2009-04-14 18:21:19 | pauls writes:

According to "Jaguar D Type & XKSS" by Graham Robson car was dispatched Dec. 16, 1955. Exported to USA.

2011-11-10 14:26:10 | pauls writes:

Car was said to be at auction in '02
www.motorbase.com/auctionlot/by-id/237470591

Auction Important Historic Motor Cars, Automobilia & Watches
Bonhams, Monte Carlo, Monte Carlo
Type Car
Lot Number 331
Outcome NOT SOLD
Hammer Price -
Hammer Price (inc premium) -
Year 1956
Condition rating 1
Registration number
Mileage -
Chassis number XKD545

2011-11-27 22:53:27 | Andrew Boss writes:

Exported to USA and delivered via Hoffman to Jake Kaplan LTD in Providence, RI (Jaguar / Alfa Romeo) who had raced XK120's and C-Types through his dealership. I have some interesting photos of this car just after delivery - near the docks in Providence being broken in prior to its first race at Sebring 1956 (Jake & Russ Boss), driving to the track on a road near Sebring, during the race and right after its retirement (brake failure). Some video footage too. The car was sold by Jake right after the race to George Constantine who raced it successfully for many years.

2014-03-07 00:27:48 | pauls writes:

Car offered at:
www.fiskens.com/pages/showroom/model.aspx

Sellers description:
Jaguar D-Type
Chassis: XKD545

Chassis XKD545 was completed in 1955 as a 3.4-litre, short-nose customer-spec car and, after 300 miles of factory testing at MIRA, began a transatlantic voyage in December to the New York importer Max Hoffman. XKD545 stayed with Hoffman until it was purchased by its first owner, Jake Kaplan, in March 1956.

Wasting no time in using his example of a now-Le Mans winning car, Kaplan entered the pastel blue XKD545 at the ninth annual 12 Hours of Sebring. Brake problems limited its race to 120 of the eventual 194-lap distance, with a resulting classification of 31st. A second retirement at Montgomery with new owner George Constantine was followed by a third-place place at Thompson Raceway.

Constantine then took XKD545 to an impressive overall win at the 1956 Watkins Glen Grand Prix, securing the D-Type its rightful place in American racing history. He later scored seventh overall at the Nassau Trophy amidst a field that included the likes of Moss, Fitch and Hill, while his wife Mary also campaigned XKD545 in the Bahamas Week Ladies Race.

At this point XKD545 was retired from top-level race meetings and given a sabbatical from motorsport until September 1957. When Constantine sold the car in 1958 it began a life of recreational use while also successfully competing at club events. Active in every decade since, its recent outings have shown XKD545 to be one of the fastest surviving D-Types.

With a colourful period history and offered in a remarkably race-ready condition, XKD545 represents a fantastic opportunity to join the exclusive club of D-Type owners.

2016-08-31 12:13:28 | RLT writes:

XKD545 raced in the International Formula Libre Grand Prix at Watkins Glen, 18 October 1959. Entrant Joe Grimaldi. Driver Bruce Boyle, spun Lap 15 at clubhouse turn, finished 12th overall.

2016-08-31 12:41:48 | RLT writes:

Another report says Boyle spun on Lap 21 (see above). Bruce Boyle listed as from Ridgewood, New Jersey.
Headline: "Moss Takes Watkins Glen Road Race As Rain, Snow, Sleet Slow Drivers."

2016-09-01 00:11:19 | terry mcgrath writes:

my belief that the car driven by Grimaldi was XKD523 ?
What are the sources of the info you have posted


XKD523 history
27 June 1958, Watkins Glen, raced by William Kinchloe, race number 53, did not finish.
The car was also reputed to have been driven by George Constantine, but this is probably a confusion with XKD 545. Next, Joe Grimaldi fitted a Buick V8 engine, and had to cut the chassis to allow this engine to be fitted. Grimaldi and Bruce Boyle raced the car as follows:
5 July 1959, Meadowdale, Boyle, tenth.
25 July, Lime Rock, Boyle and Grimaldi, did not finish.
6 September, Meadowdale, Boyle, race number 49, not placed.
18 October, Watkins Glen, Formula Libre race, Boyle and Grimaldi, race number 9, twelfth. 27 August 1960, SCCA Bridgehampton, Grimaldi, not placed.

2018-05-27 12:40:06 | Keith Dahill writes:

I have a !960s Motor Sport magazine where this car is advertised for sale with a picture and the price was £2,750 !! Isn't hindsight a wonderful thing ! If the present owner sees this I will send it to him .

2020-11-07 19:26:48 | rr writes:

XKD 545 is pastel blue again and now offered by Jarrah Venables:

www.jarrahvenables.com/jaguardtype

www.classicdriver.com/en/car/jaguar/d-type/1955/788777