Auction: 1955 Jaguar D-Type

The upcoming London Sale to be hosted by RM Auctions is set to feature a stunning selection of retro racing hardware, and none more beautiful than this 1955 Jaguar D-Type.

Drawn from the Laidlaw Competition Car Collection, RM Auctions expect the iconic British racer to fetch between 5,500,000 and 6,500,000 pounds, with good reason. This D-Type is not only a former factory team car of Silverstone and Nürburgring 1000km heritage, but was also used for some of Jaguars earliest fuel injection testing.

RM are betting that such history will make the car particularly appealing to prospective buyers, as will the 285bhp, twin cam straight six that measures in at a hefty 3.8L. You just don’t see six successive induction trumpets in a line often enough these days.

The high-tech DOHC head and dry sump lubrication system allowed the near 60-year-old wide-angle 3.8 to turn with serious haste. Peak power arrives at 5,750rpm.

However there’s no doubt that the mechanical prowess of this example takes a back seat to it’s historic relevance, and sheer beauty. RM describe the D-Type as “one of the most significant and iconic historic competition cars extant”, no arguments here.

It’s hard not to dream about such lines sitting in our own garage, and the long list of previous high-profile owners stands as a testament to the fact that many others agree. Peter Sutcliffe, Mike Salmon, Neil Corner and Sir PaulVestey have called this D-Type theirs in times past.

Even more so than its owners, it’s for an illustrious racing career that this car will be remembered.

With a welded aluminium front subframe, riveted aluminium-magnesium construction and lines reminiscent of an air craft, it’s hard not to feel at least a little inspired by the D-Type. It’s a six million dollar piece of art that can be driven in excess of 180mph, what’s not to fall in love with?

Images via RM Auctions