Legendary Jaguar D-Type to Return to Le Mans

Topics:  Jaguar D-Type

Anthony Fontanelle
May 28, 2007

In 1957, Jaguar cemented their name in the history of the world’s most famous endurance race - the 24 Hours of Le Mans. During the Le Mans at the said year, Jaguar cars won five out of the six top spots with the revolutionary D-Type.

Recently, it was announced that the top two Jaguars of that infamous year will be on hand at next month’s Le Mans. This time, the D-Types will not be battling with other cars but will be there to celebrate the fiftieth year of winning the first, second, third, fourth, and sixth spot in the famous race. It will be the first time that these cars will be back on French soil after their legendary performance in 1957.

Owners of the top two Jaguar finishers of the 1957 Le Mans, Evert Louwman and Sir Anthony Bamford has permitted their cars to be used during the opening ceremony of the Le Mans. This reunion will also be the first for these two cars since 1957. Aside from these two cars, other similar cars from the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust and those owned by Dick Skipworth will also be present during the opening ceremony of the endurance race. This is made possible by Michael Quinn - grandson of Sir William Lyons, founder of Jaguar. Mr. Quinn has this to say about bringing the wining Jaguars back to Le Mans: “The 1957 victory for Jaguar was such a landmark at Le Mans that we were determined that the 50tth anniversary of it should be properly celebrated. It was, after all, a major British triumph and a great achievement for a relatively small manufacturer at the time. The Le Mans victories really helped put Jaguar firmly on the world map.”

Quinn also expounded on the roe of the Jaguars during the opening of the endurance race slated in June: “Now, in 2007, the Automobile Club de l'Ouest has given its permission for the 1957 D-Types to take part in the 24 Hour trophy presentation on the start-finish straight, just before this year's race begins. Additionally they will be driven around the circuit in the Motor Racing Legends Cavalcade on Saturday morning for three victory laps.”

Currently, the cars to beat at the Le Mans are either Audi with its diesel engined race car or Peugeot. These cars are known for their high power output that EBC rotors are not enough to provide maximum stopping power. Recently, the list of entrant for the 2007 Le Mans has been announced and both Audi and Peugeot are on the list obviously.

Source:  Amazines.com