Jaguar D-type - The autobiography of XKD 504

Classic Edition signed by Philip Porter & Chas Parker

The story of one of the most historically interesting of all Jaguar D-types – a car that has raced more than any other D-type.

The long and varied life of XKD 504 is recounted in full, from its role as a works car used extensively for testing fuel injection, to two seasons of racing throughout Europe with Ecurie Ecosse, to four busy years of national competition in the hands of first Mike Salmon and then Peter Sutcliffe. This book provides fascinating insight into every aspect of this D-type’s history, supported by a fine collection of period photographs. Any Jaguar enthusiast will enjoy this addition to the ‘Great Cars’ series.

The third book in the Great Cars Series.

• Life as a works car, including its important testing role and two races in 1956.

• Two seasons with Ecurie Ecosse, including sixth place in the 1957 ‘Monzanapolis’, fifth place in the 1958 Goodwood Tourist Trophy and a trip to Sebring.

• In the period 1959–61 Mike Salmon raced XKD 504 45 times, culminating in victory in the Autosport Three Hours at Snetterton.

• Raced through 1962 by Peter Sutcliffe, who crashed heavily in XKD 504’s first outing of 1963.

• This D-type’s active life in historic racing is also covered, including its long period in the ownership of Neil Corner, connoisseur collector and enthusiastic historic racer.

• Nearly 300 period photographs, many previously unpublished, supported by a portfolio of specially commissioned location photography.

Specification

ISBN: 978-1-907085-25-3

The author – Chas Parker

Chas Parker swapped a career in astronomy, during which time he was press officer for the Royal Greenwich Observatory, based at Herstmonceux in East Sussex, to begin writing about his other great interest of motorsport. He spent seven years as a sub-editor on Motorsport News, often reporting on events such as the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Goodwood Revival and the Silverstone Classic. He has written 14 books, including histories of Brands Hatch and Silverstone, together with Haynes manuals about the D-type Jaguar, Bugatti Type 35 and Lola T70. He has also written books in the Porter Press International Great Cars and Exceptional Cars series about the Jaguar XK120, C-type and D-type and SS100, as well as an Enthusiast’s Guide to the Model T Ford and The Michael Turner Collection. Together with co-author Philip Porter, he was shortlisted for the 2017 RAC Motoring Book of the Year Award for Great Cars – C-type Jaguar, the autobiography of XKC 051. He lives in East Sussex with his wife Diane.

The author – Philip Porter

Marque expert and founder of the International XK Club and the E-type Club, Philip Porter has written many books over the years and his knowledge of Jaguar is extensive.

In 2005, he created Porter Press International, which is now one of the world's leading motoring publishers thanks to the amazing team with which Philip is immensely proud to work.