By Dean Larson

You’ll need some extra deep pockets if you’re after one of the 71 original D-Types; these car rarely come up for sale, and you’ll have to spend anywhere from $2 million to $20 million to get one. For us mere mortals, a handful of replica companies supply D-Type kits for around $30,000 and complete aluminum replicas can be found for around $100,000. If you’re not keen on building one from the ground up, or if you’re looking to save a few pennies, this fiberglass replica on Craigslist could be the ticket.

We weren’t able to find a manufacturer name in the seller’s listing, or through any crafty image zooming, but this does seem to be a quality build with some nice Jaguar components. The seller cites that Jaguar running gear was used in the build, including a transmission from an XK-E. Under the hood, you’ll find a Jaguar 3.8-liter engine with three side-draft carburetors. Aside from the dry sump system and legal racing modifications, this is the same basic engine that powered the original D-Types with similar carburation. The car also rides on correct Dunlop wheels, essential for any D-Type replica.

For the advertised price, you can infer the bodywork is fiberglass, as you’d have to put up another $40,000 for an aluminum car in the same condition. However, the bodywork presents quite well with adequate panel gaps, louvers and imitation rivets built in. The body was built in the long-nose configuration, which adds an extra 7 1/2 inches to the nose and increased its top speed in ’55. The headrest fairing increased stability at high speeds thanks to its dramatic surface area.

The Jag is being listed by a dealer called Central Classic Cars with a $39,900 asking price. If you compare that to a precious few comparable D-Type replicas, you’ll find the price to be realistic, but a bit high. The car will need some finishing including all the plumbing and electrical and a bit of interior work. We couldn’t help but notice that there also isn’t a shifter sticking up through the transmission tunnel. With all that in mind, you’d probably have to negotiate $9,900 or more off the asking price to get a decent deal on the D-Type. However, with all the original Jaguar bits and the amount of work already completed, this cat could be worth pursuing.

See the seller’s ad here on Toledo Craigslist.