Highlights

Well-regarded evocation by Realm - praised by several notable D-Type drivers including Jack Brabham and Stirling Moss
Ultra-light tubular chassis under an accurate recreation of the D-Type’s bodywork in glass fibre
All running gear is genuine Jaguar
Offered with Belgian registration and authorisation for technical inspection

The Appeal

Designed specifically to win the Le Mans 24-Hour endurance race, which it duly did on three consecutive outings, the Jaguar D-Type is unsurprisingly among the most celebrated sports cars of all time. It shared the brilliant DOHC ‘XK’ straight-six of its C-Type predecessor, which it made the most of thanks to streamlined (and rather beautiful) bodywork designed by legendary Jaguar aerodynamicist Malcolm Sayer - the man later behind the E-Type.

Here we have a fine example of one of the best-regarded D-Type evocations. Built by Realm, it features a tubular spaceframe chassis (much like an earlier C-Type), upon which a very well-executed fibreglass body is mounted. The finished article certainly looks the part and we have it on good authority from such racing legends as Sir Stirling Moss and Sir Jack Brabham (no less) that the Realm D-type is superb to drive - after a few hours behind the wheel, the latter even commented that it was “a damn sight better than the original!” Praise indeed.

Based on Jaguar running gear, including a 3.8-litre, triple carburettor XK engine, the largest version fitted during D-Type production, the car is said to drive very well indeed. As the photos show, it looks in very good condition and we adore the numerous period appointments such as the Dunlop wheels, Smiths gauges and Hanhart timing equipment.

Offered with current Belgian registration, this superb evocation is a very tempting prospect, recapturing the golden era of sports car racing.

The History and Paperwork

Registered as a 1975 example - the year of the Jaguar upon which its mechanicals are based
8,793km indicated
Currently registered in Belgium
Complete with authorisation for Belgian technical inspection
We’re assured that it is accompanied by all relevant paperwork in order to be driven on Belgian roads straight away

The Condition

Classically finished in British Racing Green over matching leather upholstery
The bodywork looks to be a very close match to D-Types in period - this one being the “Short-Nose” shape, without the stabilising fin at the rear
The body is replicated in fibreglass, recreating fine details such as the domed rivets that would be present if it were made from aluminium
Dunlop sports wheels fitted - as seen in period
Removable hatch cover for passenger seat
Complete with luggage compartment at the rear
Wrap-around screen for the driver and Brooklands-style aero screen for the passenger
Le Mans-style large fuel filler cap in aluminium
Leather straps for all opening panels
Period-style leather seat upholstery
Wood-rimmed three-spoke sports steering wheel
Large Smiths instrumentation
Hanhart clock and stopwatch with dashboard mount
A pair of modern Sparco harnesses has been installed

This is the sort of car where simply sitting in the driver’s seat raises your heart rate.

Peering through that wrap-around windscreen down that curvaceous bonnet is really evocative and you are instantly transported back to the 1950s. This D-Type really looks the part in the iconic shade of British Racing Green and it’s in lovely condition. We’re not informed of any notable wear to the paint besides a light scuff to the nearside rear wheelarch and the odd stone chip on the nose.

We can’t see any obvious cracks or splits to the fibreglass bodywork and we note that the bonnet and luggage compartment lid appear to fit well. There doesn’t seem to be much wear inside the cabin besides a very light patina to the leather upholstery which serves to enhance the car’s appearance rather than detract. We understand the instruments to be in good working order, along with the Hanhart timing equipment.

Ultimately, this D-Type evocation looks and feels just right for the era it pays homage too - and we think that’s the biggest compliment you could pay it.

The Mechanics

3.8-litre ‘XK’ DOHC straight-six
Fed by triple SU carburettors
Stainless steel exhaust system
Four-speed Jaguar manual gearbox
Jaguar rear axle with inboard disc brakes
Regular (outboard) disc brakes up front
Alloy radiator installed
Adjustable front suspension and rear axle
Spaceframe tubular steel chassis

As we noted earlier, the true experts rate these Real D-Types and when you look at the spec list, it’s hardly surprising…

The mechanicals are all genuine Jaguar, so this isn’t some modern engine hiding under a period-look body. No, this car is powered by the same straight-six which won Le Mans all those years ago and therefore the performance, sounds and smells of this car recapture that moment in history.

As the photographs show, all looks very smart under the bonnet of this example and we’re informed that it runs and drives very well indeed.

As Sir Stirling is reported to have said to the Realm team: “You guys have done an excellent job here, you should be proud.”

BEFORE YOU BUY

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