In the post WWII racing era, Jaguar took chances that now seem obvious. One of which was to build a car based on airplane designs and technologies — you do want the thing to fly, no? The D-Type was inspired by Alfa Romeo's Disco Volante (flying saucer) concept of 1952, but incorporated an aircraft-like central monocoque chassis and low aerodynamic drag — lessons Jaguar learned as an aircraft contractor during the war. The speedster lost LeMans in its first outing in 1954, but went on to win the next three years.
The Supersonic Jaguar [European Car]
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