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JAGUAR C-TYPE HISTORY
The Jaguar C-type’s racing victories at Le Mans in 1951 and 1953 are viewed by many as the start of Jaguar’s impressive racing history.
The C-type (XK120C ‘competition’) used the proven 3.4 liter XK engine from the Jaguar XK120 with a new, lightweight, triangulated, tubular steel frame designed by Bob Knight. The C-type body was of aluminum alloy design sculpted by aerodynamicist Malcolm Sayer. With the elimination of all creature comforts, the C-type was 1,000 pounds lighter than its road-going Jaguar counterparts.
The C-type first appeared at Le Mans in 1951 using the XK120’s standard drum brakes and twin S.U. carburetors. It won the 1951
Le Mans first time out with drivers Peter Walker and Peter Whitehead. In 1953, a more powerful C-type made its appearance at Le Mans using three twin-choke Weber carburetors, high lift camshafts and all-round disc brakes. The C-type won the 1953 Le Mans, with drivers Duncan Hamilton and Tony Rolt, at an average speed of 100mph. Today, a Le Mans winning C-type can command around $4,000,000.00 at auction.
Click on the links below for information and photos on the various "Heritage" C-type replica systems.
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