The Spectacular 1954 Jaguar D-Type

The D-type may have shared an engine and much of its mechanical make up with its predecessor, the C-type, but Jaguar’s new racing hope really did push the envelope in terms of aerodynamics.

Using the world of aeronautical technology as their guide, Jaguar’s development team embraced the use of aluminium alloy monocoque construction, with a separate subframe for the engine, steering system and front suspension. The rear suspension and final drive were mounted to the rear bulkhead, near the deformable fuel tank.

Specifically designed to win the Le Mans 24 Hours, its mixture of low under-body drag and a fin behind the driver was intended to maximise both speed and aerodynamic stability along the Mulsanne Straight.

It’s believed that 71 D-types were built, with some 18 of these for factory team use. This particular car is chassis XKD404, built for the 1954 season. I had the pleasure of perusing it fully at Concours of Elegance 2023. Though the car would retire from Le Mans with gearbox failure after a spirited performance from Peter Whitehead and Ken Wharton, it scored the first victory for any D-type, when it finished first at the 1954 Reims 12 Hours, again with Whitehead and Wharton behind the wheel. Incidentally, Whitehead had also given the C-type its first victory, at Le Mans in 1951.

XKD404 was next pressed into service at Silverstone with Mike Hawthorn, fresh from his victory at Sebring. Hawthorn was forced to settle for an unfortunate fourth after his commanding lead was cut short by a blown radiator top hose.

The 1954 cars differ from those built for 1955 and 1956 in that the subframe was made from aluminium tubing welded to the monocoque; later cars used steel and bolts. This example also has a front-hinged, rather than removable, tonneau cover for the Le Mans 24 Hours, as well as an asymmetrical front lighting system.

XKD404 would only see competitive action for the factory team on a handful of occasions, and was eventually sold in 1957. However, its competition history would continue in the hands of long-time owner Martin Morris.

This highly original car is now part of the Mallya Collection, and is usually on private display in California.