1962 Jaguar D Type 'Short Nose' Recreation

• A tool-room copy D-Type Shortnose - a collaboration in 2005 between Jerry Booen (ex-Lotus design engineer/D-Type luminary and David Duffy)
• Two years in construction utilising, whenever possible, either original or correct period parts
• Fitted with a period-correct, 3.4-litre, dry-sump unit running triple 45DCO3 Webers and a genuine D-Type, 4-speed all synchro gearbox
• Aluminium hand-formed bodywork from specially made bucks. Steel frame monocoque/aluminium tub. Correct instrumentation and seating. Bolted-in Roll Hoop (for straightforward removal)
• Supplied with some old FIA papers, build details and its history file
• Offered at a fraction of what it would cost to replicate, especially considering the number of priceless and virtually unobtainable original parts used in the build

The triple, Le Mans-winning Jaguar D-Type will need little introduction. Following on from the C-Type's victories in 1951 and 1953, the new D-Type, with its state-of-the-art chassis encompassing a central monocoque section, improved rear suspension and a more powerful XK engine, handsomely won the Vingt Quatre Heures du Mans in 1955, 1956 and 1957. Among the most desirable of collectors' cars worldwide, today even the 'customer' cars, let alone the works cars, will cost millions if you can even find one. Therefore, the opportunity to acquire a genuine sixties Jaguar two-seater that has been fully restored, re-engineered and re-clothed in effectively a 'tool-room' copy of D-Type by quality craftsmen, requires serious consideration.

This particular, 'Short Nose' recreation, however, is no ordinary replica. In April 2005, two knowledgeable and highly skilled enthusiasts came together to build an exact copy of a Production D-Type. Jerry Booen is an ex-Lotus design engineer and in more recent times heads up the specialist team at 'D-Type Devs', whilst his colleague at the time was David Duffy, who had been a competitor for many years and during the period when this car was being built, owned and raced 'XKD 544'. Jerry had amassed a virtually complete set of drawings for the car and over time, had collected a range of incredibly rare parts using a useful contact in New Zealand.

A document in the accompanying history file details the impressive specification of the build which we list here:

• Engine: 3.4-litres, triple Weber 45DCO3 Carburettors, dry sump
• Transmission: Genuine D-Type 4-speed, all-synchro box, live rear axle
• Bodywork: Aluminium panels hand-formed on specially made bucks
• Monocoque: Steel frame in an aluminium tub
• Suspension: Wishbone front, trailing arms rear at the rear with torsion bars
• Brakes: Plessey pump powered system with 6-pot/4-pot discs
• Roll Hoop: Bolted in to make removal straightforward
• Interior: 'Correct' instrumentation and seating
• Wheels: Original Dunlop alloys, 6.00/6.50 on 5-inch rims

The result of all of this is a highly impressive, both technically and cosmetically, 'tool room copy' of the iconic D-type. Where possible, either original or period-correct parts were rebuilt and used, including the engine, gearbox, rear axle, wheels and carburettors. As this was between 2005-2007, Jerry and David did manage to find some original parts, a task getting more difficult with the passing years. Where period parts were not available, remanufactured D-Type spares including the front suspension were bought from historic racing specialists. In cases where parts needed to be made from scratch, original drawings were used as was the case for the chassis frame, brakes, monocoque and bodywork.

After completion, FIA papers were granted and the identity of a 1962 Jaguar E-Type was used for the road registration (Chassis 860552). The accompanying history file includes details of all this as well as the old FIA papers. Naturally, it's finished in British Racing Green with the correct Apple Green interior, both seats are fitted with Willans full harnesses, and the car sits on original Dunlop alloys wearing a set of period Cinturatos.

After the obligatory shakedown and road tests, the car was passed onto a well-known collector who owned it for the following 7-8 years. In more recent times this special car has formed part of a large collection and an approved roll cage (bolted-in to make removal straightforward) has been professionally fitted expanding the number of options available.

Offered at a fraction of what it would cost to replicate, especially considering the number of priceless and virtually unobtainable original parts used in the build, this special homage to the iconic D-Type looks remarkable value. It would be welcome at prestigious events anywhere and can offer enjoyment and pride of ownership both on the road, or with some further investment, as a glorious race car to grace the circuits of Europe.