One danger associated with producing a tribute vehicle is that the finished product will often be a pale imitation of the classic upon which it was based. However, some break new ground by offering a level of fit and finish that would make the original’s creators proud. Such is the case with this 1956 Jaguar D-Type Replica. A specialist in the field produced it, and its presentation is almost flawless. Its most pressing need is a new home, with the seller listing it here on Craigslist in San Luis Obispo, California. They set their price at $129,000, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this fantastic tribute.
Jaguar developed the D-Type as its Le Mans weapon, tasting success in 1955, 1956, and 1957. It also won numerous other endurance races, but changing regulations made it less competitive as the decade ended. However, it was a far from fruitless endeavor because many design features from the D-Type were integrated into the iconic E-Type road cars. This car isn’t a genuine article, and one look at the seller’s price confirms that. It is the product of Realm Engineering, of Worcestershire, in the United Kingdom. The company is a specialist in their field, producing stunning recreations of the D-Type, the Jaguar C-Type, and the Porsche 356. This car uses a recreation of the original frame and tub, with the body made from composite panels. The attention to detail is impressive, helping to capture the appearance of the original successfully. This D-Type has seen little use since the build ended. Therefore, the lack of imperfections in its panels and Dark Blue paint is unsurprising. The car shines beautifully, the trim is excellent, and the side exhaust helps capture the feel of a car that clocked over 172mph on the legendary Mulsanne Straight. The wheels are replicas of those worn on the race car, although these feature five-lug attachment with simulated knock-offs.
The original D-Type used the 3.4-liter version of the company’s “XK6” DOHC six-cylinder powerplant from 1954 until 1956, with the capacity enlarged to 3.8-liters in 1957. This car utilizes an engine from the same family, although it is the 4.2-liter version. Production cars sent the power to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. However, the five-speed Toyota unit in this car should not only be bulletproof, but the overdrive fifth gear will offer effortless open-road cruising. The specifications and power output are unclear, but this six will certainly sound glorious bellowing through the side exhaust. The engine bay is spotless, and this is understandable. The seller indicates this D-Type has clocked around 2,000 miles since the build ended, which is little more than break-in miles. It is in excellent health and is a turnkey proposition for its new owner.
The Jaguar’s race car heritage is immediately apparent when we examine its interior. Calling it spartan would be unfair, but minimalist would be more appropriate. It features Blue leather upholstery, matching carpet, and a brace of gauges in front of the driver. The driver grasps a replica Jaguar wheel, and racing harnesses hold both occupants in place. Those expecting air conditioning and power windows will be disappointed. Apart from the speedometer, the Realm approach guarantees if a creature comfort didn’t appear in the original, it didn’t find its way onto its creations. It may not be luxurious, but the condition is everything you expect from a low-mile classic. There is no wear, physical damage, or abuse. Everything is functional, and it all works as it should.
The seller’s price for this 1956 Jaguar D-Type Replica isn’t cheap but probably realistic. The attraction of a truly great tribute is that it offers a reasonable facsimile of the driving and ownership experience of the genuine article. However, it does so at a fraction of the price. That is undeniably the case here because an original D-Type in a similar condition will typically cost its buyer around $6,000,000. That is well beyond the reach of most mortals, but someone can slip behind the wheel of this gem for considerably less. It might not sell quickly, but I think it will find a new home. Do you agree?
Mind boggling quality construction. Beautiful.
Cool,but no cup holders.
Note that it’s the correct colour! Jaguar didn’t enter works cars; the cars that won were privately entered by Ecurie Ecosse, who had a garage in Merchistons Mews – a 10-minute bike ride from here.
I went to a historic race meeting at Ingliston that had Ninian Sanderson doing parade laps in his winning car; it was in the 80s, so was presumably a 30th anniversary.
There a some really nice replicas around – Lynx build them too – and they look great in the flesh. The gearbox (Supra, presumably?) is a good choice.
The ask is one zero less than a real one, at least, so if you’re after a D-type….!
Errant “s”. Merchiston Mews.
Could also have been a 25th anniversary. Still got the ticket somewhere.
Beautiful replica build of a historic Jag
Excellent craftsmanship. Many beautiful photos on the “CL” posting. However I would love to see photos during the construction, or at least a few photos from the underside. Kudos to the creator. I consider this to be more desirable than an original from an ownership and technical perspective. Seems a bit silly, but this is only the 6th comment on this masterpiece. Oh well, I am not to judge what peaks another’s interest.
A fiberglass replica. That’s a no sale for me.
But a fibreglass Corvette is o.k?
… an absurd remark!
I want to know how a Toyota gear box fits a Jaguar engine.
several very nice adapters out there for just such an occasion. Same adapter lets you put that same gearbox in an E Type or Mkll or….
This is a Realm build so it doesn’t mean it was a “kit”. They are/were known to build a significant portion of the cars that rolled out of the shop. Go on their site and you will find that the “heavy lifting” portions of the build are provided/included in the purchase price. While I can’t afford $129k, you should price a Lynx replica. Their aluminum bodied cars built in house are pushing $300k.
Yep, aluminium but still a replica. Great cars whether original or reps.
Easy. They use a separate bell housing or adapter plate. I just put a Tremec 5 speed in an E-type.
✔️✔️
Dellow conversions in Australia has a nice bell housing bolt-up conversion.
A replica should never be priced more than the cost to snap out another one and appreciation potential will always be near zero.
I agree fully with your sentiment, but so what? I sent a copy of the listing to a friend of mine and he replied that he needed to find his blood pressure medicine. Looking at pictures of this car reminds me of the first time I saw a Viper in the flesh – a fundamentally visceral response.
Isn’t it great that we live in a time where there are craftsmen who are able to create objects of such breathtaking beauty?
Some D-Type recreations are worth multiple times this one. Those are highly accurate recreations to the point of qualifying for vintage racing events, and that’s why owners will pay the price. In fact some D owners will own a recreation so they can race vintage events without risking their real D-type
The problem with this car is that with the incorrect engine, transmission, wheels, etc. it cannot qualify for most vintage events.. So virtually all you have is a show piece for your local cars and coffee, plus the ability to compete in concours under “Non authentic other”, and the ability to run on club days at the local track.
Looks wonderful, but what are you going to do with it? Sunday drives? Invest the same money into a real Jaguar that will appreciate, an XK, for example.
Take it out and thrash the nads off it, of course!
More power and better handling than an XK, although the 4.2 might be more torque and less power than the smaller engine.
A minor point, many owners of collectible cars are not seeking investments. Instead, they appreciate the driving experience. This Jag would be exciting to drive.
It’s exciting and fun to drive. Just watch a blast up and back down the coast with a buddy of mine .
About $50k over market for fiberglass + mix of parts D Type. Very pretty though…
Drive it to Goodwood, twice for the FoS and the revival, drive it to SPA for the classic 6 hours, drive it to Le Mans, twice for the real deal 24 hours and the classic, and a few trips out on Sundays………..
Sundays in California are great, but not so sure about waiting in line at the Portsmouth ferry while it rains and /or hails down on the open cockpit. I’ve definitely been thinking about shipping the D-Type back over for both Goodwood Revival and Le Mans Classic in 2024/25.
When I visited Realm Engineering to make enquiries about their XKSS, Adrian Cocking gave me a tour of their facilities. If I were in the market for a long nose D-Type, I would take a serious look at this pristine example. The Jaguar Owners Club UK members think very highy of Adrian, and having seening his work and meeting him – he is the right man for he jiob of honoring and engineering Jags.
I’m guessing that this one may be one of the last that Adrian built before selling off his molds to someone else. Seems JLR are trying hard to shut down any business or garage that will built a D-Type replica in UK or EU today.
Is that fin thing for fuel storage or ?
Aerodynamics – the original long nose D-Type was capable of 185mph.