Jaguar Engages in Yet Another 'Once-in-a-lifetime Project' With D-Type Roadster Revival

by Matt Posky

Published: February 7th, 2018

jaguar engages in yet another once in a lifetime project with d type roadster

Jaguar has announced the D-Type is re-entering production this week, part of a “once-in-a-lifetime project” designed to get 25 examples of the iconic racer back on the streets. While it’s always exciting to see a venerable model resurface after a six-decade absence, this is nothing new for Jaguar. The company did a limited continuation of the E-Type coupe in 2015, the XKSS in 2016, and a singular electric-powered E-Type prototype in 2017.

That means the “new” D-Type is just another entry in Jaguar Classic’s ultra-premium heritage collection. However, this does not mean the continuation cars aren’t any less cool than a penguin perched atop a glacier adjusting his brand-name sunglasses.

Jaguar assembled the last D-Type in 1956, and the company claims it’s only fulfilling a half-century-old promise to build 100 examples. While the finned roadster represented the absolute pinnacle of automotive development at the time, it lacked the mass appeal of literally any vehicle that wasn’t purpose-built to dominate at Le Mans.

Jaguar says the 25 new examples only serve to complete its 1955 production run, which stopped at 75 units.

“The Jaguar D-type is one of the most iconic and beautiful competition cars of all time, with an outstanding record in the world’s toughest motor races. And it’s just as spectacular today,” said director of Jaguar Land Rover Classics Tim Hannig. “The opportunity to continue the D-type’s success story, by completing its planned production run in Coventry, is one of those once-in-a-lifetime projects that our world-class experts at Jaguar Land Rover Classic are proud to fulfill.”

According to the automaker, every single aspect of the new D-Type will follow original specifications. That includes the usage of the XK6 engines that helped the model win the Le Mans 24-hour race in 1955, 1956 and 1957. How much the owners of these cars will actually get to enjoy the sweet-singing six-cylinder is debatable, though. Since most of Jag’s continuation cars cost in excess of $1 million, most buyers will probably keep them in a garage, under a blanket.

Still, that’s a comparative bargain when you consider original D-Types can cost 20 times that. Sotheby’s currently has a 1954 Jaguar D-Type Works listed for $15 million and previously auctioned a 1955 model for nearly $22 million in 2016.

Buyers have the option to choose either the 1955-specification Shortnose or 1956-spec Longnose D-Type bodywork — in case they’re interested in high-speed stability and that iconic fin. Obviously, Jaguar’s first prototype is the more-flamboyant Longnose model. The automaker said the vehicle will make an appearance at the Salon Retromobile in Paris this week. Deliveries begin later this year.

[Images: Jaguar Land Rover]

#ClassicCars #ContinuationCars #D-Type #D-TypeLongnose #D-TypeShortnose #HeritageCars #History #Jaguar #JaguarClassic #Racing #Roadster #Reproduction #XK6Engine

Matt Posky

A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.

More by Matt Posky

Comments

Join the conversation

2 of 10 comments

Advance_92 on Feb 07, 2018

When's Ford going to start offering a ZX2 continuation?

Like Reply
THX1136 on Feb 08, 2018

Still love the look of this car - especially that side shot! Thanks for doing up the article, Matt.

Like Reply

Recent Comments

MRF 95 T-Bird Whenever I travel and I’m in my rental car I first peruse the FM radio to look for interesting programming. It used to be before the past few decades of media consolidation that if you traveled to an area the local radio stations had a distinct sound and flavor. Now it’s the homogenized stuff from the corporate behemoths. Classic rock, modern “bro dude” country, pop hits of today, oldies etc. Much of it tolerable but pedestrian. The college radio stations and NPR affiliates are comfortable standbys. But what struck me recently is how much more religious programming there was on the FM stations, stuff that used to be relegated to the AM band. You have the fire and brimstone preachers, obviously with a far right political bend. Others geared towards the Latin community. Then there is the happy talk “family radio” “Jesus loves you” as well as the ones featuring the insipid contemporary Christian music. Artists such as Michael W. Smith who is one of the most influential artists in the genre. I find myself yelling at the dashboard “Where’s the freakin Staple singers? The Edwin Hawkins singers? Gospel Aretha? Gospel Elvis? Early Sam Cooke? Jesus era Dylan?” When I’m in my own vehicle I stick with the local college radio station that plays a diverse mix of music from Americana to rock and folk. I’ll also listen to Sirius/XM: Deep tracks, Little Steven’s underground as well as Willie’s Roadhouse and Outlaw country.
The Comedian I owned an assembled-in-Brazil ‘03 Golf GTI from new until ‘09 (traded in on a C30 R-Design).First few years were relatively trouble free, but the last few years are what drove me to buy a scan tool (back when they were expensive) and carry tools and spare parts at all times.Constant electrical problems (sensors & coil packs), ugly shedding “soft” plastic trim, glovebox door fell off, fuel filters oddly lasted only about a year at a time, one-then-the-other window detached from the lift mechanism and crashed inside the door, and the final reason I traded it was the transmission went south.20 years on? This thing should only be owned by someone with good shoes, lots of tools, a lift and a masochistic streak.
Terry I like the bigger size and hefty weight of the CX90 and I almost never use even the backseat. The average family is less than 4 people.The vehicle crash safety couldn't be better. The only complaints are the clumsy clutch transmission and the turbocharger.
MaintenanceCosts Plug in iPhone with 200 GB of music, choose the desired genre playlist, and hit shuffle.
MaintenanceCosts Golf with a good body and a dying engine. Somewhere out there there is a dubber who desperately wants to swap a junkyard VR6 into this and STANCE BRO it.