The Jaguar in question, XKD 518, is one of approximately 24 production D-Types delivered in the UK. XKD 518 was completed in December 1955 and dispatched to Jaguar-Rover dealer Henlys of Manchester.
Henlys, however, had difficulty finding a buyer for the new sports car and disposed of it through the trade, selling it to none other than Bernie Ecclestone. At the time Ecclestone was in his mid-twenties, working from Warren Street in London, and saw an opportunity to take delivery of an icon at an immensely reasonable price.
Using his keen eye for a deal and business acumen Bernie quickly sold the car on for a price of £3,500 (£110,000 in today's money) to amateur racer Peter Blond, a famed Jaguar enthusiast and racer. When famed historian Anthony Pritchard asked about the car Blond remarked:
"It was early 1956 that I was struck by the sight of this amazing red D-Type and the young man called Bernard Ecclestone, who had a small office there, a sort of box with a secretary in it. It was already registered KDB 100 when I bought it. It was brand new and was offered to me for £3,500, which was not a bad price as Brian Naylor in Stockport was offering one for £3,750 at about the same time."
Peter Blond went on to race XKD 518 about a dozen times through mid-1957, with highlights including a 5th Overall at the Aintree 100, a top 10 finish in the Goodwood Trophy, and a win at the Snetterton National Race. Following the sale by Blond XKD 518 had many homes under various different owners. You can read more about this red rarity on the Gooding & Co. website HERE.
