In the early 1950s, the first Jaguar D-Types were built exclusively for the Jaguar Works racing team. One of them, driven by Stirling Moss and co-driver Peter Walker at the 1954 24 Hours of Le Mans, set the fastest practice time, reaching 172.97 mph on the Mulsanne Straight. This significant race car will be sold by Broad Arrow next month at the Amelia Auction 2025.
Chassis number XKD 403 (originally XKC 403) was registered under the Works-issued number OKV 2. Beyond its Le Mans appearance, OKV 2 also competed in the 12 Hours of Reims later that year. In early 1955, it was sold to Jack Broadhead of Ecurie Broadhead, with Jaguar’s PR manager Bob Berry campaigning it to multiple podium finishes. Despite its aerodynamic “tail fin” and purpose-built race design, this D-Type was completely street-legal and was even driven nearly 1,000 miles on the road for the Grande Prêmio de Portugal.
At the end of 1955, OKV 2 was rebuilt at Jaguar with a Works-type integral subframe, larger-diameter roll bars, and a 1955-style front bonnet. Likely the most raced Works D-Type, it competed in top-tier European events every season from 1954 to 1958.
After changing hands multiple times from 1960 onward, OKV 2 was sold in the late 1970s to British Jaguar specialist Lynx Engineering, where it underwent a full restoration. Subsequent owners, all dedicated enthusiasts, meticulously maintained the car. In addition to historic racing appearances, the current owner even reunited it with Stirling Moss in San Francisco in 2011.
This rare piece of motorsport history is offered without reserve at the Amelia Auction, with an estimated price of $6.5 to $8.5 million. The sale — featuring 150 collector cars ranging from pre-war American and European classics to motorsport icons and modern supercars — will take place on 7–8 March at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, Florida.
