After winning Le Mans twice in three years with the C-Type, Jaguar realized that to remain competitive for 1954 a new car would need to be developed. Its alphabetical successor, the D-Type, did just that, winning the grueling race three years running in 1955, 1956, and 1957. A limited-production race car, today the D-Type is one of the most desirable models among Jaguar enthusiasts, which has led to staggering values.

A drivable, enjoyable, and cost-effective alternative is the wonderful D-Type re-creation offered here, produced by the Tempero Coach & Motor Company of New Zealand, a respected world-class manufacturer of re-creation sports cars using the time-honored coachbuilding techniques and old-world craftsmanship that Kiwis are known for. This example was ordered in 1990 by Fine Sports Cars, a dealership which specializes in selling high-quality re-creations of various iconic sports cars. This was the first of 24 ordered by the company.

The D-Type by Tempero features a stunning hand-built aluminum body, accurately re-creating the beautiful curves of Jaguar’s original D-Type. It is appropriately finished in the iconic shade of British Racing Green. The bodywork is laid over an impressive proprietary chassis, again constructed by Tempero. The car is powered by a 4.2-liter XK twin-cam six with triple 44 mm Weber carburetors. The engine is paired to a four-speed manual gearbox with overdrive. The interior is trimmed in black leather including the console, with the aluminum floor and doors left untrimmed. The cockpit is equipped with Smiths instrumentation, a thick wood-rimmed steering wheel, and Securon seat belts.

Exterior features include leather bonnet straps, a custom driver’s windshield, and side exit exhaust. A removable body panel covers the passenger compartment while racing, providing better aerodynamics at high speeds. Blank roundels at the front, passenger side, and rear of the car offer the perfect space to don a racing number. The Jaguar rides on Blockley 205/70VR15 radial tires mounted on Dunlop-style “knock-off” wheels. A full spare is strapped into its own special compartment at the aft of the vehicle.

Jaguars given the Tempero touch have become sought after among collectors as a cost-effective alternative to the real thing. The high-quality craftsmanship will have onlookers doing double takes, as the Tempero D-Types are the perfect homage to Jaguar’s legendary 1950s racing car.