VIN: the works Jaguar D-type prototype chassis XKC401
History of chassis XKC401
Chassis XKC401 was the first Jaguar D-type manufactured. Completed as a bare alloy prototype in April 1954, it was retained for development use and never raced.
On April 13th 1954, XKC401 was tested at the Lindley RAF base.
Another session then took place at Silverstone on May 3rd.
By May 8th, the car was in France for some pre Le Mans trials. On closed roads, Tony Rolt set a new unofficial lap record. He averaged over 115mph and exceeded 170mph down the Mulsanne Straight.
In the second week of May, XKC401 was presented to select members of the press.
This was followed by an appearance at the newly opened MIRA high speed test track on May 21st.
The car was subsequently painted British Racing Green and registered OVC 501.
Further testing then took place over the rest of 1954 and into 1955 when a de Dion rear suspension arrangement was installed (and later removed).
After its development career came to an end, chassis XKC401 was retained by Jaguar who displayed it on their stand at the Geneva Motor Show in 1958 and 1966.
Loaned for many years to the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu, the car has more recently been displayed at Jaguar’s Browns Lane factory.
Notable History
Jaguar Cars Ltd.
13/04/1954 tested at RAF Lindley
03/05/1954 tested at Silverstone
08/05/1954 tested at Le Mans
21.05/1954 tested at MIRA
Painted British Racing Green and registered OVC 501
Retained by Jaguar for development purposes
Displayed at the Geneva Motor Show in 1958 and 1966
Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: Jaguar - https://www.jaguar.com
