1967 RAM D-Type Replica

Taking its identity from a 1967 Jaguar 420G saloon, this homage to the legendary D Type has followed the well-trodden and respected path of pairing a RAM (later Realm) fibre-glass body with a Reynard Racing chassis and a Jaguar engine, gearbox and (mostly) mechanicals.

The vendor, who had already built a couple of E Types, saw the car advertised as a kit in 1994. 

He and a Jaguar mechanic then set about building the car at his house. 

The car is powered by Jaguar 420G 4.2-litre engine with triple 2” SU carbs and equipped with an all-synchro 4-speed manual Jaguar MKII gearbox with overdrive (although the overdrive stopped working some time ago).

The car has a 3.07 axle, a fitted roll bar, stainless steel exhaust, Le Mans 24 Hour headlights and four-point harnesses. 

It was built with brand new brake callipers (4 pot at the front) and discs, coil-over suspension, new steering, a fully aluminium-clad engine bay and bonnet, an efficient heater, new U/Js, wheel-bearings and trunion bearings, and the correct Hardura interior trim.

As the odometer was re-zeroed when the (correct) instruments were overhauled 30 years ago, the 1,800 miles showing today is a record of the car’s total mileage since it metamorphosed into a D Type replica. 

The vendor, who is only selling because he doesn’t get to use it enough and has a garage full of other bits of automotive exotica and ephemera, tells us that it’s afforded him a great deal of fun over the years and, on one occasion, even turned a wheel in spirited competition at Castle Combe. 

The ‘Long Nose’ bodywork is pretty straight and true, and the car looks balanced, well-proportioned, purposeful and poised.

There are no dimples, dinks or dents of any note anywhere that we can see and, of course, corrosion hasn’t reared its ugly head anywhere on the fibre-glass body. 

For the most part, the blue paintwork has retained plenty of shine and lustre.

The ‘knock-off’ wheels look good and the cars various external fixtures and fittings have endured the passage of time with commendable stoicism and fortitude, save for the odd spot of foxing on one or two chrome parts.

It’s safe to say that, from a couple of metres away, the car really does present very well. 

Get a little closer and you’ll see that it’s starting to show its age here and there.

A patch of bodywork on the o/s/f wing has a slightly lumpy, ripply look and feel to it.

The bodywork panel immediately behind the driver’s scissor door is loose and not properly affixed at the top. It also has a small split in it and some missing rubber seal where it meets the side window.

The lift-out access hatch on the solid passenger-side tonneau cover is also a little loose and misaligned, but we’re confident it could be made good without too much effort or head scratching.

Talking of scratching, there’s some in evidence on top of the n/s/r wing, as well as on the bonnet and around the ‘nose’ of the car, where you’ll also find a few stone chips.

There is a starburst crack to the paint/gel-coat on the driver’s door and some scuffs and scratches underneath it.

There is a faint, semi-circular mark or crease visible across the passenger door, plus a stone chip or two.

Forget burr walnut veneers, picnic tables or softly billowing leather seat squabs. 

This isn’t that sort of Jaguar.

This is meant to look and feel like a D Type – and it does. Right down to the instruments and gauges and the Hardura trim.

The steering wheel, angled gear lever and other controls all fall to hand as they should.

As far as we know, all buttons, toggles, switches and levers do what they’re supposed to do.

The grey leather upholstery is supportive, comfortable, and untroubled by so much as a meaningful crease, let alone any kind of ingrained patina.

The boot contains a spare wheel, some tools, and a knock-off mallet. 

A black fabric tonneau cover is in a bag on the passenger seat. 

The engine and engine bay look clean, dry and well-ordered, with everything in its right and proper place.

So, too, do the undersides of the car, where we’ve seen nothing to make us raise an eyebrow or tut.

The vendor tells us that the car is very well sorted mechanically and everything does what it’s supposed to do, with the obvious exception of the overdrive on the gearbox.

He also tells us that the handbrake is a little anaemic in its grip.

The car has covered only 1,800 miles since assuming the lovely guise of a D Type, so its history doesn’t really amount to very much.

There are a few spec sheets, bills and parts lists attesting to what it is, how it was constructed and how much it cost.

The vendor, who knows his way around a spanner and a torque wrench, has carried out all routine servicing and maintenance himself.

He says it would probably thank its next owner for a service and once-over before being used in anger again. 

It comes with a V5 and a recent, clear HPI report.

After half a day behind the wheel of a RAM (Realm) D Type, Sir Jack Brabham was heard to say, "That's a damn sight better than the original". 

High praise indeed.

This one has the look and feel of a car that’s been properly built by people who knew what they were doing.

One or two largely cosmetic issues aside, this hugely evocative homage to the 1950’s legend no doubt has many years of joyful, old-school motoring fun to offer its next owner.

We’re confident to offer this fine car for auction with an estimate of £15,000 - £20,000. 

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am- 12pm or 2pm-4pm. To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.