The Jaguar D-Type’s fuel filler cap was positioned on the outside of the body rather than hidden beneath a panel, forcing pit crews during Le Mans to physically climb onto the car’s nose during refueling stops—a design choice that shaved seconds off pit stop times but created such a dangerous climbing surface that at least one mechanic fell from the car during a high-speed pit stop, revealing that Jaguar had optimized for race-winning efficiency at the direct expense of pit crew safety.
Car Fact #129 — October 23, 2026
