Jaguar’s latest classic recreation is the ‘new’ D-Type

This is the new Jaguar D-Type. No, really. This Longnose-spec racer is the engineering prototype for a box-fresh run of 25 more D-Types. Why? Well, because it’s excellent business for Jaguar. And because it’s a completion of a story started more than sixty years ago. 

The original D-Type was a fabulously successful (not to mention exquisitely beautiful) racing car based on the earlier C-Type but with low-drag aerodynamics (for the age) specifically aimed at Le Mans success. That box was mightily ticked with a triplet of 24 Heures du Mans victories in 1955, 1956 and 1957. However, while Jaguar originally intended to produce 100 D-Types, only 75 were completed before the car became uncompetitive.

So, following in the sold-out tyre tracks of the six Lightweight E-Type and nine XKSS recreations, Jaguar Classic is embarking on its most ambitious project yet: 25 new D-Types, to finally complete the 100-strong production run. And the lucky buyers will be able to choose between 1955 Shortnose or finned 1956 Longnose specification. Decisions, decisions.

The ‘new’ cars are being built to original 1950s spec, complete with rasping straight-six engine and about as much beauty as it’s physically possible to cradle on four wheels.

Tell us, internet: if you had to choose, would it be one of these Ds, or a modern, state of the art supercar?