1976 D-Type replica by Realm (RAM)

• Originally built in 1990, this Realm D-Type replication utilises their accurately proportioned fibreglass body shell over a tubular steel chassis
• XJ-sourced, 4.2-litre inline-six engine fitted with triple 45 DCOE Weber carburettors, and a four-speed manual transmission with overdrive
• Finished in Ecurie Ecosse Blue
• Over £20,000 spent on a ground-up restoration during 2016
• Registered on the V5 as a “1976 Jaguar Sports”. Good history file

Perhaps because of Jaguar's multiple Le Mans wins in the 1950s with it's D-Type Sports Racer and it's associated black and white newsreel coverage on a Saturday morning or perhaps, because the car's beautiful and distinctive outline was so easy to draw on the back of a schoolbook the D-Type has always represented to the world a real British Racing Car. Original competition D-Types have always been just beyond the reach of the average enthusiast, perhaps not quite the millions they now command, but just too expensive to realistically consider. However, for most people, the desire to own a car so evocative of the 50s, with such purity of line has never gone away, and consequently over the last thirty years a number of talented engineers have lovingly crafted replicas as part of a small business, or often, for their own enjoyment.

One of these specialist builders, 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 have benefitted from chassis design input by Reynard Racing 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!”

Originally built in 1990 by Classic Jaguar Replicas, this Realm D-Type replication utilises their accurately proportioned fibreglass body shell over a tubular steel chassis, with Jaguar XJ6 running gear, along with an XK-sourced 4.2-litre inline-six engine fitted with triple 45 DCOE Weber carburettors, and a four-speed manual transmission with overdrive. The car is registered on the V5 document as a “1976 Jaguar Sports” and still wears what is believed to be its original paintwork which displays a wonderful and authentic age-related patina akin to that of a period race car. The HPI check does show one colour change from red, though this is due to the donor car having been painted red rather than the completed D-Type having been repainted.

Representing the realisation of a childhood dream, the owner and vendor of this Realm / RAM D-Type recreation is deeply embedded in the classic car community, and has cherished this magical tribute car throughout his ownership, having only covered around 500 miles despite significant financial expenditure over the years.

In 2016, the car was subject to a ground-up restoration and engine rebuild by JC Performance, culminating in an invoice totalling £20,937.95 for work carried out. Highlights of this work include a full engine rebuild, treatment of any corrosion, carburettor refurbishment and setup, significant suspension overhaul, transmission strip down and inspection, a new clutch and brake system overhaul along with much, much more, all of which can be found in a well documented history file. 

The car is finished in Ecurie Ecosse Blue with the single white nose band as worn by the '57 Le Mans winning XKD606 'Long nose' car driven by Ron Flockhart and Ivor Flockhart. This Jaguar D-Type by Realm is in good order, mechanically excellent and a sure-fire conversation starter wherever you take it. A wonderful addition to any motorsport enthusiast’s collection, and a great way to live out your dreams of Le Mans on the way to the local watering hole.