Jaguar’s mid-century masterpiece

Among the most iconic shapes in motorsport history, the Jaguar D-Type remains a masterpiece of mid-century design and engineering. Only 71 were ever built, and chassis XKD 551 stands out as one of the most original examples. Finished in short-nose form, it has never been raced and retains its matching engine and chassis numbers.

First delivered in 1956, the car’s story takes in a semi-XKSS conversion in the late ’50s, ownership by notable collectors and racers, and a careful return to its factory specification in the 1970s. Its current Swiss custodian has meticulously preserved it for three decades, recently reuniting the car with its rebuilt original XK straight-six engine. The result is an un-raced D-Type in exceptional condition — a rarity even within such a limited production run.

This remarkable car will be offered to collectors for the first time in decades at Broad Arrow’s inaugural Zürich Auction on 1 November. It’s estimated to fetch between CHF 5.25m - 6.25m.

Photos © Broad Arrow Auction