Jaguar resurrects the iconic D-type

Jaguar is bringing back the iconic D-type race car of the 1950s for a limited run.

Just 25 examples of the car, which was last produced in 1956, will be built by Jaguar Classic, adding to the 75 produced in the car's initial production run to make up the 100 examples originally intended.

Thanks to painstaking research and access to original engineering drawings and records, each handbuilt example will be a perfect recreation of the original car, built exactly to original specifications, including its six-cylinder XK engine. Buyers will also have the choice to opt for either 1955-specification Shortnose or 1956-spec Longnose bodywork.

'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 Tim Hannig, director of Jaguar Land Rover Classic. '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 fulfil.'

The D-type isn't the first continuation model brought back to life by Jaguar – it previously completed the six missing Lightweight E-types in 2014, and it currently working on nine XKSSs, while sister brand Land Rover is has released an updated set of original Defenders before the latest model is introduced.

'Recreating the nine D-type-derived XKSSs was hugely satisfying and an even bigger technical challenge than the six missing Lightweight E-types, but lessons learned from the XKSS project have given us a head start on the final 25 D-types,' said Kev Riches, Jaguar Classic engineering manager. 'Each one will be absolutely correct, down to the very last detail, just as Jaguar’s competitions department intended.'