1988 WINGFIELD REPLICA JAGUAR D-TYPE SPORTS RACING CAR

Details
1988 WINGFIELD REPLICA JAGUAR D-TYPE SPORTS RACING CAR
Registration No. Not UK Registered.
Chassis No. 678027
Engine No. W 9728-8
Light green with green leather trim.
Engine: six cylinder in-line, dry sump, 3718cc, twin overhead camshafts, triple Weber carburettors, 45 DCOE1, 260/265bhp; Clutch: single plate; Gearbox: manual four-speed; Suspension: independent front by wishbones and torsion bars, rear live axle with trailing links and torsion bar; Brakes: disc all round. Right-hand drive.

The D-Type Jaguar was built with the main intention of winning the Le Mans 24-hours GP d'Endurance outright. This it did in 1955 as a Jaguar works entry, and in 1956 and 1957 when entered by Ecurie Ecosse. Jaguar immediately put the XKSS into production to meet a strong demand for a roadgoing version of the D-Type but a factory fire curtailed production. Genuine D-Types, few in number, are amongst the most highly prized and valuable classics and seldom change hands. To meet international demand, it was inevitable that replicas would appear.

During the 20 years since the first Wingfield replica was built, the superb workmanship employed in their construction and their authenticity has meant they have become highly desirable collector's pieces in their own right. This Brian Wingfield Jaguar D-Type Replica was built to the present owner's exacting specification between 1988 and 1991. The emphasis was on conforming to the most accurate original Jaguar D-Type specification possible, using only appropriate light alloys and high grade steels.

Structurally the Wingfield D-Type is an authentic reproduction of the original design, with minor modifications introduced to give additional room in the D-Type's notoriously snug-fitting cockpit. There is a dry sump Jaguar 3.8 litre engine with the larger valves, equipped with triple Webers, built to racing standards in the tuning shop of the highly regarded Jaguar engine specialist David Butcher, and delivering 260/265bhp. Since the car was to be used for long-distance continental historic car events, its specification placed emphasis on the greatest possible torque at low engine revolutions to maintain open road and traffic driving flexibility. There is a side exhaust. A close ratio Jaguar four-speed gearbox is used and the six-pot disc brakes are of the type developed by Dunlop's aviation people for the original D-Type in the 1950's.

Front suspension is of correct type and unlike many D-Type replicas the car has the correct feature of a live rear axle. The 16 inch wheels are shod with new Dunlop racing tyres. The body shell is all aluminium, crafted by Grand Prix Metalcraft.

Instruments are set out to the authentic original layout. There is the familiar D-Type wraparound driver's screen with a removable windscreen for use if a passenger is carried, and there are safety belts. Visually, there is the 'cyclops' additional driving lamp as used on the 1954 Le Mans cars. Shown in the photograph, the tailfin attracted undue attention whenever the car was parked and has been removed, leaving the headrest. The tailfin is available to the successful purchaser. The car has always been sent for servicing to the Wingfield works and has covered approximately 7000 miles.

An exciting and highly regarded car that will be very rewarding to drive.


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