1968 LR Roadsters D-Type by Realm (RAM)

Realm Engineering of Honeybourne in Worcestershire has built up a fine reputation over almost four decades for its "RAM" recreations. In particular their Jaguar D-types, which benefitted from considerable design input by Reynard Racing into the chassis, resulting in greater strength and ultimately better road-holding. After a three-hour stint behind the wheel of a Realm D-Type, Sir Jack Brabham commented: "That's a damn sight better than the original!" Richard Noble has one of his own, and Sir Stirling Moss OBE said: "You guys have done an excellent job here, you should be proud." Jaguar Quarterly magazine described the car as "impressive" with handling "beyond question" and "a whole bucketload of fun".

This, 'Long-Nose' example, of Jaguar's legendary Le Mans-winning D-Type features glass fibre bodywork and was built in South Africa by Darryl Simpson, from a kit supplied by LR Roadsters between 1988-90. The attention to detail is remarkable. Our vendor purchased this "RAM' in 2001 whilst racing in South Africa after being impressed with its build quality and then brought it back to the UK that year, where it has resided in his significant collection ever since. Having only covered around 1,000 miles in his ownership, and reportedly just over 5,000 miles in total since it was built, this car has clearly enjoyed the love and attention it deserves. It's finished in 'Ecurie Ecosse' Scottish Racing Blue and wears twin white nose stripes similar to the 1956 works D-Type (XKD 603) driven to second place at Le Mans in 1957 by Ron Flockhart and John Lawrence. Our vendor recently sent the car to one of the countries foremost historic restoration companies, "CKL Developments' in Hastings, who rebuilt the 4.5-litre Ron Beatty/ Forward Engineering 300/330bhp engine earlier this year.

Supplied with a 1968 identity on its UK V5C, a history file with pictures of the build, I.D. documents, and various invoices, this very special RAM "Long Nose' is ready to be enjoyed by its next owner and elegantly pays homage to one of the greatest British sports cars of all time.