The Jaguar D-Type that won Le Mans in 1956, completing more than 2,500 miles at an average speed of 104.47 miles per hour, was sold by RM Sotheby’s in 2016 for an insane $21.78 million. These very successful racing cars were never numerous—there were 18 factory cars, 53 built for customers and 16 turned into civilian XKSS models—and are therefore unobtanium for mere mortals. But replicas of D-Types that probably drive close to the original are available, and here’s a short-nose project available here on Craigslist in Burlingame, California, with an asking price of $8,000 OBO. It shouldn’t be too difficult a project, though the owner is noticeably chintzy with details about what is included.
The D-Type was built between 1954 and 1957, using the XK engine of 3.8, 3.4 and 3.0 liters. In addition to Le Mans in 1956 and 1957 (the model’s most successful year), they also won the Rheims 12-hour race in 1954, and Sebring that same year. When it couldn’t sell all its D-Types for competition, Jaguar added some superficial civilizing touches and sold some as XKSS road cars, most famously to Steve McQueen. But nine XKSS burned up at the famous Brown’s Lane factory fire in ’57.
It’s not clear how complete this project is. There’s a frame, front and rear body sections, front and rear suspension, wheels, an XK motor of unknown provenance, a rear end, a transmission and “lots of XKE parts.” We’re told, “The kit includes parts books and diagrams,” but not which specific kit it is. If there’s any kind of interior, I’m not seeing it in the pictures. But the owner does encourage calls.
Classic Jaguar Replicas in England sells a D-Type kit, with an aluminum body. This is not one of those, because it would have a bigger price tag, even as a project, and the clone is of a long-nose example. I’m guessing this one is fiberglass. Here’s a kit with a fiberglass body for sale in Australia, so they do exist. I’m sure there are Barnfinds.com readers who can glean more about this project by carefully scrutinizing the photos. My impression is that this is not a project for the faint of heart, but it would be a lot of fun if finished. What do you think is the exact offer here?
I mind going to a race Meeting at Ingliston which featured a couple of parade laps by Ninian Sanderson in the winning Ecurie Ecosse D-type. Always liked them.
Clearly the builder was going for looks versus really recreating a d-type. XK engine shows only two carbs. Engine likely from a sedan or early xk roadster.
The nice thing about Jaguars is that there are plenty parts and that the original hardware is suitable for racing–the C jag used two H-8 SU’s Although the easily obtainable brace of three does look supa but is totally unnecessary
for an enthusiastically driven driver
If going to three then you will also have to plan on doing a head change as that engine has a B type head and tri-carbs use a straight port head. You can’t swap intakes from one to the other I’m afraid. It could be an interesting project just the same depending on the level of work that has been completed up to this point.
my XK-SS was last one made, restored and sold many yrs ago, have box full of worn brake pads and etc, they used 20 brake pads. my parts good for old times not NOS
Looks like the Craig list entry has been taken down ….