Un-raced Jaguar D-Type offered at Broad Arrow’s inaugural Zurich auction
A stunning Jaguar D-Type is to be the main attraction at Broad Arrow’s upcoming inaugural Zurich auction in November.
Expected to fetch between CHF 5’250’000 - 6’250’000 (£4.8 - 5.7 million), chassis XKD 551 is one of only 71 Jaguar D-Types produced and comes with the rare tag of never being used in competitive motorsport.
Collectors everywhere will be sitting up and taking notice of this opportunity, with the 1957 D-Type being sold complete with matching chassis and engine numbers, as well as being eligible for historic racing events, including the Goodwood Revival, Silverstone Classic, Mille Miglia Storica, Le Mans Classic, Monaco Historic Grand Prix, and Spa Classic.
The story so far
Chassis XKD 551 was manufactured in 1956 and sold to its first owner a year later, who chose to keep it away from the racetrack, instead carefully converting it to a semi-XKSS spec. This meant removing the central bulkhead, adding a passenger door, and fitting a full-width windscreen.
It subsequent decades, it was transferred to the ownership of Aston Martin DBR1/1. Motorsport owner and racer James Dawnay, before finding its way into the collection of Australian Formula 1 driver Paul Hawkins.
The XKSS modifications were removed in the 1970s in order to return the D-Type to its original spec, and over twenty years later, in 1994, the car came into the possession of its current Swiss owner. In Switzerland, chassis XKD 551 underwent a significant rebuild of the original engine, which was only recently fitted back in the car after decades in storage.
'“One of the most exceptional D-Types in existence”
“We are extremely honoured to have been granted the opportunity to offer this incredible Jaguar D-Type at our first Zurich Auction,” says Yves Boitel, Car Specialist, EMEA, at Broad Arrow Auctions. “The fact that this car has never been used competitively and has been meticulously cared for throughout its life, makes it one of the most exceptional D-Types in existence and one that will surely create great excitement among collectors.”
The Broad Arrow’s Zurich Auction will be held at the world famous Dolder Grand hotel on Saturday 1 November 2025.
words: Mike Booth
pictures: Broad Arrow Auctions