1954 Jaguar D-Type ‘OKV 2’ Going To Auction

Picture of By Rob Harvey
By Rob Harvey

Broad Arrow Auctions has a very impressive lineup at its upcoming Amelia Auction this March. One of the most attention-grabbing lots is the 1954 Jaguar D-Type Works Competition Car, chassis XKD 403, better known by its Works plate, ‘OKV 2.’

Expected to sell for somewhere between $6.5 million and $8.5 million (approximately £5.2 million to £6.8 million) when it goes up for sale at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, as part of The Amelia Concours d’Elegance.

The D-Type is one of the most significant racing cars ever created, with its aircraft-inspired design and game-changing aerodynamics. Built to break records, this model helped Jaguar secure three consecutive Le Mans victories. Among the very first D-Types constructed, ‘OKV 2’ led Jaguar’s 1954 campaign at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, piloted by Stirling Moss and Peter Walker. Although brake issues ended its Le Mans run prematurely, the car went on to race in some of Europe’s top-tier competitions between 1954 and 1958, earning its place as one of the most raced Works D-Type.


Incredible List Of Drivers

Stirling Moss, Peter Walker, Tony Rolt, Peter Whitehead, Mike Hawthorne, Ivor Bueb, Ninian Sanderson, and Norman Dewis, are just some of the legendary drivers who took the wheel of this iconic vehicle. After its initial stint with Jaguar, it was sold in 1955 and continued to make headlines under the ownership of Jack Broadhead and driver Bob Berry, who delivered numerous podium finishes. Following a crash at Dundrod, the car was rebuilt with updated specifications, extending its competitive career into 1959.

By the 1960s, the D-Type began a new chapter with a series of gentleman racers, eventually undergoing restoration in the late 1970s with Lynx Engineering. Jaguar expert Terry Larson acquired the car in 1999, driving it at events such as the Goodwood Revival and historic rallies like the Colorado Grand. Under Larson’s stewardship, it also reunited with Jaguar test driver Norman Dewis after 45 years during the Monterey Historics.


Recent History

The car’s current owner has continued to honour its racing history. It has participated in additional historic events, including the Le Mans Classic and a memorable reunion with Stirling Moss in 2011. The car remains in incredible condition, with extensive documentation of its racing history, period photographs, and original testing paperwork.

A Star-Studded Auction Lineup

The 1954 Jaguar D-Type ‘OKV 2’ will be among several special cars at Broad Arrow’s Amelia Auction, taking place on March 7th and 8th, 2025. Others include a 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider Competizione, a 1960 Chevrolet Corvette Camoradi Factory Race Car, a 1975 Lancia Stratos HF Stradale, and a 1959 AC Ace Bristol.

For more information about the auction or to register as a bidder, visit broadarrowauctions.com

Previously Meeting It’s Sister

A few years ago, Nick met OKV 2’s sister – OKV 3 (XKC404) at the Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace following its ground up restoration by the team at DK Engineering. OKV 3 would take over the run at Le Mans in 1954 Le Mans from OKV 2 for the Jaguar factory team but also holds the distinction of being the first D-Type to win in competition at the 1954 Reims 12-hours.


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