388: The Little Red D-Type and a Ringbrothers Masterpiece
About this episode
A recap of the recent Audrey and Concorde Elegance event highlights the unique story of a rare Jaguar D-Type, XKD 522, which was the first of its kind on the West Coast. Jeremy McChesney shares its fascinating history, including its dual life as a show and race car, and its connection to racing legends like Carroll Shelby. The episode also features insights into a stunning custom Aston Martin built by Ringbrothers, showcasing innovative design and engineering, including a supercharged Coyote engine and all-carbon body panels.
This week, I'm back on the Monterey Peninsula for two of the most spectacular automotive events on earth—Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering. I review one of the most talked-about cars on social media: the Jaguar XKD, known as the "Little Red D-Type" on Instagram—a car whose restoration and racing pedigree stopped enthusiasts in their tracks. Then we shift gears to the Ringbrothers' jaw-dropping Aston Martin build revealed at The Quail, a fusion of British elegance and American engineering audacity. From the soft morning light on the Pebble lawn to the roar of bespoke V12s at The Quail, this episode captures the artistry, innovation, and passion that define Monterey Car Week. You can learn more at:
The Little Red D-Type: https://www.instagram.com/xkd_522/?hl=en
RingBrothers: https://www.ringbrothers.com/
🎧 Tune in for insights, stories, and behind-the-scenes moments from the most exclusive events in the collector car world.
#PebbleBeachConcours #TheQuail #JaguarDType #LittleRedDType #Ringbrothers #AstonMartin #MontereyCarWeek #CollectorCars #TheCollectorCarPodcast #CarCulture
This episode is sponsored by our friends at California Car Cover — my go-to source for custom-fit car covers and detailing gear. They've protected both my '66 GTO and Porsche Boxster S, and I trust them to keep your collector car safe, too.
A special thank you to our new sponsor, Discover Once, curators of one-of-a-kind automotive adventures you'll never experience twice. Learn more at discoveronce.com/muscle.
And as always, huge thanks to RM Sotheby's for their continual support and for making so many of these automotive dreams possible.
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Join RM Sotheby's Car Specialist Greg Stanley as he brings over 25 years of experience and keen market analysis to the world of collector cars. Each week, Greg dives into market trends, interviews industry experts, and shares insights—with a little fun along the way. New episodes drop every Thursday and are available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Learn more at www.TheCollectorCarPodcast.com or email Greg at [email protected].
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RM Sotheby's
"RM Sotheby's is the world's largest collector car auction house by total sales. They are the preeminent market maker of high quality collector cars and collections..."
RM Sotheby's is a company that sells rare cars at auctions. They are the biggest in the world and help people buy and sell valuable collector cars.
RM Sotheby's is the world's largest collector car auction house, known for its high-value sales and extensive network. They specialize in auctioning rare and classic cars, making them a key player in the collector car market.
collector car auction
"RM Sotheby's is the world's largest collector car auction house by total sales. They are the preeminent market maker of high quality collector cars and collections..."
A collector car auction is a place where people can buy and sell special cars that are worth a lot of money. It's like an event where bidders compete to own these unique cars.
A collector car auction is an event where rare and valuable cars are sold to the highest bidder. These auctions attract enthusiasts and collectors looking to purchase unique vehicles, often with significant historical or monetary value.
Le Mans
"...the first D type to come to the west coast of the United States in..."
Le Mans is a famous car race that lasts for 24 hours. Cars race around a track, and the goal is to drive the farthest distance in that time. It's a big deal in the racing world.
Le Mans refers to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, an iconic endurance race held annually in France. It is one of the most prestigious automobile races in the world, where teams compete to cover the greatest distance in 24 hours, testing both speed and durability of the cars.
LA Auto Show
"...take it to the LA auto show, which was also happening at the same time..."
The LA Auto Show is a big event in Los Angeles where car companies show off their latest cars and designs to the public.
The LA Auto Show is an annual automotive event held in Los Angeles, showcasing new car models, concepts, and innovations from various manufacturers.
livery
"...Carol Shelby drove the car on December 4th, 1955 in this livery that you see here..."
Livery is the special paint job and designs on a race car that show off sponsors or teams. It makes the car look unique and helps people recognize it.
Livery refers to the specific design, colors, and graphics applied to a vehicle, often used in racing to represent sponsors or teams.
air box
"...polished that would have been left raw aluminum on normal D types such as the air box and the valve covers..."
An air box is a part of the car that helps bring air into the engine. It usually has a filter to keep dirt out, and in fast cars, it's designed to help the engine get more air for better power.
An air box is a component that houses the air filter and directs air into the engine. In performance cars, it is designed to optimize airflow for better engine performance.
valve covers
"...polished that would have been left raw aluminum on normal D types such as the air box and the valve covers..."
Valve covers are parts on top of the engine that keep oil inside and protect the engine's moving parts. They help the engine run smoothly by preventing leaks.
Valve covers are protective covers that sit on top of the engine's cylinder head. They protect the engine's internal components and help keep oil contained within the engine.
show car
"...because it was an auto show car Sir William Lyons the owner of Jaguar wanted the concentration to be on the engine..."
A show car is a car made to look really good for display at events. It's not usually meant for racing but is often very shiny and has special features to impress people.
A show car is a vehicle that is built or modified primarily for display purposes rather than for performance or racing. These cars often feature high levels of customization and polish to attract attention at auto shows.
Jaguar Mark VII
"The car sat on a turntable and sold a lot of xk 140s and mark 7s at the time"
The Jaguar Mark VII is a luxury car made by Jaguar from 1950 to 1956. It's known for being comfortable and spacious inside.
The Jaguar Mark VII is a luxury saloon car produced by Jaguar from 1950 to 1956. It is known for its spacious interior and smooth ride, making it popular among the wealthy.
Jaguar XK140
"The car sat on a turntable and sold a lot of xk 140s and mark 7s at the time"
The Jaguar XK140 is a vintage sports car made by Jaguar between 1954 and 1957. It's famous for its stylish look and good speed.
The Jaguar XK140 is a classic British sports car produced from 1954 to 1957. It is known for its elegant design and performance, featuring a 3.4-liter inline-six engine.
rear torsion bar
"Rear torsion bar was what we called dead. It didn't have the spring to it that it needed"
A rear torsion bar is a part of a car's suspension that helps keep the ride smooth. If it's not working, the car can handle badly.
A rear torsion bar is a component of a vehicle's suspension system that helps absorb shocks and maintain stability. If it is 'dead,' it means it is not functioning properly, leading to poor handling.
DNF
"Nacho was having the same problem with the car and so he DNF the car in the first race"
DNF means 'Did Not Finish.' It's used in racing when a car can't finish the race because of problems.
DNF stands for 'Did Not Finish,' a term used in racing to indicate that a driver was unable to complete the race due to mechanical failure or other issues.
Jaguar Dtype
"Nacho was having the same problem with the car and so he DNF the car in the first race and that was Really harpooned in the press so a lot of people said the D-type does well in Europe. It doesn't do well here Let's wait and see what happens at the Torrey Pines race"
The Jaguar D-Type is a classic race car from the 1950s that was famous for winning big races like the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It's known for its cool shape and advanced features for its time, but some people have had trouble with it in races, which is why it gets talked about a lot.
The Jaguar D-Type is a legendary sports car that was produced in the 1950s, primarily known for its success in endurance racing, particularly at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Its unique design features, including a distinctive aerodynamic shape and innovative technology, made it a significant competitor in its time. The D-Type is often discussed for its racing heritage and the challenges faced by teams during its competitive years.
Torrey Pines race
"Let's wait and see what happens at the Torrey Pines race... In California that race went very well"
The Torrey Pines race is a car racing event that takes place in California. It's known for being a beautiful location and features many classic cars competing against each other.
The Torrey Pines race refers to a motorsport event held at Torrey Pines, California, known for its scenic coastal views and challenging course. This event is significant in the racing community and often attracts various classic and vintage cars.
Jaguar XK
"And they did that by taking this engine the XK engine and they tip that eight degrees to the side"
The Jaguar XK is a type of sports car made by Jaguar. It has a powerful engine that makes it fast and fun to drive.
The Jaguar XK refers to a series of sports cars produced by Jaguar, known for their performance and design. The XK engine is particularly noted for its smooth operation and power.
carburetor
"the engine is cantered over at eight degrees carburetor sit at this angle and that was to reduce frontal area"
A carburetor is a part of a car engine that helps mix air and fuel so the engine can run properly. It's important for making the car go fast.
A carburetor is a device in an internal combustion engine that mixes air with a fine spray of liquid fuel. It plays a crucial role in the engine's performance and efficiency.
Pontiac Gto
"...Cheers. Your car deserves the best That's why my Pontiac GTO and Porsche Boxer s are wrapped in California car..."
Porsche Boxer
"That's why my Pontiac GTO and Porsche Boxer s are wrapped in California car covers since 1989"
The Porsche Boxster S is a sporty convertible car that is fun to drive. It has a powerful engine and is designed for performance and style.
The Porsche Boxster S is a mid-engine roadster that combines performance with open-top driving. It is known for its agile handling and sporty design, making it a popular choice among driving enthusiasts.
California Car Cover
"They've been family owned and focused on quality offering more than 100,000 patterns plus fully custom options"
California Car Cover is a company that makes protective covers for cars. Their covers help keep cars safe from dust and damage when not in use.
California Car Cover is a company that specializes in high-quality car covers designed to protect vehicles from dust, dirt, and other environmental factors. They offer a wide range of custom-fit covers for various car models.
supercharger
"It's a coyote supercharged Herob supercharger a Wagner motorsports five-liter coyote gen 2"
A supercharger is a part that helps the engine get more air, which means it can burn more fuel and produce more power. It's like giving the engine a boost.
A supercharger is a device that forces more air into the engine's combustion chamber, allowing for more fuel to be burned and thus increasing power output. It is driven by the engine's crankshaft, providing immediate power boost.
Coyote 5.0L
"a Wagner motorsports five-liter coyote gen 2"
The Coyote 5.0L is a powerful V8 engine made by Ford. It's used in cars like the Mustang and is known for being strong and fast.
The Coyote 5.0L is a V8 engine produced by Ford, known for its performance and efficiency. It is commonly found in the Ford Mustang and F-150, and has gained popularity for its power output and tuning potential.
Gen-Tex
"But tell us Gen-Tex is a big partner of ours. They do all like OEM... Probably everybody we're seeing now as Gen-Tex mirrors on"
Gen-Tex is a company that makes mirrors for cars. They provide parts that are used in many new vehicles, so they are trusted by car makers.
Gen-Tex is a company that specializes in manufacturing automotive mirrors and other components. They are known for providing OEM parts to various car manufacturers, ensuring quality and compatibility with original designs.
OEM
"But tell us Gen-Tex is a big partner of ours. They do all like OEM... Probably everybody we're seeing now as Gen-Tex mirrors on"
OEM means the original parts made by the company that built your car. They are the same parts that were used when the car was first made.
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer, referring to companies that produce parts that are used in the original assembly of a vehicle. These parts are typically made to the same specifications as the original components that came with the car.
torque tube
"So what is the transmission in this car it's a Tremac with a torque tube and a transaxle in it okay car scale"
A torque tube is a part that connects the engine's power to the wheels, helping the car move. It also makes the car stronger and lighter.
A torque tube is a structural component that connects the transmission to the rear axle in some vehicles, particularly in mid-engine cars. It helps to transmit power while maintaining rigidity and reducing weight.
transaxle
"So what is the transmission in this car it's a Tremac with a torque tube and a transaxle in it okay car scale"
A transaxle combines the parts that help a car move forward, including the gears and the axles, into one piece. This helps with how the car handles and balances.
A transaxle is a type of transmission that integrates the transmission, axle, and differential into a single unit. This design is commonly used in sports cars to improve weight distribution and handling.
Tremec
"So what is the transmission in this car it's a Tremac with a torque tube and a transaxle in it okay car scale"
Tremec is a company that makes special gear systems for cars, helping them shift gears smoothly and handle high power.
Tremec is a brand known for manufacturing high-performance manual transmissions, often used in sports and performance cars. Their designs focus on durability and smooth shifting.
six-speed
"It's heavy. It's 4200 six speed six speed."
A six-speed transmission means the car has six different gears to choose from, helping it go faster or save fuel depending on how you drive.
A six-speed transmission allows the driver to choose from six different gear ratios, which can improve performance and fuel efficiency by optimizing engine power for various speeds.
exhaust
"Man tell me about the exhaust down there. We machined all that just you machined all that"
The exhaust is the part of the car that lets out the gases produced by the engine. A custom exhaust can make the car sound different and perform better.
The exhaust system is crucial for directing exhaust gases away from the engine and can significantly affect a vehicle's performance and sound. Custom exhausts can enhance both the aesthetics and the acoustic profile of a car.
stainless steel
"Yeah, so we machined this out of a stainless and then we put carbon in between the other end of the stainless"
Stainless steel is a type of metal that doesn't rust easily, making it a good choice for parts of the car that get hot and wet, like the exhaust.
Stainless steel is a popular material for exhaust systems due to its resistance to corrosion and high temperatures. It helps in maintaining the durability and performance of the exhaust system over time.
body panels
"Okay, once we got the The body panels. Yeah So It is every single body panel is carbon. Yeah"
Body panels are the outer parts of a car, like the doors and hood. They can be made from different materials, and here they are made from a strong and light material called carbon fiber.
Body panels are the exterior components of a vehicle that form its shape and structure, including parts like doors, hoods, and fenders. In this context, they are made of carbon fiber, which is known for being lightweight and strong.
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