Up for auction at the RM Sotheby's Paris Show is an ultra-rare 1955 Jaguar D-Type with a racing provenance from "Down Under." It's had a handful of owners over the years and has been kept in immaculate condition. It's in excellent running order and appears ready to race right now. Let's check out this unique car and it's rather interesting racing and ownership history. And if presale estimate are correct it could top $7M when the hammer falls in Paris!

The History

1955 Jaguar D-Type 3
via RM Sotheby's

Chassis number XKD 520 was the seventh customer car produced and ordered in June 1955 by Australian importer Jack Bryson for Bib Stilwell, the 4 time Australian open wheel champ. When it first hit the Australian circuit in 1956, it set numerous lap records at the Bathhurst 500, Rob Roy Hillclimb and the South Australia Trophy. The car then changed hands going to the Australian Motorists' Petrol Company but before beginning speed trials was involved in an accident and changed hands yet again.

After several more owners over the years, the car came into the possession of the current owner and is complete with a FIA Historical Technical Passport and attendant documentation. Not only is it an early and desirable customer model, but it has been campaigned across the world winning a series of marquee events. Most recently it ran the 2014 Goodwood Festival of Speed where it was well received and it has been treated to an extensive service since then.

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The Car

1955 Jaguar D-Type 2
RM Sotheby's

The D-Type was quite revolutionary for its time with a premium placed on high tech engineering, materials and known for its lightweight. It's cockpit was fabricated out of a moncoque tub made of sheets of aluminum. Aluminum tubing was used in the front and rear subframes to hang the suspension system and rear diff. Under the hood was Jag's 3.4 liter dual overhead cam straight-6 with a 4 speed manual transmission. Discs brakes were all around! Impressive for a 1955 automobile!

The presale estimate is targeted between $6.5M and $7M. She's slated to cross the blocks at the RM Sotheby's Auction in Paris, France on February 5, 2020. There is no internet bidding and advanced registration is required. Buckle up.

Source: RM Sotheby's

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