  SN 2008D was discovered while following up an unusually bright X-ray
transient in the nearby spiral galaxy NGC 2770. We present early optical
spectra (obtained 1.75 days after the X-ray transient) which allowed the first
identification of the object as a supernova at redshift z = 0.007. These
spectra were acquired during the initial declining phase of the light curve,
likely produced in the stellar envelope cooling after shock breakout, and
rarely observed. They exhibit a rather flat spectral energy distribution with
broad undulations, and a strong, W-shaped feature with minima at 3980 and 4190
AA (rest frame). We also present extensive spectroscopy and photometry of the
supernova during the subsequent photospheric phase. Unlike supernovae
associated with gamma-ray bursts, SN 2008D displayed prominent He features and
is therefore of Type Ib.
