This 1955 Jaguar XKD 515 is chassis #15 of 42 cars built. Jaguar designed the D-Type to race the 24-hours of Le Mans, which it did in an unprecedented 3 years in a row in 1955, 1956 and 1957. This chassis has an unusual history having seen very little track time, which left the car in its original factory built condition throughout the years, a rarity among D-Types. The car was uncovered from bran storage in 1989 with only 14,000 miles and given a sympathetic restoration. The D-Type is powered by a 3.4L in line 6-cylinder engine developing 250 hp and is coupled to a 4 speed synchromesh transmission and is capable of a top speed of about 155 mph.
Design and Features
- Manufacturer: Jaguar Cars Ltd., a British luxury and sports car manufacturer.
- Production Years: The Jaguar D-Type was produced from 1954 to 1957.
- Body Style: Two-seater sports racing car, featuring a streamlined aerodynamic body for optimal speed.
- Designer: The D-Type's design was heavily influenced by the earlier C-Type, with aerodynamic principles refined for improved performance.
- Construction: The D-Type featured a monocoque chassis with an aluminum body, enhancing both strength and lightweight characteristics.
Performance
- Engine: Powered by Jaguar's famous inline-6 XK engine, initially a 3.4-liter variant, later increased to 3.8 liters.
- Power Output: Ranged from approximately 250 to 300+ horsepower, depending on the engine configuration and tuning.
- Transmission: Equipped with a 4-speed manual gearbox, designed for quick gear changes essential for racing.
- Top Speed: Capable of achieving speeds exceeding 170 mph (270 km/h), making it one of the fastest cars of its era.
- Suspension: Advanced for its time, featuring independent front suspension with torsion bars and a live rear axle with trailing arms and coil springs.
- Brakes: Disc brakes were introduced on the D-Type, offering superior braking performance compared to drum brakes.
Racing Success and Legacy
- Competition History: The Jaguar D-Type achieved notable success in endurance racing, including victories at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1955, 1956, and 1957.
- Influence: The D-Type's aerodynamic design and technological advancements influenced subsequent Jaguar sports cars and set new standards for racing car performance and design.
Rarity and Value
- Production Numbers: Approximately 71 Jaguar D-Types were produced in total, with various configurations and specifications.
- Collector's Value: The D-Type is highly prized among collectors and automotive enthusiasts, with original examples fetching multi-million-dollar prices at auctions.
Notable Features
- Aerodynamic Design: The D-Type's streamlined bodywork and innovative aerodynamics were instrumental in its racing success and have since become iconic in automotive history.
- Advanced Engineering: Jaguar's use of lightweight materials and advanced engineering techniques set the D-Type apart from its competitors, contributing to its dominance on the racetrack.
You may purchase a print of the 1955 Jaguar XKD 515 in our dElegance 2017 online gallery.
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