April 2014 marks 60 years since the D-type first thundered into the world, wining the Le Mans 24hr 3 years running, and countless other achievements not only for Jaguar but the automotive world. Taking the success of Malcolm’s work on the C-type, the D-type refined the aerodynamics as well as bringing innovative disc brakes into the racing world.

The posters together

The posters together

We’re delighted to have been involved in the celebrations – there is a display running in the Jaguar Heritage area of the Heritage Motor Centre until the end of September, with more plans in the pipeline.

The showpiece for us is the Malcolm Sayer cabinet, curated by Faye at Jaguar Heritage with donations from us in the form of two of Malcolm’s paintings of some Warwickshire landmarks, as well as a book documenting his notes in production testing of the D-type. Kate Sayer’s cousin Nick Morgan has also loaned some scale models that Malcolm worked – notably an XJ13 with alternative hoods, a toy racing car Malcolm made for his nephew and a concept car that bears a striking resemblance to the XJ220 – though some 20 years earlier.

Malcolm's D-type notebook

Malcolm’s D-type notebook

One of Malcolm's paintings and the XJ13 model

One of Malcolm’s paintings and the XJ13 model

We were also approached to help with the display itself – Sam Sayer designed the 60 monogram as well as the ’60 facts’ posters surrounding the area.

60th monogram designed by Sam Sayer

60th monogram designed by Sam Sayer

Two of the 60 facts posters designed by Sam

Two of the 60 facts posters designed by Sam

We encourage you to visit the display and take a look round the Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon – it’s a great day out for the family with lots of amazing cars from Britain’s history and interactive displays for the kids.

Huge thanks to Faye Mcleod and the team at Jaguar Heritage for their support and their invite to be in involved, it’s wonderful!