Jaguar began developing a replacement in 1953 for its C-type, the model that had helped cement the Coventry firm's international reputation for racing prowess with wins at Le Mans in 1951 and 1953. Under the direction of company founder William Lyons and chief engineer William Heynes, a state-of- the-art sports racing car began to form with an exciting shape that the world had never seen.
Using the latest advances in aircraft technology as inspiration, the D-type featured a high-strength alloy monocoque chassis, with load-bearing external panels and tubular subframes fore and aft. This fresh and innovative way to construct an automobile represented a radical departure from conventional automotive design; most automobile manufacturers did not implement similar technology until decades later. In addition to its revolutionary chassis, the D-type benefited from numerous other aviation-inspired features, including Dunlop disc brakes, a deformable fuel bladder, and dry sump lubrication.
Using the latest advances in aircraft technology as inspiration, the D-type featured a high-strength alloy monocoque chassis, with load-bearing external panels and tubular subframes fore and aft. This fresh and innovative way to construct an automobile represented a radical departure from conventional automotive design; most automobile manufacturers did not implement similar technology until decades later. In addition to its revolutionary chassis, the D-type benefited from numerous other aviation-inspired features, including Dunlop disc brakes, a deformable fuel bladder, and dry sump lubrication.