note at the bottom of the top image – the extended 7.5-inch nose. i had no idea that the d-type jaguars came in 2 different versions untill i started bidding on one? right then. the shortnose D-type fetches around $3.5 million while the long nose around $8 million. that said a well documented race winning chassis just went for $21.7 million at RM sothby’s auction. 

the legendary jaguar D-type was designed by british aerodynamicist malcolm sayer. the car which won three consecutive races at the 24 hours of le mans in 1955, 1956, and 1957 came in two variations. the shortnose and the later longnose which eventually led to e-type jaguars.

jaguar introduced the “longnose” D-type in 1955 primarily for aerodynamic efficiency, specifically to achieve higher top speeds on the ultra-long mulsanne straight at le mans. the extended 7.5-inch nose reduced drag and improved stability at high speeds compared to the original 1954 “shortnose” version.

both body styles achieved victory. the short-nose D-type won the 1955 race at le mans, while the long-nose versions (extended aerodynamics) won in both 1956 and 1957… well there you have it… don’t ever get a nose job! by uh