The Jaguar D-Type was one of the most beautiful and charismatic sports racing cars ever made, not to mention one of the most successful. First appearing in 1954, the D-Type featured bodywork of a highly aerodynamic nature, complete with tail-mounted fin for top speed stability, penned by ex-aircraft designer Malcolm Sayer. The center section of the car was of monocoque construction, similar to that of an aircraft fuselage, while power came from the now legendary twin-cam, dry-sump, 3,442 cc six (later 3,781 cc), which produced some 250 bhp at a relatively unstressed 5,750 rpm. Top speed was in excess of 170 mph, while 60 mph from standstill could be achieved in a breathtaking 4.7 seconds. Not surprisingly the D-Type dominated the international racing scene from the outset until its demise, by which time just over 70 examples had been built. Today the surviving examples are highly sought-after and still make their presence strongly felt in historic racing.
This beautifully constructed recreation of the immortal D-Type represents for some about the most motoring fun that can be had for the price. It uses a Lynx chassis, probably the most faithful to the original, but the rest is all hand drafted. The exceptional specification includes: dry sump, 280 bhp, 3.8-liter engine; correct 1954 style wraparound dashboard with correct switches and instruments; Moss gearbox with D style lever; authentic type seats covered in old, worn dark brown leather, original D-Type aluminum bonnet, bearing numerous blemishes and nicely patinated; all-aluminum bodywork to short nose, small-fin 1954 Works specification; oversized D-Type brakes; rubber safety fuel cell; 16″ D-Type wheels; Le Mans supplementary driving light; and Appendix C-style full-width screen. The only real deviation from an original car is the rear suspension, which is by trailing arms rather than by torsion bar. This gives improved roadholding, but could be altered if one so desired.
This car looks the part, sounds the part and feels like D-Type to drive. One would be hard pressed to tell it from an original without checking the chassis number. It has taken more than money to build: it has taken time, hunting everywhere to find the “right” bits, expertise and patience.
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Detailing
| Vehicle: | Jaguar D-type Lynx |
This ersatz winged flivver made a high bid lf $85,800 at the May 11 [1995] Coys Auction, but remained unsold. I would personally question the sanity of a Lynx owner how would not take that kind of money and run, not walk to the nearest bank.
Popularized during the late ’80s and as “affordable” alternative to million-dollar-plus authentic D-Types, Lynxes changed hands in the $150,000+ range. They are hand built, and of all the replicas, have the best reputation.
However, just as with the Tupperware Autokraft Cobras so popular on our side of the pond, these replicars to me represent a waste of time and money.
It is the purpose of a high-performance car to address the questions being asked at the time of its creation. Any number of firms could today create a “more-than-perfect” D-Jag or Ferrari 250 LM or 300SL that would outperform the originals.
So what?
I remain unconvinced as to the purpose, utility, value or philosophy behind these recreations, and recommend you purchase one only if you need something to make into stylish sandbox for the children. – ED.