The D-Type Jaguar was supposed to win at LeMans in 1954 just like the C-Type had done the year before. Alas, a Ferrari won, but aerodynamic lessons were learned regarding the extended bonnet. In 1955, five 'long nosed' D-Types, including this car, were on the starting line at LeMans. Jaguar won. D-types repeated the victory two years. They were indomitable at Reims and Montlhery, as well as all-conquering back home at Goodwood and Silverstone.
This car has Serial No. XKD507 and is powered by the 3442 cc (210 cubic-inch) six-cylinder in-line engine with double overhead camshafts, two valves per cylinder, three dual-throat Weber carburetors, developing 270 horsepower at 6000 rpm. This car carried Jaguar honors to the U.S. when purchased by Briggs Cunningham. An ailing engine had curtailed its race at LeMans in 1955. After delivery to New York and Alfred Momo's care, the car enjoyed a splendid season. Sherwood Johnston driving to victory in the Watkins Glen Grand Prix and the Eisenhower Trophy at Hagerstown, Maryland. Briggs Cunningham became the new Jaguar distributor for the Northeast and consequently fielded a full team in competition. With Walt Hansgen driving, the D-Type won SCCA C-Modified Championships in 1956 and 1957. The D's highest speed ever - 185 mph at Bonneville - was also recorded in the U.S.
Prior to the 1955 Jaguar D-Type's victory at Lime Rock in 1957, the car had already experienced a successful run with Sherman Johnston at the helm in 1955, winning at Watkins Glen and Hagerstown, Maryland, among other venues. This would give Johnston the 1955 SCCA National Championship. The Briggs-Cunningham racing team purchased the car in 1956, and the D-Type would once again with the SCCA Championship in 1956 and 1957.
The partnership with Briggs-Cunningham would bring Jaguar to prominence in the United States, as the Briggs-Cunningham team would field a full fleet of Jaguars in competition. Sadly, fire at the Coventry factory destroyed five D-types in February 1957, and this would mark the end of production of the car.Source - Historical notes courtesy of The Collier Collection | |
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