ALTHOUGH legendary victories at Le Mans figure strongly in Jaguar's sporting heritage, there's another French circuit which is just as dear to the hearts of Jaguar enthusiasts.

For the now disused Reims-Geux circuit in the Champagne region was where Jaguar's most iconic racing machine, the D-Type, earned its stripes in 1954 with drivers Ken Wharton and Peter Whitehead taking it to its maiden victory in the 12-hours of Reims race.

Now, to celebrate that memorable win, Jaguar has launched a new special edition XE saloon, the Reims Edition, only 200 examples of which will be built, exclusively for British buyers.

Finished in iconic French Racing Blue - a colour which Jaguar has reserved for its most extreme models in recent times - with contrasting black roof, black mirror caps and sill inserts - the XE Reims Edition is the first of a series of factory special, limited production run vehicles which will come with bespoke features and details on top of the standard models, says Jaguar.

The Reims edition is fitted with the two-litre Ingenium petrol engine in R-Dynamic S guise, and comes with a number of bespoke and standardised options including privacy glass, gloss black 19-inch alloys and an exterior black pack which includes gloss black details on the grille and its surround, side window surrounds and side vents. The interior benefits from heated seats and a cold climate pack which includes a heated windscreen, heated steering wheel, and headlight washers.

The XE Reims Edition is available to order now, priced at £38,295.