In February of 2018, Jaguar announced that it will restart production of the D-type racing car for the first time in more than six decades, as part of Jaguar Classic’s Continuation program. To commemorate Jaguar’s golden era at Le Mans, Jaguar is bringing back the its most successful vehicle at Le Mans after 62 years with the Jaguar D-Type Classic Continuation.
The gorgeous lines that graced the D-Type back in 1954 still looks achingly gorgeous, where the D-Type’s revolutionary design drew upon aviation technology, reimagining driver’s seat as cockpit and employing a distinctly aeronautical monocoque structural system.
The engineering prototype for 2018’s Jaguar D-Type Classic Continuation is the 1956 Longnose specification – a distinctive model of the D-Type that is easily identifiable by its wide-angle cylinder head, extended bonnet, and the characteristic tail fin that rests just behind the driver’s head. Customers can also choose a Jaguar D-Type Classic Continuation based on Jaguar’s 1955-specification Shortnose model. With only 25 examples planned for this very special vehicle, expect to pay a handsome fee as original examples have gone for as much as $19.8 million at auction.
No matter which model you choose, every aspect of the 2018 D-Type rerelease will be custom-built according to authentic, original specifications. Capitalizing on their extensive research and their immediate access to Jaguar engineering drawings and records, Jaguar engineers have been able to recreate the D-Type in congruence with the unique vision of legendary Jaguar competitions manager Lofty England.