This article by Graeme Soden, appeared in the August 2026 edition of Jaguar Torque.

It all started in 1975 following the Tasman Bridge disaster, that JCCT. founding member, Chris. Riches, moved from Opossum Bay, South Arm, to Blackmans Bay.

In collaboration with another founding member, Dave. Dungey, it was decided to build a Jag. ‘D’ type special. Thought was given as to how it could be funded and to this end, a basket case XK 120 was bought to restore and sell and put the money into the build of the ‘D’ type. A MK7 was also bought as a source of spares for both projects.

The 120 was completed, see pic. and sold to Greg Waddle from Evandale, northern Tas..

The ‘D’ type started with a set of body plans being supplied by the Jaguar factory and the mould started, timber frame, bird wire and plaster over.

Dave, using his engineering background, designed the chassis and suspension.

The car was built with and still has, a Jag. differential, Moss gearbox, although now with close ratio straight cut gears inside the original case and a MK 9 3.8 litre motor.

Fibreglass moulds and body were produced and fitted by the pair, as well as all mechanical rebuilds, wiring, painting and plumbing. The build was finished with Marie Dungey completed the upholstery.

Dave had, for some time wanted to get into motor sport and to afford this, it was a must to build a car, as opposed to purchasing one.

Dave bought Chris’ share of the car and as well as displaying it at club events, campaigned it at Tasmanian circuits, with some success and also entered it in club events on the mainland.

Dave sold the car to John Watson in 1987 to make way for the new project, the CFB.

The car has changed hands a few times and has had repairs and restorations, both bodily and mechanical over the years, but is still essentially the same components as built and assembled. It is cared for by the current owner/custodian, John Dunning, who bought the car in 1998 and races it whenever the opportunity arises.

At one stage of its life, the car was stripped and sent to a workshop for repairs, however, due to circumstances unknown/forgotten, the owner of the garage left, or was unable to continue and the workshop had to be cleared out. Nobody seemed to know what this chassis with mechanicals was and it was due to be dumped. Luckily however, some clever person realised what it was and the owner contacted. So, luckily, it survives.

Tas can again be proud of another home grown special, now with racing pedigree.

(Click images to enlarge…)