A Legendary Jaguar Has Emerged From 31 Years Of Storage | Carscoops

      Australian Formula One driver Paul Hawkins was once the owner of this unique Jaguar.

      For the last 31 years, this D-Type has been under the ownership of a collector based in Switzerland.

      In 2016, the Jaguar that triumphed at the 1955 24 Hours of Le Mans was sold for over $21 million.

      Its original inline-six engine has been rebuilt, and the car qualifies for historic racing competitions.

      The Jaguar D-Type is an iconic racing vehicle. Manufactured from 1954 to 1957, it was designed with the sole aim of winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans, achieving victory three consecutive times in 1955, 1956, and 1957. Only 71 units were ever made, and one of the final models, an extremely rare, never-raced example, is anticipated to fetch over $7 million, enough to purchase a luxurious home virtually anywhere globally.

      This particular D-Type, chassis XKD 551, was sold to its first owner in October 1957, who adapted it for street use by installing a passenger door, a windshield, and removing the central bulkhead. In 1963, it changed hands again and eventually came to Australian F1 driver Paul Hawkins.

      In the 1970s, the street modifications were reversed, restoring the car to its original configuration. The inline-six engine it originally came with was taken out for preservation and was replaced with another unit. Since 1994, the D-Type has been owned by the same Swiss collector and has been mostly kept in storage. Additionally, the original engine was completely rebuilt in 2005 and has recently been reinstalled in the vehicle.

      Broad Arrow Auctions is managing the sale of the car, emphasizing its eligibility to participate in historic racing events such as the Goodwood Revival, Mille Miglia Storica, Le Mans Classic, and Monaco Historic Grand Prix. It will be auctioned during a Swiss event, with an expected selling price ranging from CHF 5.25 million to CHF 6.25 million, or $6.512 million to $7.753 million.

      The highest price ever paid for a D-Type was for the car operated by Ecurie Ecosse, which won the 1956 24 Hours of Le Mans, selling for $21.78 million in 2016. Its value has likely increased even more in the years since.