FIA Certified
1953 Jaguar C-Type Re-creation
Registration no. DBW 23
Chassis no. 640211
Engine no. C8610-FF

The XK120C's astonishing debut victory in the 1951 Le Mans 24-Hour Race and its follow-up win in '53 established Jaguar's first purpose-built racing sports car as one of the all-time great competition automobiles. Jaguar built only 54 C-Types and it is worth noting that the first three Formula 1 World Champions - Guiseppe Farina, Alberto Ascari and Juan-Manuel Fangio - all bought them as road cars. It is not hard to understand why: at the time of its introduction the C-Type represented the state-of-the-art in racing car engineering and thus was one of the most advanced road vehicles in the world.

Those multiple Le Mans wins in the 1950s, as well as numerous victories in the other great classic endurance events, coupled with superlative driving qualities that made it so attractive to three of the greatest drivers in history, have ensured a continuing healthy demand for replicas of Jaguar's rare and exotic sports-racer.

This fine example is the work of Pearsons Engineering of Northamptonshire, a firm founded in the 1960s by John Pearson and now run by his son, Gary. They specialise in C-Type, D-Type and Lister Jaguars, and this particular C-Type was built in 2006 using the original jig made by precision engineer Peter Jaye, who in collaboration with RS Panels restored many original C-Types as well as constructing what are widely recognised as the finest replicas. The chassis was arc welded to match original Jaguar construction, while the aluminium-alloy body was hand made by Pearson Engineering's Jim Gibson, who built the original Peter Jaye bodies when he worked at RS Panels.

The 3.4-litre engine breathes via twin sand-cast SU carburettors mounted on an original XK manifold, supplied from a large-capacity fuel tank. The cylinder head is a 'B' series, which is correct for original C-Types. The 'C-Type' cylinder head, as it was known, with the 'C' cast into the plug well and 'C-Type' badged cam covers, was fitted to the XK140 Special Equipment cars as a marketing exercise after production of the C-Type ceased. They are often mistakenly used on C-Type re-creations. The engine also has a correct production C-Type cast exhaust manifold, correct copper/brass radiator and wide eared aluminium sump by Peter Jaye.

The gearbox is a Jaguar four-speed all-synchromesh Moss type. There is a correct, direct acting (XK120 style) clutch and tandem hydraulic brake system, while Jaguar/Dunlop disc brakes are fitted all round. The front suspension incorporates correct torsion bars, trunnions, adjusters, lower wishbones, steering arms, steering rack and steering column manufactured by Peter Jaye. Hub carriers, disc brakes, upper wishbones are stock Jaguar. Koni classic dampers are fitted. It is understood that some original C-Type components are present, but it has not been possible to verify this. The torsion bar rear suspension features splined vernier adjusters, trailing links, half-shafts, etc made by Peter Jaye together with a Pearsons-modified Salisbury axle (believed 3.54:1 ratio) and Koni classic dampers. Wheels are steel XK120 54-spoke wires shod with 6.0"x16" Dunlop racing tyres.

The interior features suede green leather seats; correct silver Hardura trimmed transmission cover; four-point safety harness; hand fire extinguisher; and a correct three-spoke Bluemels steering wheel. The electrical system features cotton-braided wiring and period components.
Described by the private vendor as in generally very good condition, this faithful C-Type re-creation is offered with sundry restoration invoices, old-style logbook, current MoT and V5 registration document.