Classic 1950s Jaguar D-Type sold by young car dealer Bernie Ecclestone set to sell for £9MILLION
Ex-F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone sold the iconic D-Type when he was a car dealer in the mid-fifties and it's now worth a fortune
A CLASSIC Jag sold by Bernie Ecclestone in the 1950s is going under the hammer with a £9million price tag.
Ex-F1 supremo Bernie was a young car dealer in his mid-20s when he shifted the 170mph D-Type for just £3,500.
It helped Bernie upgrade from his Warren Street office in central London to become the legendary motorsport mogul.
The D-Type is now one of the world's most sought-after classic cars thanks to its looks, rarity and performance - just 25 were ever made for the UK.
This red sportscar - one of just two produced in the bold colour - was shipped direct to Henlys of Manchester dealer from the Coventry production line in December 1955.
But after they struggled to sell it, future billionaire Bernie took it off their hands and quickly sold it onto amateur racer Peter Blond.
Blond, who had owned a number of high-end Jaguars, described the D-Type as the best car he ever owned, racing it at events across Europe.
Inspired by the latest advances in aircraft technology, the D-Type featured a high-strength alloy monocoque chassis. With a 3.4-litre engine developing more than 250bhp, it was capable of a staggering 170mph-plus.
Peter Blond raced the Jaguar 12 times, finishing fifth at the Aintree 100, picking up a top ten finish in the Goodwood Trophy, and winning the Snetterton National Race.
Over the next 20 years, the D-Type - known as CKD 518 - had a number of British owners including Peter Grant, the Led Zeppelin manager.
More recently, it has been based across the Atlantic and its US owner, who bought it a decade ago, is now set to make a fortune when the car is sold.
A spokesman for the Gooding & Co auction house said: "XKD 518 possesses an impressive competition history, including many successful outings at British events, and an unbroken provenance that counts noted racing drivers and collectors among its former owners.
"It has been thoroughly documented by leading Jaguar historians and features prominently in the most important books on the marque and model.
"Its distinctive original livery and superb reputation will always distinguish this car from its brethren, whether on the road, track, or concours field.
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"Very few examples possess the outstanding qualities of this car, which has been an object of desire since Peter Blond first spotted it in London in 1956.
"For the true collector - one who has a deep appreciation for extraordinary automobiles and the fascinating lives they have led - this D-Type is a unique prize."
Gooding & Co will sell the D-Type in Arizona, US, over the weekend of January 19.
