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1957 Jaguar D-Type Recreation by Lynx

LBI Limited

1957 Jaguar D-Type Recreation by Lynx
LBI Limited
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If you are interested in the content of this listing, please contact the Dealer. Contact details are indicated below in the section "Contact the Dealer." Should you require confidential support from SpeedHolics for your inquiry, kindly complete the section "I am Interested." This listing is provided by SpeedHolics solely for the purpose of offering information and resources to our readers. The information contained within this listing is the property of the entity indicated as the "Dealer." SpeedHolics has no involvement in the commercial transactions arising from this listing, and we will not derive any financial gain from any sales made through it. Furthermore, SpeedHolics is entirely independent from the "Dealer" mentioned in this listing and maintains no affiliation, association, or connection with them in any capacity. Any transactions, engagements, or communications undertaken as a result of this listing are the sole responsibility of the parties involved, and SpeedHolics shall bear no liability or responsibility in connection therewith. For more information, please refer to the "Legal & Copyright" section below.

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SH ID

23-1211017

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FEATURED BY SPEEDHOLICS

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In Stock

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United Kingdom

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Description

Engine 7E55074-9

 

Recent & Comprehensive $7,500+ Service Completed

 

Believed To Have Been Commissioned By Former UK Jaguar Club President Jerry Stampler

 

Powered By A 3.8-Liter XK Inline-Six With Triple Weber Carburetors

 

Sale Includes Original Tool Kit, Jack & Spare

The Jaguar D-Type was a sports racing car produced between 1954 and 1957 with one goal in mind: to win the Le Mans 24-hour race. It used the same straight-6 XK engine and many mechanical components as the previous C-Type but employed an innovative monocoque construction and state-of-the-art aerodynamics. A fin was eventually mounted behind the driver for aerodynamic stability for the long Mulsanne Straight at Le Mans while the nose was elongated during the 1955 season for an even higher max speed. Engine displacement was originally 3.4 L, was enlarged to 3.8 L in 1957, and reduced to 3.0 L in 1958 when Le Mans rules limited engine displacements for sports racing cars. D-Types won Le Mans in 1955, 1956, and 1957 with only 71 examples produced plus an additional 16 that were converted to road-going XKSS versions. Due to its rarity and pedigree, real D-Types are extremely scarce and demand a premium when they do hit the market. A “good” condition example sold at the Monterey R.M. Sotheby auction in August 2023 for $3,600,000, while an “excellent” condition example reached a $7,250,000 high bid at Broad Arrow Auctions in October 2022. As is often the case with unicorns like this, companies will begin producing high-end reproductions that replicate the look and feel of the original as closely as possible. Lynx Engineering is one such company. The company was founded in 1968 by engineer Guy Black and architect Roger Ludgate as a repair and restoration shop for original Jaguar C- and D-Types. In 1972, they began developing their own D-Type replica with hand-formed aluminum bodywork and mechanicals from the Jaguar E-Type. The body was a monocoque tub created by Lynx themselves with a modified E-Type subframe and both short and long-nose configurations. A total of 53 examples of the Lynx D-Type were built. This particular example, Chassis # 1E78735BW, is one such D-Type long-nose recreation built by Lynx Cars Limited. The car was apparently commissioned by former UK Jaguar club president Jerry Stampler, who used it in several vintage races before former sports car racer Herb Wetanson acquired it through Lynx some 20 years ago. The car is finished in white with blue stripes over a matching blue leather interior. It is powered by a 3.8-liter XK inline-six with triple Weber carburetors, a four-speed manual transmission, dual-circuit four-wheel disc brakes, independent suspension, Dunlop-style aluminum peg-drive wheels, a tail fin, an optional wraparound windshield, an aluminum tonneau cover, and four-point harnesses. One detail that sets this Lynx recreation apart from the original D-Type is the use of a wet-sump engine rather than a dry-sump engine. As it sits, this is the closest we regular enthusiasts will get to a real D-Type. Everything from the looks to the mechanicals feels right on point for a British race car of the period. Those looking for a rare machine to impress your local British cars and coffee or the lawn at any Concours will not go wrong with this Lynx. Upon purchase, the new owner will receive the original tool kit and a New York registration listing it as a 1967 Jaguar convertible. EXTERIOR Body And Paint The paint is not perfect but does not warrant any attention in that it has a very consistent look and finish throughout. Enough minor blemishes are present in such a way to to call them patina in a way that matches the ora of a race car that has seen track time. Just enough that this contributes to a sort of “real” look. The only other item worth noting is that the nose has seen some minor accident damage at some point and was repaired as is evident by the trained eye looking over this area. It should be noted that this does not appear to have been structural and that any damage was likely the result of track use, rubbing or bumping during spirited competition. The body is otherwise straight, shows beautifully and needs nothing. Glass And Trim The wraparound plastic composite windscreen, an option on the Lynx D-Type, is in good overall condition for the age. There are signs of age and the passenger bottom corner shows heavier scratching. It is otherwise clear and does not need attention. All of the trim, emblems, stickers and other period-esque features are present and reminiscent of the original. All of the lighting, bezels and rubber items are in excellent but not perfect condition. If anything there is enough aging on some items to again help it present as a genuine original - though it is not. Wheels The wheels are correct Dunlop Racing recreations and are in excellent condition, again with a bit of aging in just the right way as can be seen on the stickers, finish, and knock offs. Notable Flaws Please reference the photos for closeups of any blemishes, of which are present on each panel. INTERIOR Seats And Surfaces The spartan race car interior mimics the original to a very high level including gauges, wire routing, fuse boxes, steering wheel and the overall configuration and appearance. The seats show slight age as do the various painted aluminum surfaces. Which have consistent points of wear and light scratching in high use areas. Functionality And Accessories The limited number of gauges, pulls, switches and lighting are all in correct working order. ENGINE BAY AND TRUNK Engine Bay The engine bay shows well considering the level of use this example has seen. It is tidy, clean and shows to have been regularly serviced by inspecting various filters, clamps, hoses and the overall condition of various elements. There are no signs of accident damage or previous issues. The wet sump XK unit with its carefully routed spark plug wires, 3 weber carburetors, mock dry sump oil reservoir and ubiquitous exhaust manifold/headers sets off the look when the bonnet is open. Trunk Area The trunk area is limited to the period LeMans regulation: a matching spare, jack and toolkit. Underside The underside is clean overall with some light corrosion that can be seen on some suspension items but is otherwise reminiscent of a well serviced example. No obvious damage is present and overall it is flat and straight. MECHANICALS Engine The engine starts easily, runs strong, building good oil pressure even when hot. The temperature remains in the acceptable range and otherwise there is no stumbling, loss of powers, smoking or knocking of any kind. A stout engine that has recently benefited from a proper service and given a clean bill of health. The strong running condition and power delivery leads us to believe this engine is built beyond stock XK specs. Transmission The transmission functions as intended, is strong with good synchros and a good clutch that has recently received new hydraulics that is in proper working order. Brakes And Suspension The brakes and suspension were recently tended to with any items requiring attention for performance and safety addressed. No outstanding issues are present as of post-service testing Tires The tires are newly installed Dunlop Racing CR48 6.00L 16 in the front and Dunlop Racing CR48 6.50L 16 in the rear. All with 2022 Date Codes. DRIVING EXPERIENCE To honestly describe the driving impressions of a vehicle such as this would require a race track. Since this is not a road legal vehicle we cannot suggest its use or performance capability in an off track environment. However, we can say that in our brief use this car runs strong and feels extremely capable, focused and will no doubt provide an exhilarating experience for the next owner. We have to imagine that “the real thing” is not much different, and at a fraction of the price this D-Type recreation offers exceptional value - one certainly couldn’t reproduce this level of craftsmanship and accuracy today at the price offered.
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