Get a quote

Classic Sterling Moss D-Type Jaguar is £11 million “feast for the eyes”

Words by
January 10, 2018
Share this:

Classic car lover are under starter’s to place their bids for a historic D-Type Jaguar raced by motorsport legend Sir Stirling Moss but it will cost an eye-watering £11m.

The D-Type Jaguar was the lead car of the Jaguar Works team during the 1954 Le Mans 24-hour race and was driven by Moss and co-driver Peter Walker.

D-Type Jaguar

Le Mans speed record set by 1954 D-Type Jaguar

Despite issues over contaminated fuel, the pair led the race and even set a new record speed of 172.97mph before the brakes failed and they were forced to retire.

The 3.4l motor continued to compete for Jaguar throughout the 1954 season before it was sold on to several private owners and enthusiasts

In 1963 British mechanic Alistair Smith was killed in the car during a low speed crash in Canada which led to the D-Type Jaguar being mothballed for almost two decades.

It was brought out of storage 30 years ago and has spent much of its recent life owned by enthusiast Terry Larson, from Arizona, US.

D-Type Jaguar

Bidding for D-Type Jaguar set to exceed £11 million

Larson sold the D-Type Jaguar to its current owner in 2011, but it will now be sold again, through RM Sotheby’s Auctioneers, on Thursday, January 18. There is already frenzied interest and bidding expected to exceed £11.

As well as its well documented speed and racing prowess, the D-Type Jaguar is in tip-top condition and is a rare feast for the eyes.

A drooling RM Sotheby’s spokesman said: “It was one of the most actively raced D-Types of the 1950s and was driven at one point or another by some of the most hallowed names in racing.

“It pushed not only Jaguar, but also their competitors, to the very limit of racing – it is the veritable cornerstone of Jaguar’s racing history.”

D-Type Jaguar

D-Type Jaguar is painted in British Racing Green

The two-seater is in British Racing Green – what else? – with the race number 12 painted on the door and at the rear. It is distinctive because of the oversized fin at the rear.

A list of the drivers who have raced the car, including Moss and Walker,  is painted on the side door.

A race car of the calibre of this 1954 D-Type Jaguar would need a very special insurance policy.

Adrian Flux is a specialist classic and performance and classic car insurer which compares insurance quotes from a panel of more than 40 different providers to come up with the perfect deal for your perfect car.

Adrian Flux can even organise track day insurance if you really want to see what you can get out of your classic.

D-Type Jaguar

You May Also Like …

Your favourite Forever Cars articles from 2017




Related Articles

Get a free insurance quote for your vehicle

Get a Free Quote