Among the final production D-types to emerge from Coventry before the February 1957 factory fire, chassis XKD551 was dispatched on June 12, 1956, as a short-nose example — measuring approximately 19 cm shorter than the succeeding long-nose variants. The accompanying Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate documents state that the D-type was completed wearing body number H 2051, finished in British Racing Green with Suede Green interior trim, and equipped with engine serial number E20709. In preparation for the sale, a comprehensive history report and physical inspection of chassis XKD551 was recently completed by the respected U.K. restoration and race preparation outfit CKL Developments Ltd., which includes a detailed known timeline of events from new to present.
In sum, XKD551 retains a striking proportion of its factory structure and hardware, with later changes either reversible or in keeping with the known history of modifications — an unusually “honest” and highly original specimen. Crucially, this particular D-type benefits from having never entered competitive racing in-period — a rarity among these legendary machines. This sheltered existence has proven invaluable, as the car has avoided the typical battle scars, modifications and structural stresses that racing inevitably brings.
Having benefited from more than three decades of dedicated single ownership, XKD551 presents in exceptional, highly original condition, with its matching-numbers chassis, body, engine and transmission confirmed by its exhaustive CKL inspection and Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate. XKD551 would be eligible for participation in the world’s most celebrated historic-racing events, including the Goodwood Revival, Silverstone Classic, Mille Miglia Storica, Le Mans Classic and Spa Classic. It would also be a compelling entrant at premier concours — whether in competition or preservation classes — such as the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, The Amelia or a return to the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. Ownership offers not only the privilege of participating in such events, but the incomparable experience of piloting a genuine Le Mans legend on the very circuits where the D-type earned its immortal reputation.
(Introductory description courtesy of Broad Arrow Auctions.)
