Seventy years after it first raced to victory at the Le Mans 24 hours, Jaguar Classic is bringing back a strictly limited run of new C-type Continuations. It 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. The C-type’s history was painstakingly researched by the Jaguar Classic team to recreate this incredible vehicle to exacting specification, and then using modern technology and engineering expertise to bring the vehicle to life.
Pioneering Performance
This striking vehicle was the vision of legendary Jaguar Cars designer Malcolm Sayer, and its victory after its first run in the Le Mans was helped by its pioneering slippery shape, helping the winning drivers Peter Walker and Peter Whitehead to achieve a record breaking average speed of 93.495 miles per hour. The C-type is particularly notable for the first use of disc brakes from 1952, which contributed to C-types dominating the 1953 Le Mans 24 Hour, with a first and second place finish, and a record-smashing average speed of 105.841 miles per hour.
Impressive Attention to Detail
Each C-type Continuation will reflect the 1953 Le Mans-winning works team car specification, including its 3.4-litre straight-six engine with triple Weber 40DCO3, producing 220bhp, and the ground breaking disc brakes that contributed to the record-breaking triumph at the 1953 Le Mans 24 Hours. Impressive attention to detail will be showcased across each vehicle, from the original-spec clocks and gauges through to the materials sourced for the interior that respect and reference the original’s heritage, blending old with new while ensuring authenticity and a high quality, reliable finish for owners.
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.”
