Duncan's D

In 1948, Jaguar launched the XK 120 at the London Motor Show.

- James Nicholls

THE CAR

 EX-DUNCAN HAMILTON, GERRY ASHMORE, YONG NAM KEE, BIB STILWELL

1955 JAGUAR D-TYPE

Chassis number XKD510

Engine number E 2017-9

Body number H 2010

It was the XK engine that would prove so successful during the 1950s with the C-Type (C for competition) and the legendary D-Type, Jaguar’s first pure racing car. The DOHC inline six-cylinder 3442cc engine produced 250bhp and the D-Type featured triple Weber 45 DCO3 carburettors, four speed manual transmission, independent front suspension, live rear axle trailing links and transverse torsion bar, with all-round disc brakes developed by Jaguar in conjunction with Dunlop. The bodywork for the D-Type was designed by Jaguar Chief Designer and aerodynamicist Malcolm Sayer. Sayer, utilising the skills and techniques learned from his time at the Bristol Aeroplane Company, applied the principles of the aviation industry and aerodynamics to his thinking. The construction of the purpose-built riveted aluminium magnesium alloy monocoque design was not only aerodynamically practical, it also created one of the most sublime and attractive shapes possessed by any post-war car.