Legacy on the Line: 1954 Jaguar D-Type ‘OKV 2’ Set for Historic Auction
Among the pantheon of motorsport legends, few vehicles command the reverence of the 1954 Jaguar D-Type ‘OKV 2’. This pioneering sports racing car, a jewel of British engineering, is poised to captivate collectors as it heads to Broad Arrow’s 2025 Amelia Auction, set for March 7-8 at The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island. Offered without reserve, this historic competition car carries an estimated value of $6.5 to $8.5 million, a testament to its unparalleled provenance and storied racing career.
The Pinnacle of Jaguar’s Racing Heritage
The Jaguar D-Type revolutionized motorsport with its aerodynamic monocoque design, lightweight aluminum construction, and aviation-inspired engineering. Its debut at the 1954 24 Hours of Le Mans cemented Jaguar’s reputation as a force to be reckoned with on the endurance racing circuit.
‘OKV 2’—chassis no. XKD 403—was among the first trio of D-Types built for Jaguar’s all-out Le Mans campaign. Driven by the legendary Stirling Moss and Peter Walker, it set a blistering top speed of 172.97 mph down the Mulsanne Straight—an astonishing feat at the time. Although brake issues led to an early retirement, ‘OKV 2’ went on to compete in high-profile European races from 1954 to 1958, making it arguably the most actively campaigned Works D-Type in existence.
A Storied Racing Career and Unmatched Provenance
After its Le Mans debut, ‘OKV 2’ remained at the pinnacle of international motorsport, driven by racing greats such as Tony Rolt, Peter Whitehead, Mike Hawthorne, Ivor Bueb, and Norman Dewis. Its competitive history includes podium finishes at Goodwood, Aintree, and Dundrod, as well as rigorous Works testing under Jaguar’s watchful eye. The car’s evolution continued when Jaguar Works rebuilt it in 1955, upgrading it with a Works-type subframe assembly, larger roll bars, and a 1955-style front bonnet.
The D-Type eventually changed hands, passing through a distinguished line of gentleman racers and collectors. Among them was Terry Larson, a renowned Jaguar historian, who meticulously documented the car and drove it at the Goodwood Revival, Colorado Grand, and Le Mans Classic. Even more poignantly, Norman Dewis reunited with ‘OKV 2’ at the Monterey Historic Races, reuniting with the machine he helped develop decades earlier.
A Rare Opportunity for Collectors
Few cars of this caliber ever become available for acquisition. ‘OKV 2’ stands apart not only for its pedigree but also for its remarkably preserved originality and extensive documentation. As Jakob Greisen, Senior Car Specialist at Broad Arrow Auctions, notes:
“Today, ‘OKV 2’ straddles the line between race and road car perhaps better than any other. It was built as the exemplar D-Type to lead the Works team, piloted by the best-of-the-best drivers, and campaigned at some of motorsport’s most important events. It remains a versatile competitor on historic tours, rallies, and races.”
A Star Attraction at Broad Arrow’s Amelia Auction
The sale of ‘OKV 2’ adds to an already remarkable lineup at the 2025 Amelia Auction. It will share the stage with other motorsport icons, including the 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider Competizione, a 1960 Chevrolet Corvette 283/290 “Fuelie” Camoradi USA Factory Race Car, a 1975 Lancia Stratos HF Stradale, and a 1959 AC Ace Bristol with period competition history.
With its storied history, revered driver roster, and deep ties to Jaguar’s golden era of motorsport, ‘OKV 2’ represents an unmissable opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts alike. The question remains: Who will claim this legendary piece of automotive history when it crosses the block on March 8?