Jaguar originally intended to produce 100 examples of the legendary D-type. However, when competition demand began to subside in 1956, the factory elected to convert 25 unfinished cars into road-going specification, creating the now-iconic XKSS.
Tragically, in February 1957, a fire at Jaguar’s Browns Lane factory destroyed nine of the 25 XKSS that were in the process of completion, bringing XKSS production to an abrupt and premature end.
2016, Jaguar Classic took the decision to complete a further 25 D-type Continuation cars, built to original specification and chassis numbers, thereby fulfilling the original production run of 100 D-types that had been planned six decades earlier. A number that had never been realised due to the XKSS conversions and the devastating factory fire.
The original purchaser of this particular example chose not to acquire one of the later XKSS Continuation models. Instead, he specifically commissioned his car to be built as a D-type Continuation before being converted to XKSS specification, precisely replicating the process undertaken by Jaguar in period during 1956 - 1957.
Notably, this is the only example Jaguar has constructed in this manner: a Continuation D-type subsequently converted to XKSS specification, faithfully mirroring the historic factory practice that gave birth to the XKSS in the first place.
Further features of this exceptional example include a special request Viridian Green bodywork over Antique Tan leather trim, the omission of chrome headlamp rings, the addition of a glovebox lid cover, and a discreetly concealed fire extinguisher control box.
Presented in 'as-new' condition throughout and complete with a comprehensive photographic record documenting its build process, together with its original D-type-specific panels, including the rear headrest fairing and pad, passenger tonneau panel, various interior trim components and its dedicated history file.