A Legend Comes to Auction: RM Sotheby's to Present Celebrated 1953 Jaguar C-Type Works Lightweight in Monterey

June 25, 2015 by RM Sotheby's

• RM Sotheby's secures one of the most legendary racing cars in existence: the 1953 Jaguar C-Type Works Lightweight, chassis no. XKC 052 for its flagship Monterey, California auction, August 13 - 15

• The second of only three Works Lightweights built, XKC 052 finished 4th overall at 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1953

• The car was later campaigned to multiple wins by Ecurie Ecosse in 1954 and driven by the who's who of racing fame

• XKC 052's upcoming sale represents the first ever offering of a Works Lightweight C-Type at public auction

• Additional highlights for RM's three-day Monterey sale available for viewing in digital brochure: http://bit.ly/1CtLXDQ

BLENHEIM, Ontario (24 June, 2015) – RM Sotheby's, the world's largest collector car auction house for investment-quality automobiles, is thrilled to announce the addition of one of the most legendary Jaguar racing cars in existence, the 1953 Jaguar C-Type Works Lightweight, chassis no. XKC 052, to its flagship Monterey, California sale, August 13 – 15. The vehicle's presentation represents 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. It made its way to privateer Peter Blond in 1954, who entered the Jaguar in a variety of club races and hill climb events, prior to passing through the collections of several gentleman racers. Martin Morris, one of Britain's foremost collectors of the period, acquired the car in 1971 and went on to retain it for over 30 years, during which time it received a comprehensive two-year restoration.

XKC 052 has been in the care of its current proprietor since 2001, who commissioned a proper renewal to 1953 Le Mans specifications and livery, and had the car painted in the infamous Ecurie Ecosse Blue. XKC 052 comes to auction as the ultimate encapsulation of Jaguar's esteemed racing heritage, and one of the most celebrated examples of its kind. It is expected to garner in excess of $9 million USD when it crosses RM's Monterey stage in August, a value which would see it establish a new auction record for the marque.

'In the '50s, Jaguar not only beat Ferrari, Aston Martin and every other manufacturer at Le Mans, they had a 50 percent chance of winning the race outright every time they hit the track!' said Shelby Myers, Car Specialist, RM Sotheby's. 'So dominant was their performance, that the C-Type literally sent the other manufacturers back to the drawing board in a panic, scratching their heads. Everything that came before it was antiquated by comparison, and this lightweight works example is one of the very best of the model – with the other two works cars securely in private hands and unlikely to ever be sold, this car's offering at Monterey could very well be an opportunity that will never repeat itself.'

Terry Larson, noted Jaguar historian and author of the C-Type and D-Type Registry, adds, 'Having owned and raced a C-Type for nearly 30 years, I have a profound appreciation for what a truly special car this is. As your best friend on both the road and the track, there is good reason these exceptional Jaguars rarely come up for sale. And with only three lightweights ever built, it is unlikely another example will be offered anytime soon.'

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An institution spanning more than 25 years, RM Sotheby's flagship Monterey auction, held during the world-famous Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance week, returns to downtown Monterey, California, August 13-15. A complete description and images of the historic Jaguar C-Type are available here: http://bit.ly/1TNmH6q. Additional exciting highlights for RM Sotheby's Monterey sale are available for viewing in the digital brochure here: http://bit.ly/1CtLXDQ. For further information, please visit www.rmsothebys.com or call +1 519 352 4575.

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About RM Sotheby's

RM Sotheby's (formerly RM Auctions) is the world's largest auction house for investment-quality automobiles. With 35 years' experience in the collector car industry, RM's vertically integrated range of services, from private treaty sales and auctions to estate planning, and financial services, coupled with an expert team of car specialists and an international footprint, provide an unsurpassed level of service to the global collector car market. RM proudly holds four of the top ten all-time records for the most valuable motor cars sold at auction. In February 2015, RM formed a strategic partnership with Sotheby's, uniting the two companies for the full calendar of future automobile auctions. For further information, visit www.rmsothebys.com.