Fantasy Junction

Description

1965 Jaguar D-Type Long-Nose Recreation by Tempero
s/n P1B55424BW, Engine no. 7B58821-8
Ecurie Ecosse Livery with Blue Leather

The D-Type is one of Jaguar’s most famous and successful creations. A development of the Le Mans-winning C-type, the D-Type was also designed by aerodynamicist Malcom Sayer, and would go on to win many races, including Le Mans in 1955, 56, and 57. It continued to use the sophisticated twin cam XK inline-6, and disc brakes, but the major news was the inclusion of a unit type monocoque chassis, which allowed a smaller frontal area. The conversion of the engine to dry-sump lubrication lowered its center of gravity and allowed it to fit into this lower body. Today, the majority of D-Types have been long since been acquired by sophisticated collectors and are thus out of reach for most people, even collectors. Consequently, high quality reconfigurations carrying Jaguar chassis and and running gear, and alloy bodies of the original style and construction type, have garnered the interest of enthusiasts seeking the experience of owning and driving one of the world’s most important automobiles without the out-of-reach price tag or uneasiness associated with enjoying such a valuable car.

This particular example is an exceedingly correct aluminum-bodied recreation built by Tempero in New Zealand. Built on a 3.8 S-Type sedan in 2001-2002 for well-known enthusiast Jack Castor of Half Moon Bay, California, this car emulates the 1957 Le Mans winning D-Type driven by Ron Flockhart and Ivor Bueb. The car has independent rear suspension, disc brakes, 5-speed transmission, and 3.8 liter XK powerplant with triple 40mm Weber carburetors and 8 to 1 compression ratio. Castor enjoyed this car for 5200 miles, and kept it until his death. The car resided in his collection, which included a Ferrari 250 California Spider, a pair of BMW 507s, and a wide variety of other cars, bicycles, gas pumps, and other memorabilia.

The car is extensively documented with a massive file of correspondence from its construction and importation, photos from the build process, and a few invoices since the car’s construction. The car received a cylinder head rebuild in March of 2015.

The car is very nice cosmetically with a straight body that was built to high standards. The paintwork is very nice, with light patina in the form of some swirl marks, a four stars on the front deck lid, and a handful of small chips. The lights and glazing are excellent and the polished alloy wheels are evocative and in excellent order. The car is equipped with a full width windscreen and has doors on the left and right sides.

The interior is in similar condition, with a pleasant patina. Blue leather trim was used throughout, coupled with a purposeful wrinkle black painted dash. The instruments are Smiths items from a contemporary Jaguar and the steering wheel is a beautiful four-spoke wood item. The engine compartment is clean and tidy, but not spotless. Like the rest of the car, there is an impression of a well-cared for piece of machinery that has been used, looked after, and remains tidy.
The car is a pleasure to drive, being visceral but impressively tractable. It starts easily and is well-tuned, making it easy to accelerate from any engine speed. The clutch is progressive as well, which makes for a surprisingly usable combination. The gearbox is modern in feel with excellent synchromesh and 5 gears that lend themselves well to using the car in modern traffic. The brakes are effective and progressive, and the chassis is coherent and communicative, making it easy to place the car precisely and to drive with enthusiasm.

This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a visually stunning aluminum-bodied D-Type replica. An absolute pleasure to drive and look at, this car was built to high standards and has a lovely patina and thorough documentation, thanks to its enthusiastic single owner. Priced similarly to a driver level Series I E-Type, this car represents superb value as well.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

Inquire About This Car

Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608