THE ORIGINAL FORMULA FOR FAST IS BACK
In 1951, Jaguar C-type became the first of our marque to win the hallowed 24 Hours of Le Mans. Breaking every speed and distance record in the process, and on its first attempt.
In 2021, 70 years since its breathtaking beauty and brawn burst onto the world’s racetracks, we restart production on a strictly limited run of the ultimate 1953 disc-brake specification. These new hand-built C-types will allow discerning owners to get behind the wheel for Jaguar Classic Challenge racing, track and closed-road use.
A PIONEERING RACE SPECIFICATION
Created with unparalleled attention to detail and craftsmanship, each C-type Continuation reflects the 1953 Le Mans-winning works team car specification, including its 3.4-litre straight-six engine with triple Weber carburettors – producing 220bhp - and revolutionary disc brakes that contributed to its record-breaking triumph.
UNBEATABLE ENGINE PERFORMANCE
The 3.4-litre straight-six engine takes nine months to construct and aligns to Weber carburettors that are all meticulously refurbished by a single technician to an exacting standard. The Plessey hydraulic pump on the gearbox is also in-period.
ICONIC DESIGN ENHANCEMENTS
Famed for its progressive design and aerodynamic shape, a number of advancements contributed to C-type's unbeatable performance on the track. Iconic air-intake technology combined with a thinner gauged lightweight aluminium body are just some the unique features on this 1953 specification.
ORIGINAL DISC-BRAKE TECHNOLOGY
The 1953 C-type's engineering innovations set the tone for the whole industry. This is reflected with the first use of pioneering disc brake technology, developed in partnership with Dunlop. The new braking system provided prolonged endurance required for speed and distance racing, and resistance to fade.
TREASURE-HUNT COMPONENTS
The original Lucas rear-view mirror has been sourced as part of a relentless pursuit of authentic components. This complements the three-quarter Brooklands race screen, original-spec Smiths clocks and gauges, including surrounding switches, that are integrated into the cockpit.
ENDURING FINISHES
A choice of 12 exterior heritage colours are matched with racing seats finished in one of eight leather hues. Enhancing the Continuation story, the Rexine finish on the dashboard and side panels is upholstered using the last roll of the original material available.
TIMELESS TECHNIQUES.
TODAY’S TECHNOLOGY
Complementing the use of the same authentic techniques and build methods as the original, C-type Continuation is the first Jaguar Classic car to be fully reproduced using 3D Computer Aided Design (CAD) for modern engineering excellence. Durability testing and FIA-approved safety systems ensure each car is track-ready.
THE STORY OF AN ICON
INSPIRED BY XK120 PERFORMANCE
Encouraged by the road racing results of the sleek, 120mph Jaguar XK120 in 1950, chief engineer, William Heynes sanctioned a dedicated competition model in the form of the XK120C. Now known around the world as C-type.
CRAFTING WINNING CURVES
Designed, developed and tested in just half a year, C-type’s stunning undulating body style was informed by the experiences of its designer and aerodynamicist, Malcolm Sayer.
After serving in the manufacturing division of Bristol Aeroplane Company during the Second World War, Sayer established an engineering facility at Baghdad University in 1948. Here he learnt some of the key design principles that would later assist in creating C-type’s wind-cheating curves.
24-HOUR SUCCESS
With their fluid aerodynamic bodies, reduced weight and increased power over the standard XK120, the first C-types were ready in the spring of 1951. Success was instant.
Of the three examples entered almost immediately into Le Mans, Peter Walker and Peter Whitehead’s car won the race with an imposing nine-lap lead, while second-car driver Stirling Moss broke the lap record by an impressive six seconds.
PIONEERING DISC-BRAKE TECHNOLOGY
Despite instant success at Le Mans with the drum brake-equipped 1951 C-type, a braking system more resistant to fade was clearly required for racing at increased speed and distance. During the winter months of 1951 and 1952, pioneering disc brake development with Dunlop began to advance.
On 29 June 1952 Stirling Moss drove C-type to victory at Reims, at an average speed of 98.18mph. This was the first time an international motor race had been won by a car fitted with disc brakes. Enhanced by Dunlop’s critical development of pads thick enough to last the entire 24 hour race, and paired with a revised lighter body, C-type was ready for Le Mans 1953.
LE MANS 1953. LIGHTER, FASTER, STRONGER
THE CHEQUERED FLAG
Taking on the might of Ferrari and Alfa Romeo, the Jaguar Racing C-type established itself as a truly formidable force, claiming the Le Mans crown for the second time in first, second and fourth place.
THE HISTORY MAKERS
Covering over 2,500miles at an average speed of 105.85mph, Duncan Hamilton and Tony Rolt’s race winning C-type smashed the previous 1952 record of 96.7mph. In doing so, they became the first winners to take the title with an average speed of more than 100mph.
THE EXPERT DRIVERS
Behind Duncan Hamilton and Tony Rolt’s victorious car 18, Stirling Moss and Peter Walker took second place in car 17. Fourth position was secured by Peter Whitehead and Ian Stewart in car 19.
THE ROYAL APPROVAL
C-type’s second Le Mans triumph turned heads in the highest of places. A telegram from Her Majesty the Queen arrived at Jaguar’s Coventry Headquarters upon the team’s return.
OWN THE LEGEND
To discuss the purchase of a strictly limited-edition C-type Continuation in more detail, contact our dedicated Jaguar Classic Team.
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