JAGUAR C-TYPE CONTINUATIONS

Jaguar Classic is bringing a strictly limited run of new C-type Continuations in celebration of the iconic model’s motorsport heritage, 70 years after it first raced to victory at the Le Mans 24 Hours.

The C-type Continuation will be hand-built at Jaguar Classic Works in Coventry, to the specification of the 1953 ‘works’ C-types that dominated that year’s Le Mans 24 Hours, scoring the C-type’s second Le Mans win.

The team at Jaguar Classic has painstakingly researched the C-type’s history for the Continuation’s exacting specification, bringing Jaguar’s heritage to life through modern technology and engineering expertise. This includes the use of the same authentic techniques and build methods as in period.

Dan Pink, Director, Jaguar Classic, said: “The C-type is one of the most iconic cars in Jaguar’s illustrious racing history, driven by some of the most-admired drivers in history. The C-type Continuation keeps Malcolm Sayers’ iconic and advanced design alive thanks to the first application of 3D CAD drawings by Jaguar Classic, marrying design and motorsport heritage with the very latest engineering tools.”

The original Jaguar C-type was famed for its fluid and aerodynamic shape, which was designed by Malcolm Sayer, who was recruited by William Lyons in 1950. Originally dubbed the XK120C and using that iconic vehicle as its base, the C-type would go on to become one of the most important cars in Jaguar’s racing history.

In creating the C-type Continuation, a deep-dive into the C-type’s history and heritage was required to inform the way in which it should be built, its specification and its racing prowess. Before the physical development could begin, almost two years of data compilation was required.

Thankfully, Norman Dewis OBE (1920 – 2019) – former test driver and engineer for Jaguar Cars – also provided invaluable guidance on the build process, while the team had access to an example C-type and photographs along with Malcolm Sayer’s notes for the sleek body to help construct a ‘Car Zero’,

Each example will reflect the 1953 Le Mans-winning works team car specification, including its 3.4-litre straight-six engine with triple Weber 40DCO3 carburettors, producing 220bhp, and the groundbreaking disc brakes that contributed to the record-breaking triumph at the 1953 Le Mans 24 Hours.

All C-type Continuations are FIA-approved, with eligibility in participating historic race championships, including the Jaguar Classic Challenge, which races at Le Mans, Spa-Francorchamps and Silverstone.