Jaguar is celebrating 70 years of the C-type by extending its successful Continuation series of models to include the legendary 1950s sports car. Production of the models will be limited, just as it is with the D-type, E‑type, and XKSS Continuation models.
This new C-type Continuation program will allow historic motorsports enthusiasts to purchase a factory-built, historically accurate example of the C-type directly from Jaguar, for the first time in the 21st Century. Each model is slated to be built by Jaguar Classic experts at Jaguar Land Rover Classic Works in Coventry, England.
The C-type was driven by racing legends during its short run.Photo by JDHT
"Driven by some of the most-admired racing drivers in history, the C-type laid the foundations for Jaguar's success in endurance racing and is synonymous with design and engineering innovation," said Dan Pink, Director, Jaguar Classic. "Seventy years on, Jaguar Classic is proud to be able to utilize the latest innovations in manufacturing technology – alongside traditional skills and unrivaled expertise – to reintroduce this legendary car for a new generation of enthusiasts to enjoy."
The C-type was originally built from 1951 to 1953. It won the 24 Hours of Le Mans at its debut in 1951, scoring the first of seven outright wins for Jaguar at the endurance race. The 1952 model was the first vehicle to adopt disc brakes. It won Le Mans again in 1953.
The C-type was known for it's on-track prowessPhoto by JDHT
Of the 53 Jaguar C-type sports cars built in the 1950s, 43 were sold to private owners. Those production models were limited to drum brake-equipped cars with twin SU carburetors and an engine that output just 200 horsepower. This was the style of the 1951 cars.
Each of the Continuation cars will feature a 220-horsepower 3.4-liter inline-six engine with triple Weber 40DCO3 carburetors and disc brakes, the same specification as the 1953 Le Mans-winning works team car spec. Buyers will be able to add an FIA-approved Harness Retention System.
Each car will not be built to be a capable daily driver. These C-types will be eligible for historic racing, track, and closed-road use only.
Jaguar C-type Continuation
Photo courtesy of Jaguar
To create each model, Jaguar didn't just reference original engineering drawings and company records. They used the latest computer aided design (CAD) technology to create the most authentic C-type possible. Enthusiasts will be able to use that CAD software to configure their own model virtually, comparing the color and trim options from 12 exterior colors and eight interior colors as well as racing roundels, steering wheel badging, and hood badging.
Eight examples of the C-type Continuation car will be built ahead of an owners-only event in 2022.
Jaguar C-type Continuation car configuration options
Photo courtesy of Jaguar
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