Coys Auction - The Festival Auction
Brands Hatch Motor Racing Circuit
Fawkham, Longfield
Kent, DA3 8NG
Saturay 23rd May 2009
Registration Number: XLD 58 Chassis Number: GA47245DL
The Jaguar D-Type was one of the most beautiful and charismatic sports-racing cars ever made, not to mention one of the most successful. First appearing in 1954, the D-Type featured bodywork of a highly aerodynamic nature, complete with tail-mounted fin for top speed stability, penned by ex-aircraft designer Malcolm Sayer. The centre section of the car was of monocoque construction, similar to that of an aircraft fuselage, whilst power came from the now legendary twin-cam, dry-sump, 3,442cc six (later 3,781cc), which produced some 250bhp at a relatively unstressed 5,570rpm. Top speed was in excess of 170mph, whilst 60mph from standstill could be achieved in a breathtaking 4.7 seconds. Not surprisingly the D-Type dominated the international racing scene from the outset until its demise, by which tim