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 the estimate of $9-12 million and setting an record for any Jaguar automobile sold at auction. The car is known as one of the most legendary racing cars in existence and was sought by three bidders in a contest that lasted over ten minutes.
The vehicle’s presentation represented the first ever offering of a Works Lightweight example at public auction. The second of just three factory lightweight C-Types built and clothed entirely in thin-gauge aluminum, XKC 052 boasts an incredible period racing history, including a fourth place overall finish at the 1953 24 Hours of Le Mans, piloted by Peter Whitehead and Ian Stewart. Sold to the renowned Ecurie Ecosse team in late 1953, the C-Type was heavily campaigned throughout the following season, achieving eight victories and numerous additional podium finishes.
The exceptional result came on the second day of RM Sotheby's sales in Monterey, California, which have already brought over $120m in auction and post-auction private sales with 62 outstanding cars still to be offered tomorrow night (August 15).