Rare Jaguar D-Type to be Auctioned
Jaguar D-Type is a true motorsport legend. Produced between 1954 and 1957, it was created with one goal – to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans, which it managed to do three times in a row in 1955, 1956, and 1957. Only 71 units were ever produced, and one of the last – an extremely rare model that never raced – is now set to be sold for over $7 million.
The car with chassis number XKD 551 was sold to its first owner in October 1957, who converted it for road use. This involved adding a passenger door, a windshield, and removing the central divider. It was later resold multiple times, and in the 1960s, it ended up with Australian Formula 1 racer Paul Hawkins.
Restoration History
In the 1970s, the road modifications were removed, returning the car to its original appearance. The six-cylinder engine it left the factory with was removed for preservation and replaced with another. Since 1994, the D-Type has belonged to a single Swiss collector and has mostly been kept in storage. In 2005, the original engine was fully restored and recently reinstalled in the car.
The auction house Broad Arrow Auctions is responsible for the sale of this car. It is eligible to participate in prestigious historic races such as the Goodwood Revival, Mille Miglia Storica, Le Mans Classic, and Monaco Historic Grand Prix. It is expected to sell for between 5.25 and 6.25 million Swiss francs ($6.5–7.7 million).
The most valuable D-Type remains the Ecurie Ecosse team car that won Le Mans in 1956. It was sold for $21.78 million in 2016, and its value has likely increased since then.
This D-Type is not just a car; it is a piece of motorsport history. Its rarity, originality, and eligibility for prestigious events make it a true find for collectors. The value of such specimens only increases over the years, making them not only a luxury item but also a profitable investment asset.