With the publicity in mind that only a win at LeMans could bring for Jaguar, Sir William Lyons commissioned an outright race version of the XK 120, known as the C-Type. Considering the popular success of Jaguar’s XK 120 and the Mark II that bore the same engine, there was no imminent necessity for the company to set its sights on the LeMans 24-hour race. As the XK 120 surprised Coventry with success at Silverstone and LeMans, Malcolm Sayer made designs for a lightweight, aerodynamic factory race car that utilized most of the XK’s mechanicals. Soon after, the project was a success as the newly christened Jaguar secured its first victory at LeMans with a C-Type in 1951 driven by Peter Walker and Peter Whitehead. It was the first British victory at LeMans since Lagonda had managed the feat in 1935. Duncan Hamilton and Tony Rolt would repeat the feat in 1953 driving a similar C-Type; truly ushering in an era of Jaguar endurance racing victories and competitiveness in the 1950s.

Just 54 C-Types were produced, with demand far exceeding supply. The pure physical form, outright speed and handling, plus the passion for the Jaguar marque has led to construction of some quite exacting copies of this beautiful and well-respected machine. Today replica models offer the enthusiast Jaguar performance and C-Type styling at a more road-friendly cost.

Offered here is a breathtaking re-creation of a C-Type Jaguar finished elegantly in British Racing Green. Built to 1953 LeMans specifications, it is equipped with a 3.4-liter DOHC, inline six-cylinder Jaguar C-Type engine, three DCOE Weber carburetors, competition camshaft, high-compression C-type head, anti-cavitation water pump, which helps eliminate bubbles and other voids to add to the already improved cooling system. Shifting gears is done through a synchromesh four-speed manual transmission that is backed by a Laycock de Normanville electric overdrive, which provides great diversity of power application under all conditions. The front suspension is tuned, an improved version of an original C-Type independent front suspension with rack-and-pinion steering and power disc brakes, ensuring superb handling for all driving conditions. Rear suspension is fitted with a Series 1 Jaguar E-Type independent rear suspension that is equipped with power inboard rear disc brakes, which create a reduction in un-sprung weight improving overall handling.

Starting its life as an early production car produced by Heritage (1987), built to specifications by the original owner, Milt Brown. Mr. Brown is known as the designer and co-founder of the Apollo GT sports car that was produced in the early 1960s with Intermeccanica. The car is now with its second owner, being acquired from Milt in 1989 with 1,200 miles. The current mileage is reported as 3,990 miles.

The extraordinary accurate re-creation of a 1953 C-Type has had no detail overlooked, from the correct fascia, beautiful accurate instrumentation, a pair of Brooklands-style windscreens, quick-fill fuel cap and leather interior. Quick, beautiful styling and superb handling makes this car a thrill to drive in any condition, from the race track to a weekend journey. This re-creation is aimed to leave a lasting impression that was favored by many early racecar drivers, if they could get their hands on one.