‘C’ for continuation: Jaguar C-Type Le Mans winner is reborn
The claws must be sharp over at Jaguar. Though it was beaten to the punch by Ecurie Ecosse, which announced plans to build a run of C-type continuation cars just last week, Jaguar says it will do one better than its Scottish competitor. How about eight “new” C-Types to Ecurie Ecosse’s seven?
The cars, replicas of the C-Type driven to glory by Duncan Hamilton and Tony Rolt, will be ready to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Jaguar’s June 13, 1953 victory at the Le Mans 24-hour race.
Powered by a 3.4-liter straight-six with 220 hp and fed by triple Weber 40DCO3 carburetors, each car will also use the pioneering disc brakes that helped secure Le Mans glory. The cars will be hand built by Jaguar Classic, which has already crafted continuation versions of the Lightweight E-Type, XKSS, and D-Type.
Jaguar wants buyers of the continuation C-Types to drive them and will offer FIA-approved harnesses so they can be raced, just like the original cars. Jaguar is planning a “racing-inspired celebration event” for the cars and their owners in 2022. Unlike the Ecurie Ecosse versions Jaguar’s works C-Types will not be road legal.
Most of us will only be able to dream of driving a C-Type, but Jaguar is helping out with that as well by launching an online configurator. Anyone can choose from 12 exterior colors and eight interior themes, then add optional racing decals and badges to create their purr-fect C-Type. Jaguar wants fans to share their creations of social media with a chance to be featured on the company’s own channels.
What are you waiting for?
