1955 Jaguar D-Type
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History
This D-Type was hand-built by Erol Tempero of New Zealand, creator of the Aston Martin DBR2 replica we recently sold (see the Aston on this website in the “Sold” section). The car is constructed just as the original, with a central monocoque and front subframe. Correct wooden bucks were created for hand-made alloy panels. The car is configured as a Right Hand Drive 1955 Jaguar D-Type. It is considered a short-nose, sprint version. It is registered as a 1967 Jaguar, Model D-Type.
The D-Type has approximately 275 bhp, from its DOHC inline six-cylinder Jaguar XK engine with three dual-choke Weber carburetors. It has a four-speed manual gearbox, four-wheel independent suspension, and four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes. It is finished in British Racing Green paint with a white roundel and racing number on the rear. It is equipped with Dunlop pegged alloy wheels with knock-offs.
The car’s construction detail, craftsmanship and originality are excellent. It is aluminum alloy bodied with a welded mild steel spaceframe, and aluminum alloy center monocoque section, just as on the original cars.
A member of the original D-Type build team, who raced a factory D-Type in period, has driven the car and said that the handling and performance closely match the original D-Type. The only changes from the original design are:
• Engine: 4.2 litre E-Type wet-sump but equipped with a Dry sump which can be made functional.
• Suspension: Fully adjustable coil-over instead of torsion-bar.
• Transmission: All synchro 4 speed with overdrive.
