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Jaguar C-Type

The Jaguar C-Type, officially designated the Jaguar XK120-C, is a competition-oriented racing sports car developed and produced by Jaguar Cars from 1951 to 1953.^[1]^[2] It was Jaguar's first purpose-built racing model, evolving from the successful XK120 roadster with a focus on endurance racing, featuring a lightweight multi-tubular steel chassis, an aerodynamic hand-formed aluminum body designed by Malcolm Sayer, and a tuned version of the 3.4-liter double overhead camshaft inline-six engine delivering 200 horsepower.^[1]^[2] Only 53 units were hand-built in Coventry, England, with most sold to private entrants rather than retained by the factory, emphasizing its role as both a works racer and a customer competition car.^[1]^[3] The C-Type's engineering innovations included a separate subframe for the engine, double wishbone independent front suspension with torsion bar springs, and a live rear axle, contributing to its exceptional balance and handling praised by drivers such as Stirling Moss and Phil Hill.^[1]^[2] Early models used hydraulic drum brakes, but from 1953, Jaguar introduced pioneering four-wheel Dunlop disc brakes on its lightweight variants, enhancing stopping power for high-speed circuits.^[1]^[2] Performance figures included a top speed of approximately 144 mph and a 0-60 mph time of around 8 seconds, with a curb weight of 2,126 pounds and dimensions of 157 inches in length, 64.5 inches in width, 42.5 inches in height, and a 96-inch wheelbase.^[1] In racing, the C-Type achieved immediate success, securing Jaguar's first 24 Hours of Le Mans victory in 1951—the first for a British car since Lagonda's win in 1935—with drivers Peter Whitehead and Peter Walker taking first place, followed by second and fourth for the team.^[4]^[1]^[5] It repeated this triumph in 1953, with Tony Rolt and Duncan Hamilton in first, and second and fourth places overall, dominating against rivals like Ferrari and Alfa Romeo in events such as the Tourist Trophy and Silverstone's International Trophy.^[4]^[1] These accomplishments not only validated Jaguar's engineering prowess but also paved the way for the subsequent D-Type, cementing the marque's legacy in motorsport during the early 1950s.^[1]

Development and Origins

Background and Conception

Following World War II, Jaguar, under the leadership of founder William Lyons, pursued ambitious racing endeavors to elevate the brand's international profile and boost sales of its road cars. Lyons, who had reoriented the company from pre-war luxury models to innovative designs like the XK120 sports car, viewed motorsport success as essential for demonstrating engineering prowess in an era of economic recovery and competition from European rivals. This strategy was particularly driven by the need to showcase the new XK inline-six engine, which had been developed just before the war's outbreak but found its debut in the post-war XK120.^[6] The promising performance of modified XK120s at the 1950 24 Hours of Le Mans—with the finishing cars placing 6th and 12th overall, and one retiring after holding 3rd position for much of the race—convinced Lyons and chief engineer William Heynes that a purpose-built competition car was necessary to secure outright victories and further promote Jaguar's capabilities. Although not triumphant, the XK120s' endurance and speed highlighted the potential of the platform while exposing limitations in aerodynamics and weight, prompting the decision to evolve it into a dedicated racer. This 1950 result directly influenced the conception of the C-Type as Jaguar's first factory competition model, shifting from ad-hoc modifications to a structured racing program.^[7]^[8] Project initiation occurred in late 1950, shortly after the Le Mans event, with the first prototypes completed by early 1951 in preparation for the upcoming season. Heynes played a pivotal role in the conceptual phase, overseeing the lightweight tubular chassis design and insisting on leveraging proven XK engine components to minimize development time and expenses amid Jaguar's limited post-war resources. Aerodynamicist Malcolm Sayer, recruited from the Bristol Aeroplane Company in early 1951, contributed to initial bodywork planning, applying his expertise in airflow to address the XK120's drag issues. No formal announcement preceded the prototypes' debut, but the C-Type's racing intent was clear from its inception as the XK120C.^[9]^[6]

Design and Engineering Innovations

The Jaguar C-Type featured a revolutionary tubular steel spaceframe chassis, designed by Jaguar's chief engineer William Heynes to provide exceptional lightweight rigidity while improving handling over the preceding XK120. This multi-tubular, triangulated structure reduced weight significantly compared to traditional ladder frames, enhancing torsional stiffness essential for high-speed racing stability.^[10]^[11] A key innovation was the integration of hydraulic disc brakes, co-developed with Dunlop in collaboration with Jaguar during the winters of 1951 and 1952, marking the first production racing application of four-wheel disc braking. This system addressed the fade issues of drum brakes under prolonged high-speed use, offering superior stopping power and heat dissipation, which proved vital in endurance events. From mid-1953, all C-Types incorporated these brakes, revolutionizing automotive braking technology.^[12]^[13] The C-Type's aerodynamic bodywork, shaped by engineer Malcolm Sayer, was refined through wind tunnel testing of scale models to achieve a low-drag profile that minimized air resistance while maintaining driver visibility and cooling efficiency. This design contributed to the car's competitive edge in speed and fuel economy during races. The chassis dimensions, including a 96-inch wheelbase and 51-inch track width, were optimized for balanced stability and cornering agility, shortening the wheelbase from the XK120 to better suit circuit demands.^[14]^[15] Early development considered fuel injection for improved performance in prototypes, but Jaguar opted to retain the reliable dual SU carbureted setup from the XK120 engine to prioritize dependability in racing conditions over unproven complexity.^[16]

Technical Specifications

Engine and Performance

The Jaguar C-Type was powered by a 3.4-liter inline-six engine derived from the XK series, featuring a cast-iron block, aluminum-alloy cylinder head, dual overhead camshafts driven by chain, and hemispherical combustion chambers with inclined valves for improved breathing.^[11]^[17] This DOHC design, originally developed for the XK120, delivered a broad torque curve peaking at 220 lb-ft (298 Nm) around 3,900 rpm, providing strong low- to mid-range pull suitable for both road and endurance racing.^[18] In its initial 1951 configuration, the engine was tuned to produce 200 bhp at 5,800 rpm.^[1]^[15] By 1953, for Le Mans competition, Jaguar engineers enhanced it further with high-lift camshafts, larger valves, uprated pistons, a lighter flywheel, and a Weslake-developed cylinder head for better flow, boosting power to 220 bhp at 5,750 rpm while maintaining reliability over 24-hour races.^[1]^[19]^[11] Early C-Types used twin SU H6 sidedraft carburetors for precise fuel metering, paired with a 40-gallon (181-liter) fuel tank mounted behind the rear axle to support long-distance events without frequent refueling.^[11]^[20] Later 1953 models adopted triple twin-choke Weber carburetors to accommodate the increased power demands, improving throttle response at high revs.^[1] The fuel system included twin SU electric pumps for consistent delivery under varying loads. Power was transmitted via a Moss four-speed manual gearbox with close-ratio gearing, optimized for track use and integrated with a live rear axle to balance the lightweight tubular chassis.^[11] This setup contributed to agile weight distribution, enhancing the engine's performance in cornering scenarios. Stock performance included a top speed of 145 mph (233 km/h) and 0-60 mph acceleration in about 8.5 seconds, with tuned racing variants achieving quicker times under 7 seconds due to the evolved powertrain.^[1]^[18] These figures underscored the C-Type's blend of speed and endurance, setting benchmarks for production-derived racers of the era.^[21]

Chassis, Suspension, and Brakes

The Jaguar C-Type featured a lightweight welded tubular steel chassis frame, designed by William Heynes and detailed by Robert Knight, which replaced the heavier ladder frame of the XK120 to enhance rigidity and reduce weight for improved handling and performance. This multi-tubular construction incorporated steel tubing, with some sections drilled for further weight savings in later models, contributing to the car's overall curb weight of approximately 965 kg (2,130 lb). The frame provided inherent structural integrity, serving as an integral roll structure without additional reinforcements, and supported the aluminum body panels while maintaining torsional stiffness essential for high-speed racing.^[13]^[18]^[14]^[15] The suspension system was derived from the XK120 but refined for competition demands, with independent front suspension using double wishbones, radius arms, and torsion bar springs to deliver precise steering and compliance over varied circuits. At the rear, a live axle setup employed a transverse torsion bar spring, replacing the XK120's semi-elliptical leaf springs, along with radius arms and a Panhard rod added in 1953 works cars to improve lateral stability and reduce axle movement under load. This configuration, combined with telescopic dampers, allowed for adjustable ride height via torsion bar tensioning, providing versatility for different track conditions and maintaining a standard ground clearance of about 5 inches (127 mm). The setup achieved a balanced 50/50 front-to-rear weight distribution, optimizing cornering dynamics, and was fitted with 6.00 x 16 Dunlop tires on wire wheels for adequate grip and durability.^[11]^[13]^[18]^[22]^[23] Braking evolved significantly during the C-Type's production, starting with hydraulic drum brakes on all four wheels for early models, which offered reliable stopping power but limited fade resistance under prolonged racing stress. From the 1953 season, Jaguar adopted pioneering Dunlop ventilated disc brakes across all wheels, featuring four-piston caliper designs that provided superior heat dissipation and modulation, enabling consistent performance during endurance events like Le Mans where high-speed braking was critical. These discs, paired with 16-inch wheels for enhanced airflow, demonstrated exceptional fade resistance under racing loads, contributing to the car's competitive edge without the need for frequent adjustments.^[2]^[13]^[1]

Bodywork and Aerodynamics

The bodywork of the Jaguar C-Type consisted of hand-rolled 16-gauge aluminum panels, fabricated for lightness and structural integrity while mounted directly onto the lightweight tubular steel chassis.^[13] These panels were hand-beaten to achieve a precise fit, contributing to the car's overall curb weight of approximately 965 kg.^[15] Unlike earlier Jaguar models such as the XK120, the C-Type dispensed with any wooden framing in favor of this all-metal construction, enhancing rigidity and simplifying maintenance.^[14] Aerodynamic design was a hallmark of the C-Type, led by engineer Malcolm Sayer, who applied aerospace principles to create a fluid, low-drag profile using mathematical curves for optimal airflow.^[13] Key features included faired-in headlights to minimize turbulence and a tapered tail section that smoothed airflow over the rear.^[24] The overall dimensions supported this efficiency: a length of 3,988 mm, width of 1,638 mm, and height of 1,080 mm, yielding a compact frontal area that aided high-speed stability.^[25] The cockpit emphasized minimalism for racing functionality, featuring a pair of leather-trimmed bucket seats arranged side by side behind a low Brooklands aeroscreen.^[11] Instrumentation was spartan, centered on a dashboard with Smiths gauges including a speedometer, tachometer, oil temperature, ammeter, and fuel gauge, often paired with a simple 15-inch Bluemel steering wheel.^[26]^[13] Weight-saving measures were integral to the design, with bare-metal aluminum finishes throughout the interior and exterior to reduce mass without compromising durability.^[27] Removable body panels, such as the bonnet and rear deck, allowed quick access for repairs and adjustments during competition, further optimizing the car's performance edge.^[27]

Racing History

Early Competitions (1951–1952)

The Jaguar C-Type made its competitive debut in September 1951 at the RAC Tourist Trophy held on the Dundrod circuit in Northern Ireland, where the three factory-entered cars achieved a strong result with overall positions of first, second, and fourth. Stirling Moss secured the victory in chassis XKC 002, Peter Walker took second in XKC 003, and Tony Rolt paired with Leslie Johnson to finish fourth in XKC 001, demonstrating the car's immediate potential despite its handicap start.^[28] Later that month, on September 29, Stirling Moss further showcased the C-Type's prowess at Goodwood, winning both the International Sports Car Race—finishing 13 seconds ahead of a Frazer Nash— and the International Handicap Race, where Jaguars claimed a 1-2-3 finish and Moss set a new sports car lap record.^[11] These early British successes, supported by the factory team's three dedicated works cars (chassis XKC 001–003), marked the beginning of the C-Type's racing dominance.^[4] In preparation for the 1951 Tourist Trophy, the C-Types encountered reliability challenges during practice, particularly severe engine overheating due to the experimental cooling setup, which was urgently addressed by retrofitting standard radiators to the Moss/Walker and other entries just before the start.^[22] Minor adjustments were also made to the drum brakes for better modulation under race loads and to the fuel mapping for more consistent power delivery, helping mitigate these teething issues without major redesigns. The factory effort was bolstered by emerging privateer support, including the Scottish team Ecurie Ecosse, which received its first C-Type (chassis XKC 006) in July 1952 and began campaigning it in British events.^[29] The 1952 season saw the C-Type maintain its momentum in domestic competitions, with Stirling Moss and co-driver William Lyons winning the International Trophy sports car race at Silverstone in May, averaging over 90 mph for the 100-mile event, while Peter Walker placed seventh in another works entry. At the Goodwood Easter Meeting in April, Moss and Lyons finished fourth in a handicap race, showing continued competitiveness amid growing opposition from Ferrari and Alfa Romeo models. Internationally, Jaguar entered a works C-Type in the 1952 Mille Miglia, driven by Moss and Norman Dewis, but it retired due to steering failure after covering significant distance on the demanding Italian road course.^[30] Over the 1951–1952 period, the C-Type amassed around 10 victories across these outings, establishing its reputation for speed and engineering refinement while highlighting areas for ongoing reliability improvements.^[31]

Le Mans Victories (1951–1953)

The Jaguar C-Type achieved its first Le Mans victory in 1951, marking the model's debut at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and Jaguar's inaugural win at the event. Driven by Peter Walker and Peter Whitehead, the winning car (chassis XKC 003) completed 2,241.949 miles at an average speed of 93.5 mph, setting new records for distance and speed while finishing nine laps ahead of the second-place Alfa Romeo 6C 2500.^[22] The C-Types dominated early, with Stirling Moss and Jack Fairman leading initially and breaking the lap record by six seconds, though their car retired due to an oil pipe failure after nine hours of heavy rain.^[32] This triumph came against strong opposition from the favored Ferrari 340 America Barchettas, which suffered reliability issues, including engine failures and accidents, allowing the Jaguars to secure first and fourth places overall, with the second entry retiring after leading early in heavy rain.^[11]^[33] In 1952, Jaguar returned with three modified C-Types featuring longer noses for improved aerodynamics, but the campaign ended in disappointment as all entries retired due to engine overheating, exacerbated by the long-nose modifications and rainy conditions that highlighted the limitations of the drum brakes.^[34]^[1] This setback spurred intensive development over the winter, particularly in collaboration with Dunlop on disc brake technology, which was tested in other races like the 1952 Reims Grand Prix victory by Stirling Moss but not yet debuted at Le Mans.^[4] The wet weather at Le Mans underscored the need for better braking, influencing the 1953 upgrades. Jaguar rebounded emphatically in 1953, securing a 1-2 finish with the C-Type and introducing disc brakes to the event for the first time, providing superior stopping power in variable conditions.^[34] Tony Rolt and Duncan Hamilton took overall victory in chassis XKC 051, covering 2,534.18 miles at an average speed of 105.85 mph—the first time any car averaged over 100 mph for the full 24 hours—while Moss and Peter Walker finished second, 11 laps behind but ahead of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL prototypes that suffered mechanical retirements due to the Jaguars' reliability edge.^[35] The third factory entry, driven by Whitehead and Jimmy Stewart, placed fourth. Moss led early but lost time to ignition problems, allowing Hamilton to overtake Ferrari's Luigi Villoresi around 6:00 PM; the team strategy involved Moss and Walker acting as "hares" to pressure rivals, leading to only one Ferrari finishing (fifth, 10 laps down).^[34] Across the 1951 and 1953 victories, Jaguar's pit strategies emphasized efficient fuel stops every two hours, with mechanics performing quick refueling and minor adjustments under the coordination of test driver Norman Dewis, who contributed to brake development and on-site support.^[36] The C-Types led a combined total of over 20 hours across the two wins, including 16 hours in 1951 during night conditions.^[37] A notable incident in 1953 saw Hamilton collide with a bird on the Mulsanne Straight, shattering the windscreen and causing a minor injury, yet the duo pressed on to victory without stopping, demonstrating the car's robustness.^[38]

Later Races and Evolution

Following the successes at Le Mans, the Jaguar C-Type continued its racing career in the 1954–1955 seasons, though facing increasing competition from newer designs like Ferrari's V12-powered models. Jaguar entries participated in the 1954 Carrera Panamericana, with chassis XKC 029 driven by Javier Velazquez retiring after four laps due to an oil leak, highlighting the model's declining edge in high-altitude endurance events.^[39] Despite these challenges, privateer teams kept the C-Type competitive through targeted adaptations, such as lightweight aluminum bodies with thinner gauge panels to reduce weight by approximately 60 kg while maintaining structural integrity.^[40] Privateer outfits achieved notable successes during this period. Scotland's Ecurie Ecosse team, using lightweight C-Types like chassis XKC 052, secured eight outright victories in 1954 across European circuits, including wins at Goodwood and Aintree, often driven by notable talents such as Stirling Moss and Ninian Sanderson, who led early stages in the Aintree 200 sports car race; the team also claimed the 1953 Coupe des Alpes.^[41]^[42]^[11] In the United States, privateer drivers like Walt Hansgen campaigned C-Types to victories in Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) national events, such as the 1954 season's preliminary races, leveraging the model's reliable XK engine for consistent class dominance.^[43] These efforts extended the C-Type's relevance, with numerous victories across its career, underscoring its enduring appeal to independent racers.^[44] The C-Type also served as a vital testbed for innovations that informed the evolution toward the D-Type, introduced in 1954 as a direct successor with monocoque construction and refined aerodynamics by Malcolm Sayer to enhance high-speed stability.^[45] Factory development included early trials of disc brakes on 1953 C-Types, which improved stopping power and carried over to the D-Type, while aerodynamic tweaks like extended noses were prototyped on late-model C-Types before full adoption. Fuel injection experiments, though primarily realized on the D-Type in 1956 for better efficiency, drew from C-Type engine tuning to boost power output. The last factory-supported C-Type race occurred in 1955, after which Jaguar retired its works racing program in 1956 to focus on road car production, leaving privateers to carry the model's legacy.^[45]^[46]

Production and Variants

Manufacturing Details

The Jaguar C-Type was produced from 1951 to 1953 at Jaguar's Coventry works in England, where a total of 53 units were hand-built, comprising 10 factory cars (including prototypes and works racers) and 43 customer cars to fulfill FIA homologation requirements for the international sports car category.^[10]^[1] The low-volume production emphasized craftsmanship over mass manufacturing, with each chassis fabricated from lightweight tubular steel to enhance rigidity and performance while keeping weight under 1,000 kg.^[11] Assembly began with the manual construction of the multi-tubular chassis frame, followed by installation of the XK inline-six engine, which underwent specialized tuning at the factory's engine test facility to deliver up to 220 bhp for competition use. Aluminum body panels, shaped for aerodynamic efficiency, were then fitted, and the complete vehicles subjected to stringent quality control inspections to verify structural integrity and compliance with racing regulations.^[10]^[11] Chassis numbering followed the sequential XKC001–XKC053 system, with detailed production records documented in factory ledgers now held by the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust.^[10] Priced at £1,500 plus purchase tax per unit in 1951, the C-Type targeted affluent buyers and racing teams, with a significant portion exported to the United States and European markets to support privateer entries in international events.^[1]^[47]

Road-Going and Special Versions

While the Jaguar C-Type was designed as a competition sports car, a limited number of examples were adapted for road use through registration rather than major structural changes. Three early works cars—chassis XKC 001, XKC 002, and XKC 003—received UK road registrations with license plates 032 RW, 210 RW, and 153 RW, respectively, allowing legal street operation while retaining their core racing specifications, including aeroscreens in lieu of full windscreens.^[11] Customer-ordered C-Types, totaling 43 units built for private buyers between 1951 and 1953, were exported to markets such as the United States and continental Europe, often with adjustments for local regulations like left-hand or right-hand drive configurations and modified lighting to meet homologation requirements.^[48] Among special versions, the 1953 C-Type (chassis XKC 045, registration NDU 289) stands out as a customer build ordered by Italian racer Mario Tadini for the Mille Miglia; it featured pre-disc brake drum setup and has been maintained as road-legal (annually MOT-tested) in the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust collection since 1983, with minor practical additions like a hood for weather protection.^[10] Performance for customer examples was typically the competition-tuned output of around 200-220 bhp, with minor adjustments possible for road use such as standard carburetion for reliability, alongside optional heaters for civilian comfort.

Continuation Series

In 2021, Jaguar Classic announced a limited production run of eight continuation C-Types, built to the 1953 works racing specification at the company's Coventry facility. These hand-built cars, using archived drawings and original tooling where possible, feature the 3.4-litre inline-six engine producing 220 bhp, four-wheel disc brakes, and 16-inch wire wheels. Priced at approximately £1.6 million each (excluding taxes), they are road-legal and eligible for historic racing events. The first was completed in 2022, with all deliveries finished by 2023.^[49]^[50]

Legacy and Modern Significance

Collectibility and Market Values

The Jaguar C-Type's collectibility stems from its limited production run of 53 units between 1951 and 1953, of which approximately 46 examples are known to survive today.^[51]^[52] This scarcity enhances its appeal among enthusiasts, with authentication typically verified through the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust's comprehensive chassis records and documentation services, ensuring provenance for potential buyers.^[10] In the auction market, C-Types command premium prices due to their historical significance. The highest recorded sale was $13.2 million for a 1953 Works Lightweight example (chassis XKC 052) at RM Sotheby's Monterey auction in 2015, setting a benchmark for factory-prepared racers.^[53] More recent transactions reflect strong demand, with average prices for genuine, well-preserved examples ranging from $1 million to $3.6 million; for instance, a 1952 C-Type (chassis XKC 028) sold for $3.635 million at Gooding & Company Pebble Beach in 2025.^[54] Several factors drive these values. Provenance, particularly documented race history such as Le Mans participation, significantly elevates worth, as seen in high-profile sales of competition veterans.^[41] The originality of components like the innovative Dunlop disc brakes—first raced successfully on a C-Type at Le Mans in 1953—adds technical allure and rarity, distinguishing authentic survivors from replicas.^[55] Condition grading, assessed via professional evaluations, further influences pricing, with unrestored or concours-level cars fetching multiples over restored but modified examples.^[54] Market trends show steady appreciation since the early 2010s, fueled by growing interest in pre-war and early post-war sports racers, culminating in heightened visibility around the model's 70th anniversary in 2021.^[54] Insurance valuations from providers like Hagerty typically place concours-ready C-Types in the $2 million to $3 million range, reflecting adjusted market data and accounting for rarity.^[56] Restoring a C-Type to concours standards presents substantial challenges and expenses, often exceeding $500,000 for comprehensive work including engine rebuilds (£20,000–£40,000), brake system overhauls (£3,000–£6,000), and body refinishing.^[57] Parts sourcing is particularly difficult due to the age and specificity of components like original aluminum body panels and period-correct disc brake calipers, frequently requiring fabrication or international networks of specialists, which can extend timelines and inflate costs by 20–50%.^[57]^[58]

Cultural Impact and Restorations

The Jaguar C-Type holds an iconic status in automotive culture as a symbol of British engineering prowess, embodying the innovative spirit of post-war Britain through its pioneering use of advanced aerodynamics and disc brakes. Its success in international racing elevated Jaguar's global reputation, influencing the perception of British sports cars as elegant yet high-performance machines that blended artistry with technical sophistication. This enduring legacy is evident in modern documentaries, such as the BBC's "Auction: Jaguar C-Type," which explores its historical auctions and cultural resonance, and Goodwood Road & Racing's features on its racing heritage.^[59]^[60]^[61] The C-Type's design philosophy profoundly shaped subsequent Jaguar models, serving as a direct precursor to the E-Type with its lightweight tubular chassis and fluid aerodynamic lines that prioritized speed and handling. This approach reinforced the lightweight sports car ethos, emphasizing minimal weight and maximum efficiency, which became a hallmark of Jaguar's road and racing vehicles in the 1950s and 1960s. Its aesthetic influence extended beyond Jaguar, inspiring a generation of designers to pursue similar balances of form and function in performance automobiles.^[62]^[63] Preservation efforts underscore the C-Type's cultural significance, with Jaguar Classic's heritage program at Classic Works providing specialized restoration services, including full rebuilds using original specifications to maintain authenticity for road and track use. Specialist firms like Crosthwaite & Gardiner contribute through meticulous chassis rebuilds and component fabrication, enabling historic racers to return to competition while adhering to period-correct standards. These initiatives ensure the survival of the roughly 50 surviving originals, supporting their participation in vintage events.^[64]^[65] C-Types frequently appear in prestigious exhibitions, captivating audiences at the Goodwood Revival where they race in the Freddie March Memorial Trophy, recreating 1950s-era battles and drawing thousands of enthusiasts annually. At the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, examples have earned class awards, such as the 1952 model's first-place win in Class L-2 in 2025, highlighting their elegance and historical value. Modern replicas, often built from kits derived from original blueprints, allow broader access to the C-Type experience, though legal challenges over design copyrights have shaped their production; Jaguar's own Continuation series offers eight new-build cars to exact 1953 specifications. Enthusiast organizations like the Jaguar Clubs of North America foster community through events, technical support, and concours judging tailored to C-Type owners.^[66]^[67]^[21]

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[29]
Race Results - Tourist Trophy 1951 - Racing Sports Cars
Race results of Tourist Trophy 1951. ... Track: Dundrod (United Kingdom), unknown length, Organiser: unknown. Tourist Trophy.
[30]
One to Buy: ex-Ian Stewart / Ecurie Ecosse 1952 Jaguar C-type
Sep 30, 2024 · Chassis XKC 006 was dispatched on July 4th 1952. Registered JWS 353, it became the first of the famous Ecurie Ecosse Jaguar C-types. During the ...Missing: Spa | Show results with:Spa
[31]
Race Results - Mille Miglia 1952 - Racing Sports Cars
Jaguar C-type, Jaguar Cars Ltd. Steering, S+2.0. 620, Pezzoli / Cazzulani, Biondetti Special, Clemente Biondetti, DNF, S+2.0. 621, Dusio / Dusio, Cisitalia 202D ...
[32]
All Results of Jaguar C-type - Racing Sports Cars
1951, 24 h Le Mans, 22, #XKC 002, Moss / Fairman, Stirling Moss, DNF. 15.9 ... 1952, Silverstone International, 42, #XKC 001, Tony Rolt, W. Lyons, DNF.
[33]
Jaguar C-type # 18 driven by Duncan Hamilton at Le Mans, Roy ...
Jaguar Cars won the Le Mans race in 1951 with their new C-type – first time out. They entered three modified C-types for the 1952 Le Mans, all of which failed ...Missing: tuned | Show results with:tuned
[34]
C- Type 70th Anniversary - Issuu
William (Bill) Heynes, Jaguar's Chief Engineer and visionary behind the revolutionary C-Type. ... Malcolm Sayer, who joined Jaguar in early 1951. Sayer would go ...Missing: background | Show results with:background<|control11|><|separator|>
[35]
Race Results - Carrera Panamericana 1954 - Racing Sports Cars
Jaguar C-type, Javier Velazquez, 4, Oil leak, S+1.5. 16, Fano Bush / Barajas, Jaguar XK120, Oscar Fano Bush, 4, Mechanical, S+1.5. 207, Perez Pliego / Morales ...Missing: Riksmotet | Show results with:Riksmotet
[36]
One of three built, works 1953 Jaguar C-type Lightweight heads to ...
Aug 12, 2015 · Great care was taken to replicate the original body as closely as possible, including the use of sheet aluminum identical in thickness to that ...
[37]
1953 Jaguar C-Type Works Lightweight | Monterey 2015
The XK120's rear suspension was redesigned with additional positioning links, and the 3.4-liter XK engine received a new cylinder head, high-lift camshafts ...
[38]
Stirling Moss' rise to greatness: a look back at the 1954 Aintree 200 ...
Aug 2, 2022 · Sports Car Race (10 Laps) The field was interesting, with seven Type C Jaguars, including the three Ecurie Ecosse cars of Stewart, Sanderson ...
[39]
All Results of jaguar C-type (page 7) - Racing Sports Cars
Year: 1954 ; 10.10.1954, SCCA Regional Akron [S+1.5], 27, Ernie Erickson ; 10.10.1954, Preliminary Akron [S+1.5], 79, Doug P. Meier ...
[40]
Jaguar C-type - Racing Sports Cars
### Race Entries and Results for Jaguar C-Type (1954-1955)
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About Jaguar | Jaguar Motorsport Moments | Overview
XK120: 1950 - 1952. Following the Second World War, the ... C-type achieved the first Jaguar Le Mans victory under Peter Walker and Peter Whitehead in 1951.
[42]
1955 Jaguar D-Type - Sports Car Market
Sep 16, 2016 · In 1955, the D-type won Le Mans, but the victory was hollow after the withdrawal of the Mercedes SLRs due to the tragic crash. In 1956, bad luck ...
[43]
[PDF] GB3299-JEPH Title: Jaguar Ephemera Collection Name of creator
In 1939, Motor Panels (Coventry) Limited was bought by SS Cars Limited but was sold in. 1943 to Rubery Owen. ... painting by Roy Nockolds of a Jaguar C-type at Le ...
[44]
https://www.racingsportscars.com/type/Jaguar/C-type.html
[45]
1951-53 Jaguar XK120C C-Type - Historic Automotive Promotion
With the only remaining C-Type, Peter Walker and Peter Whitehead took the overall victory, providing Jaguar with much publicity and acclaim. The difference ...
[46]
A Jaguar C-Type Continuation and the debate about 'real' cars
Nov 8, 2023 · Are continuation cars as good as the real thing? Contributor Lyn Woodward took to Tuscany in a Jaguar C-Type Continuation to find out.Missing: production process quality control
[47]
RM SOTHEBY'S SETS RECORD FOR A JAGUAR AT AUCTION
MONTEREY, California (August 14, 2015) - Tonight at RM Sotheby's, a 1953 Jaguar C-Type Works Lightweight, chassis XKC 052, sold for $13.2 million exceeding ...
[48]
Jaguar C-Type Market - CLASSIC.COM
There are 0 Jaguar C-Type for sale right now - Follow the Market and get notified with new listings and sale prices.
[49]
1952 Jaguar XK120 C-Type could sell for $7.5M at Amelia Island 2020
Mar 3, 2020 · “And given its pioneering use of disc brakes, it was a breakthrough car for racing in general. It is also extremely rare and stood out as a ...
[50]
1953 Jaguar C-Type Base | Hagerty Valuation Tools
Typically, you can expect to pay around $2,650,000 for a 1953 Jaguar C-Type in good condition with average spec.
[51]
Jaguar C-Type Problems Common Issues and Repair Costs
Oct 1, 2025 · Typical Repair Costs Table (UK) ; Engine rebuild, £20,000 to £40,000 ; Cooling system repairs, £5,000 to £10,000 ; Gearbox rebuild, £8,000 to £ ...
[52]
The Hidden Costs of Owning a Classic Car - Classic Motors For Sale
Parts sourcing, rare components can cost thousands and take months to locate. Restoration costs can easily exceed the original purchase price of the car ...
[53]
The Roaring Legacy Of Jaguar: How A British Icon Redefined ...
Timeline of Jaguar's Key Engineering Innovations. 1948: XK engine introduced; 1953: Disc brakes pioneered on C-Type; 1961: E-Type launches with monocoque ...
[54]
Auction: Jaguar C-Type | BBC Documentaries
Jan 1, 2016 · Spectacular C-Type Jaguars and 1960's Ferraris take center stage at a classic car sale.Missing: impact | Show results with:impact
[55]
[Video] The oldest original Jaguar C-Type still races to this day | GRR
Jan 25, 2024 · The fourth Jaguar C-Type ever made, and the oldest one still in existence, was racing at the Goodwood Revival like it was still 1953...
[56]
E-type Evolution Exhibition - Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust
Structural Evolution from C-type to E-type. The Exhibition explains how the structure of the E-Type evolved from Jaguar's racing history. The XK120, XK140 ...
[57]
Jaguar E-type Timeless Beauty - Automotive Heritage Foundation
Mar 31, 2023 · The Jaguar C-type won Le Mans in 1951 and 1953; D-types triumphed in ... They also served as precursors of what was to come. Jaguar E ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[58]
Jaguar Classic
E-TYPE ZP COLLECTION. Seven exclusive pairs, inspired by the victorious 1961 originals. ; JAGUAR C-TYPE RACING. A pioneering race specification. ; E-TYPE REBORN.Jaguar e-type reborn · Continuations · Jaguar c-type racing · C-Type Continuation
[59]
Inside the Shop Rebuilding Priceless Classics With New Tech and ...
Apr 25, 2018 · Type 35 Bugattis like the one Crosthwaite bought for £150 are now worth seven figures, and his shop, Crosthwaite & Gardiner, is in such demand ...
[60]
The Le Mans-winning Jaguar C-type that raced into the gloaming at ...
Oct 21, 2025 · As soon as the cars went out for practice, it became clear that 1953 would see a repeat of 1951's victory. Stirling Moss set a 4 minute 32 ...Missing: tuned | Show results with:tuned<|control11|><|separator|>
[61]
Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance Class Winners: 1st Place
Class winners are selected by our Class Judges based on originality ... Class L-2: 1952 Jaguar C-type. Michael Dacre, Solihull, United Kingdom. Class ...