In the hallowed halls of motorsport history, the Jaguar D-Type is royalty. A triple Le Mans winner, its iconic fin and aerodynamic silhouette are etched into the memories of racing fans worldwide. Every D-Type carries a piece of that glorious history, but what if one existed that was kept away from the brutal battles of the track? What if there was a D-Type that was, for all intents and purposes, a pristine time capsule? Well, stop dreaming, because it’s real, and it’s heading to auction.
Broad Arrow Auctions has unveiled a unicorn: a stunning, un-raced 1956 Jaguar D-Type, set to be the star of its inaugural Zürich Auction on November 1st. This isn’t just any D-Type. This is chassis XKD 551, one of only 71 ever produced and a rare, desirable “short-nose” version. Having never been campaigned in competitive motorsport, it represents one of the most exceptional examples in existence, a fact reflected in its staggering estimate of CHF 5,250,000 to 6,250,000.
Yves Boitel, a Car Specialist at Broad Arrow, perfectly captures the excitement: “The fact that this car has never been used competitively and has been meticulously cared for throughout its life, makes it one of the most exceptional D-Types in existence and one that will surely create great excitement among collectors”.
The car’s story is as unique as its condition. Manufactured in 1956, it was sold to its first private owner in 1957, who immediately took it on a different path. Instead of aiming for the Mulsanne Straight, the owner converted it to a semi-XKSS specification for the road, removing the central bulkhead, adding a passenger door, and fitting a full-width windscreen. It was a D-Type built for pleasure, not just points. Its provenance continued with notable owners like Hon. James Dawnay, who also owned the legendary Aston Martin DBR1/1, and Australian Formula 1 driver Paul Hawkins.
In the 1970s, an owner made the wise decision to return the car to its original, pure D-Type configuration. It eventually found its way to the current Swiss owner in 1994, who has cherished it for the past three decades. The level of care is simply extraordinary. To ensure its preservation, the original XK inline-six engine was carefully removed and stored, while a correct-spec replacement was fitted. The original engine was later rebuilt, and only recently has XKD 551 been reunited with its matching-numbers heart, still fresh from its 2005 rebuild and a recent service by specialists Graber Sportgarage.
This incredible machine, now complete with its matching chassis and original engine, is accompanied by FIA and FIVA identity documents. While it may have missed out on racing in its youth, its new owner will have the chance to write a new chapter. The car is eligible for the world’s most exclusive historic events, including the Goodwood Revival, Le Mans Classic, and the Mille Miglia Storica.
On November 1st, at the Dolder Grand hotel in Zürich, one discerning collector will acquire more than just a car; they will become the custodian of a truly remarkable piece of Jaguar history—the D-Type that chose a different road.
