Among the most tantalising consignments at Broad Arrow’s inaugural Zürich Auction on 1 November 2025, is a 1956 Jaguar D-type race car that, ironically, never turned a wheel in competition.
One of only 71 D-types built – and among the final examples to roll off Jaguar’s Browns Lane production line – chassis XKD 551 was delivered to its original owner in October 1957.
Although destined for competition, this D-type was swiftly converted into semi-XKSS road trim with its central bulkhead removed and a passenger door and wraparound windscreen installed.
From there, XKD 551 passed through the hands of James Dawney – who also owned and raced an Aston Martin DBR1/1 – and Australian Formula 1 driver Paul Hawkins. Ironically, however, its estrangement from the circuit continued.
During the 1970s XKD 551 was returned to its original specifications – although its original XK straight-six was set aside for preservation and substituted with a like-for-like unit.
The current Swiss custodian acquired the car in 1994 and, in 2005, commissioned Graber Sportgarage to carry out a meticulous rebuild of its original engine, which has since been reinstalled ahead of the auction.
For all its originality, this virgin D-type could still make its competitive debut after it crosses the auction block on 1 November 1. Accompanied by the relevant FIA and FIVA paperwork, the car is eligible for the world’s most prestigious historic race meetings, including the Le Mans Classic and Goodwood Revival.
Yet with an estimate of £4.84m-£5.76m, the likelihood of XKD 551 finally making its competition debut seems remote.
View the auction lot here.
