This is Jaguar D-type XKD 605, except it isn’t, it is the Amalgam Collection’s latest 1:18 model. Measuring 8in (22cm) long and costing £895 GBP (€,105 EUR / $1210), it is an extraordinarily detailed scale replica of the car precisely how Duncan Hamilton and Ivor ‘the driver’ Bueb piloted it to victory in the 12 Hours of Reims at Reims Gueux on 30 June 1956.
The works long-nose XKD 605 was also driven at Le Mans, by Bueb and Mike Hawthorn, but was plagued by a misfire and finished only sixth despite setting the fastest lap. After its life at Jaguar it was sold to American playboy sportsman Briggs Cunningham and competed across the US and at Sebring (again with Hawthorn/Bueb). It came back tothe UK in 1961, although it did have a lengthy spell in an Italian museum.
Some 800 man-hours went into developing the Amalgam model based on a digital scan of the car – and Amalgam’s own 4000-hour 1:8 scale D-type project – with the creation of master patterns and moulds, 3D printing and finishing. Each British Racing Green example will hand-finished and assembled.
Amalgam founder Sandy Copeman said: ‘We are truly delighted to have the opportunity to create a reference level model at 1:18 scale of one of the most iconic racing cars of all time. The D-type remains an incredible example of British engineering in the post-war period, not only winning three times at Le Mans but becoming the road-going XKSS and inspiring one of the most famous cars of all time in the legendary E-type.’
