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	Carrera just keeps releasing classics. The latest Jaguar D-type is a model based on one that raced in the Mille Miglia in 1957, and many enthusiasts have been waiting for this one since its announcement. This 1/32nd scale model racing car has a certain flair to it, just as the race itself did.
Going back nearly 75 years ago a legendary road race, the Mille Miglia (mee-lay meel-yah) was run for the first time in Brescia, Italy. Italian for one thousand miles, the Mille Miglia covered a 1,009-mile loop through the middle of Italy's "boot" with average speeds of just 48 mph. By 1957 speeds reached almost 98 mph, perhaps not speeds we look at today as fast, but on these winding, twisting roads, it certainly was. 1957 marked the last year for this race, but thanks to 1/32nd scale racing, you can turn back the clock, and race it once more.

Just sitting in its case, this car just grabbed me. I found it very striking, almost appearing to be going 100 miles per hour just sitting there! According to prototype photos, Carrera has managed to capture this Jaguar quite nicely. Visual inspection of the car was satisfactory, with all tampo markings being crisp, clear and opaque. Body moldings were well done, complete with rivet detail, louvers, and exhaust piping.

The interior is of half-tray design, perhaps even less. The driver is shown from the armpits up, with even the steering wheel not being complete. The driver glass is well done, but does stand out. The 1:1 car had this same windshield, as prototype photos proved, and Carrera did a fair job in the rivet detail along the edge.  The wheels and tires found on my model were in great form, requiring very little sanding to achieve a true tire. I felt the wheel detail was adequate,

After removing the body, you see the standard Carrera chassis, motor and electronics, along with the Carrera VMS (Variable Magnet System). You can move this magnet forward of aft by simply using your finger, allowing you to change the magnetic traction qualities of the car. The gears were well lubricated from the factory and they provided smooth driving. As usual on Carrera cars, a polarity switch is provided to change direction of the car, now some do not like this feature, yet I am getting to find that I like it.

After oiling the motor and bushings, it was time to put her back together for some serious running. Once again, a quiet and smooth performing car presented itself. Acceleration was good, and on par with the rest of the Carrera cars I have tested. Braking on this model is not as crisp as you might expect, so I back off a little sooner going into the turns.

Lap times here were consistent with the other Carrera Classic line, ranging from 5.7 to 5.4 seconds on our 59-½ foot Carrera track. On this model however, I chose to move the magnet as far forward as possible, and found it to be a great match-up for some of the Ninco Classics. Running along side my Ninco Speedster was nothing but fun, and the sliding and bumping it provided became quite addicting.

When it comes to these classics, I simply do not prefer a heavy magnet; in fact I prefer none at all. With moving the magnet forward, it is far enough from the rails to almost nullify its traction qualities. If you feel it still isn't right, you can simply remove the magnet. There is room here in this magnet pocket for adding weight as well, so adjusting these cars driving characteristics should be easily accomplished.