Amalgam Collection today unveils their most recent development at 1:18 scale: the Jaguar D-type chassis XKD 605. The 22 centimetre (8 inch) long model perfectly replicates XKD 605 as raced to a commanding victory by Duncan Hamilton and Ivor Bueb in the 12 Hours of Reims at Reims-Gueux on 30th June 1956. Each model, finished in British racing green, will be handcrafted and assembled in the workshops of Amalgam Collection, using CAD data generated from a scan of an original D-type chassis. This much sought after collectible appeals to all Jaguar and classic motorsport followers, and represents a significant win for Jaguar, Reims being the D-type’s competitive debut.
This smaller 1:18 Jaguar D-type project is a direct continuation of the previous 4000+ hours of intense research and development process Amalgam’s artisans have been through to create the 1:8 scale model, necessitating a further 800 hours of development work. Working from the same CAD data developed following a detailed digital scan of a real chassis, XKD 505/601, Amalgam’s engineers fabricated a pattern for each component of the model. The master patterns were created for each piece of the complex assembly using 3D printing and meticulous hand finishing. Moulds were then taken from each pattern and used to create a small batch of precisely engineered cast components, each one fettled and fitted to make a complete set, before painting, finishing and assembly. The first prototype model only received approval once Amalgam’s expert technical team were fully satisfied with its accuracy of representation. The stunningly detailed and precise 393 RW replica, presented in the iconic British racing green, is the beautiful result.
Sandy Copeman, Founder of Amalgam Collection, commented: “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.”
Amalgam and Jaguar Land Rover – a partnership of over a decade
The Jaguar D-type 1:18 scale model extends the deep collaboration between Amalgam and Jaguar Land Rover that stretches back over a decade to the early 2010s. The D-type becomes the third Jaguar to be modelled at 1:18 scale by the Bristol-based artisans, behind the E-type (in both Coupe and Spider forms) and the XKSS, and follows on from the 1:8 scale model’s development in 2015. Most recently, Amalgam is working with Jaguar TCS Racing to create bespoke models of the machines currently in use in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. Copeman continues: “Jaguar Land Rover’s esteemed place in motorsport history will always be assured – the sheer beauty and speed of their creations deserve to be immortalised. We’re delighted to capture these extraordinary cars at scale for Jaguar and for posterity.”
About Chassis XKD 605
Built in March 1956 as one of 12 Longnose cars, XKD 605 is the penultimate D-type and was allocated to the Jaguar Works racing team. The chassis’ most notable moment came on its competitive debut in Reims, where Duncan Hamilton and Ivor Bueb piloted the car to victory. Bueb and Mike Hawthorn raced XKD 605 at Le Mans the next month but were kept back by persistent misfiring that was eventually traced to a cracked fuel injection pipe. They finished sixth, completing 280 laps, and setting the fastest lap. The car was rebuilt after Le Mans and fitted with a five-speed gearbox. After Jaguar’s withdrawal from racing, the car was supplied as a used car to the Briggs Cunningham team. Painted in their white with blue stripes racing colours, and fitted with a new works 3.8 litre engine, XKD 605 played a part in Walt Hansgen’s second consecutive SCCA Championship for Class C modified sports cars and was driven by Mike Hawthorn and Ivor Bueb to third at Sebring. The car remained in the USA until 1961 and then returned to England, subsequently being re-painted to its original British racing green colour. It was then lent to Italy’s National Motor Museum, where it remained for almost twenty years before its return to the Jaguar factory. One of the most original D-types in preservation, XKD 605 still has the 1956 Le Mans windscreen, passenger seat and door. It proudly wears its original trade plate 393 RW, having been re-registered with the DVLA in 1996, and the race number 25 from its win at Reims.
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