Estimate: CHF 5'250'000 - CHF 6'250'000
One of only 87 original D-Types produced by Coventry between 1954 and 1957
Matching-numbers example with its original chassis, body, engine, and gearbox
Offered with a comprehensive history report and inspection compiled by CKL Developments Ltd., verifying its ownership history and high degree of originality
Three decades of single ownership since 1995 with meticulous maintenance by Swiss specialists
Full rebuild of the original engine conducted by Sportgarage Ruch AG in 2005, set aside and recently reinstalled in preparation for auction
Comprehensive braking system rebuild completed in December 2024, a CHF 29'000 investment
Offered with a secondary 3.8-liter wide-angle engine
Eligible for the world's premier historic racing events including the Goodwood Revival, Le Mans Classic, Mille Miglia Storica, and more
Presented at the 2012 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este; remains continually eligible for future premier concours in competition or preservation classes
An exquisite example of Coventry's three-time Le Mans-winning masterpiece
Chassis No. XKD 551
Engine No. E 2070-9
Transmission No. GBD 159
Body No. H 2051
CHASSIS XKD 551
Among the final production D-Types to emerge from Coventry before the February 1957 factory fire, chassis XKD 551 was dispatched on 12 June 1956 as a short-nose example—measuring approximately 19-cm shorter than the succeeding long-nose variants. The accompanying Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate documents state that the D-Type was completed wearing body number H 2051, finished in British Racing Green with Suede Green interior trim, and equipped with engine serial number E 2070-9. In preparation for the sale, a comprehensive history report and physical inspection of chassis XKD 551 was recently completed by the respected U.K. restoration and race preparation outfit CKL Developments Ltd., which includes a detailed known timeline of events from new to present.
The report notes that chassis XKD 551 was initially retained by Jaguar Cars Ltd. for display purposes at Henlys Jaguar Showroom in Piccadilly, London, and was also temporarily loaned to Jaguar agent and famous TT motorcycle racer Austin Munks. By November 1956, their research indicates that the car had returned to Browns Lane as part of the stock of unsold D-Types and was subsequently supplied to Jaguar distributor Coombs in Guildford—the dealership of prominent British racing driver John Coombs—who invoiced it on 22 May 1957 before selling it in October to Giuseppe Sportoletti Baduel of London. Under Baduel's ownership, XKD 551 was mercifully spared from the harsh rigors of front-line competition and tastefully converted into a semi-XKSS gentleman's road car, with the following modifications installed: a full windscreen, side screens, a passenger headrest fairing, a passenger door, removal of center division in the cockpit, an extended passenger footwell, and a hood frame. Baduel road registered the D-Type with plate “ULU 336” and reportedly had it maintained at the factory in 1959 and 1961.
The subsequent ownership history of XKD 551 reads like a who's who of British motoring enthusiasts, beginning with the Hon. James Dawnay's acquisition in July 1963—a serious collector and racing driver, who along with his brother the Hon. John Dawnay, owned and raced Aston Martin DBR1/1. The car's known provenance continued through Australian Formula One driver Paul Hawkins, who advertised it for sale in 1966, and later Colin Crabbe, who offered it through Motor Sport magazine in August 1968—a year before his debut as a Formula One team owner. In 1969, the Jaguar was purchased by privateer racer Sir Paul Vestey, who in turn sold it to brothers David and Michael Hoskinson. The brothers showcased XKD 551 at events including the 1970 British Grand Prix at Brands Hatch, where the legendary Mexican Formula One driver Pedro Rodriguez was photographed riding in the passenger seat during celebrations for 21 years of the XK engine.
In 1971, the car was purchased by dentist and vintage racer Rupert Glydon, around which time many of the XKSS-style modifications including its windshield and passenger headrest fairing were removed, while an add-on tail fin was fitted—evidenced by photos on file of the car at Silverstone in 1973. By 1975, the car passed to Robert Cooper of Coopers Metals and was re-registered “77 EWV” before being purchased by Peter Agg in 1979. Agg, the owner of Trojan Cars Ltd. and sports car manufacturer Elva, exhibited chassis XKD 551 in his Effingham Park Museum and allowed the car to be featured in a June 1979 article in Autosport magazine. In 1984, the D-Type joined the proprietor of Coys auctions, Jeffrey Pattinson, who enjoyed it on two editions of the Mille Miglia Storica alongside Malcolm Paris of Bovis Homes. Shortly thereafter, XKD 551 sold to Klaus Werner in Germany.
In Werner's ownership, The Complete Register of Jaguar C-types, D-types and Lightweight E-types records that the car participated in Oldtimer Grand Prix at the Nürburgring and entered the Coppa d'Italia. In December 1991, the car joined Robert Pferdmenges, also of Germany, who maintained the car in England and is said to have taken part in various track days, historic races, and rallies with the D-Type, evidenced by a 1992-dated FIA HVIF on file. XKD 551 was then advertised by Klassische Automobile GmbH in 1994 before entering the care of its present Swiss custodian the following year.
THREE DECADES OF PRESERVATION
Since its acquisition by the current caretaker in 1995, this matching-numbers specimen has been cherished and maintained to an exacting standard. A year after purchasing XKD 551, in 1996, the owner enjoyed the car on its third entry in the Mille Miglia Storica wearing number 239, followed by participation in the Jaguar D-Type Cavalcade. In 1997, an FIA Fiche d'Identité was issued in the current owner's name, after which the D-Type took part in the 1997 running of the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique. Beyond active participation in vintage races and rallies, current ownership also saw XKD 551 being presented at the 2012 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este for its impeccable originality.
This originality was the subject of extensive research and scrutiny by Chris Keith-Lucas and Mark Hews of CKL Developments Ltd., who found XKD 551 to be an exceptionally complete and undisturbed car. In their report, the monocoque center section, bonnet, and tail section are each assessed as 100-percent original to the car, with period tell-tales including factory rivet patterns, jigging holes, spot-welds, and even Abbey Panels' pencil layout marks supporting their authenticity. Vestiges of its period road-equipment modifications during Baduel's tenure remain visible but sensitively reversed to factory configuration with minimal impact on the car's originality.
The chassis frame—Reynolds 531 rectangular-section chrome-molybdenum tubing with original gas-flux bronze welds throughout—presents as undamaged and correct, including original-type stampings and dimensions. Furthermore, the chassis number stamping, riveted chassis plate, and body tag “H 2051” are all noted to be correct in style and placement. Inside the cockpit, the suede-green trim and Hardura transmission tunnel present as possibly original, with the proper Smiths chronometric tachometer and 180-mph speedometer showing just 19,570 miles (~31,495 km)—which, based on accounts from those who knew the car in-period, is likely to be the genuine mileage from new. Other visible ancillaries are notably correct: the Marston header tank and dry-sump tank, the dated oil-cooler plate, correct Enots filler, authentic Dunlop pressed-alloy peg-drive wheels, and even the original spare-wheel clamp survive.
It should be noted that by the time of the current owner's acquisition in 1995, the original, presently installed XK 3.4-liter inline-six (no. E 2070-9) had been thoughtfully set aside for safeguarding, and a 3.8-liter wide-angle replacement unit had been installed to preserve the original unit. In 2005, the current owner invested over CHF 35'000 into a full rebuild of the original engine—conducted by the specialists at Sportgarage Ruch AG—which was once again set aside for preservation for a further two decades. In preparation for the sale, the original matching-numbers engine, still fresh from its 2005 rebuild, has recently been reunited with chassis XKD 551 after over three decades of careful preservation and complemented by a full check-up and service. The 3.8-liter replacement engine will also be included with the sale should the new owner wish to reinstall it and continue the preservation of the original matching-numbers unit.
During the inspection by CKL, the then-separated original engine—the block and head both stamped “E2070-9” and with a correct AY-prefix head serial number—was noted to be present, complete, and rebuilt. Other correct features include the wide-weld exhaust manifolds, D-Type inlet manifold, and the trio of Weber 45 DCO3 carburetors bearing serials that align with the car's factory build sheets. The D-Type's all-synchro gearbox is an entirely original, matching-numbers unit, with top-cover stamping “GBD 159” present, while the non-stamped center casing is noted to be consistent with the period practices of the Jaguar Service Department.
Brake and suspension system components remain highly authentic—original-numbered rear calipers and the original brake fluid reservoir are joined by period-replacement front calipers, transmission-driven Plessey pump, and master cylinder. Sensible safety upgrades include Koni dampers in place of Girlings, Kunifer hard brake lines and competition-grade braided hoses, and a discreet bias valve. The live rear axle assembly is correct in specification but is a period replacement (no. B60-4835) with a 3.77:1 ratio favored for track use in place of the original 3.54:1—designed for the long Mulsanne straight of Circuit de la Sarthe.
In sum, XKD 551 retains a striking proportion of its factory structure and hardware, with later changes either reversible or in keeping with the known history of modifications—an unusually “honest” and highly original specimen. Crucially, this particular D-Type benefits from having never entered competitive racing in period—a rarity among these legendary machines. This sheltered existence has proven invaluable, as the car has avoided the typical battle scars, modifications, and structural stresses that racing inevitably brings.
The D-Type's exceptional presentation is also bolstered by a December 2024 service at a cost of over CHF 29'000, which saw Graber Sportgarage technicians inspect the drivetrain, electrical, steering, suspension, and braking systems, install a new starter battery, two fuel pumps, and various seals and fluids. Much of the work centered on the clutch hydraulics and a complete overhaul of the braking system, including a system bleed with proper DOT 4 fluid.
Having benefited from more than three decades of dedicated single ownership, XKD 551 presents in exceptional, highly original condition, with its matching-numbers chassis, body, engine, and transmission confirmed by its exhaustive CKL inspection and Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate. It is also offered with a previous FIA Historical Identity Form (1992), FIA Passport (2009) and FIVA Identity Card (2012). While no longer current, these documents would substantially streamline the process of applying for new competition certifications. XKD 551 would be eligible for participation in the world's most celebrated historic racing events, including the Goodwood Revival, Silverstone Classic, Mille Miglia Storica, Le Mans Classic, Monaco Historic Grand Prix, and Spa Classic. It would also be a compelling entrant at premier concours—whether in competition or preservation classes—such as the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, The Amelia, or a return to the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. Ownership offers not only the privilege of participating in such events, but the incomparable experience of piloting a genuine Le Mans legend on the very circuits where the D-Type earned its immortal reputation.
Text & Image: Broad Arrow
