Roadster
Chassis #: XKC 052
Engine #: E 1055-9
The Jaguar C-Type enjoyed a very successful racing career, winning the 24 Hours of LeMans twice for Coventry. The C-Type began life as the XK120 roadster. Several privateering customers entered factory-supported XK120 examples at the 1950 Le Mans race. Leslie Johnson's car proved to be very competitive, spending considerable time in 4th place. This performance convinced Jaguar founder Sir William Lyons and engineer Bill Heynes to build a lighter, more aerodynamic body with modified XK120 mechanics. Work soon began on a new lightweight tubular space frame. The rear suspension of the XK120 was redesigned with additional positioning links, and the 3.4-liter XK engine received a new cylinder head, high-lift camshafts, racing pistons, and an un-muffled dual exhaust system, helped raise the motor's output to 200 horsepower. The mechanical masterpiece was then clothed in an aerodynamic body penned by Jaguar stylist Malcolm Sayer. The first three cars were hand-built in only six weeks. These specially built cars were initially known as the XK120C (C for competition). The C-Type made its debut at the 1951 LeMans 24 Hours with a team of factory-sponsored cars. Two of the three entries were forced to retire early with oil line issues. The car driven by Peter Walker and Peter Whitehead took the overall victory - the first British car to win Le Mans in nearly 2 decades. The car finished 77 miles ahead of the 2nd place finisher and set the following records: fastest lap speed of 105.232 mph, 24-hour speed record of 93.495 mph, and greatest distance traveled in 24 hours at 2,243.886 miles.
By early 1953, 50 examples had been built. The factory's 1952 Le Mans campaign was not as successful, with all three Works cars retiring early due to cooling system issues. The engineer's at Coventry realized that the C-Type required a few upgrades to remain competitive for 1953, and a final run of three cars began development. This particular example, chassis number XKC 052, is the second of those three lightweight Works examples that were prepared specially for the 1953 Le Mans.
Ownership passed to Maurice Charles in mid-April of 1956, who continued to improve upon its racing resume, with appearances at Goodwood and the Aintree 100. It placed 5th at the Brands Hatch race on August 6. In October, the car was offered for sale, and soon purchased by Jim Robinson, of Northampton, who race it twice at the Evesham sprints, finishing as high as 2nd in class. By the close of 1957, it was in the care of Alan Ensoll. Mr. Ensoll raced the car in various hill climb and sprints. It was sold in September of 1958 to Tom Candlish who placed 4th at Charterhall and 1st overall at the Rest-and-Be-Thankful Hill Climb Championship and the unlimited GT race at Charterhall in July 1959. Around this time, it was involved in a moderate accident.
By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2015
1953 Jaguar C-Type
Jaguar
2015 RM Sotheby's : Monterey
Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $9,000,000-USD $12,000,000
Sale Price :
USD $13,200,000
1953 Jaguar C-Type Auction Sales
Recent Sales of the Jaguar C-Type
(Data based on Model Year 1953 sales)
1953 Jaguar XK120C Chassis#: XKC 011 Sold for USD$8,204,231 2016 Bonhams : The Monaco Sale | |
1953 Jaguar C-Type Works Lightweight Chassis#: XKC 052 Sold for USD$13,200,000 2015 RM Sotheby's : Monterey | ![]() ![]() |
1953 Jaguar C Type Alloy Race Car Sold for USD$91,500 2014 Leake Auction : Tulsa | |
1953 Jaguar C-Type Chassis#: XKC-050 Sold for USD$3,725,000 2012 Gooding and Company - Pebble Beach Auction | ![]() ![]() |
1953 Jaguar Type C Type Chassis Sold for USD$8,366 2007 Coys Auction - Grandes Marques - Maastricht | |
1953 Jaguar C-Type Sports Racing Car Chassis#: XKC-014 Sold for USD$1,512,500 2006 Vintage Motor Cars in Arizona |
Jaguar C-Types That Failed To Sell At Auction
1953 Jaguar C-Type's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1953 JAGUAR C-TYPE SPORTS-RACING TWO-SEATER | XKC 016 | 2010 Bonhams Goodwood Revival, Chichester, Sussex | $800,000 | $1,000,000 | |
1953 Jaguar C-Type Sports Racer | 2005 The Florida Collector Car Auction | $68,000 |
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1953 Jaguar C-Type
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