one in a million luxury car purchase? You’ve just found it courtesy of RM Sotheby’s.