Jaguar C-Type Continuation

After the E-Type Lightweight, XK-SS and D-Type, Jaguar has now announced their fourth Continuation Car. Just in time for the 70th anniversary of the C-Type, the British brand is launching eight new examples. An interesting development, considering that Ecurie Ecosse also announced a new edition just two weeks ago. The British racing team, which won Le Mans with the C-Type in 1952, is producing seven examples. Jaguar Classic meanwhile uses archival documents as well as CAD data created in-house. These were created by a 3D scan of an original C-Type, namely the winning car of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1953.

1953 winning car as a model

With this base vehicle, Jaguar also defined the technical specifications of the Continuation Series. In 1953, disc brakes were already being used all round at Le Mans. Next to that the 3.4-liter inline six-cylinder engine received a power boost to around 220 hp. Another new feature was an additional air scoop on the right-hand side of the engine hood. This also finds its way onto the Continuation Cars. A nice detail in the interior are the slots for the starter spark plugs underneath the driver’s door.

3D configurator available online

In addition to ensuring the best possible fit and thus authentic shapes, the CAD data also helps in a new way. For the first time, Jaguar Classic is presenting a Continuation Car in a 3D configurator available online. Here, interested parties and fans can configure their personal C-Type. There are 12 paint colors and eight leather colors to choose from. Also, one can specify whether there are round racing number roundels on doors, hood and rear and/or a Jaguar badge on front and steering wheel. Not available via the configurator are an optional rollover protection bar and FIA-certified seat belts.

Almost all original C-Types were sold to privateers

Only 53 examples of the original Jaguar C-Type were built between 1951 and 1953. 43 of them met the original specification with drum brake and an engine producing around 200 hp. These cars were sold to private customers all over the world. The factory team, meanwhile, received the modifications described above. While the original cars now easily reach seven-figure price ranges, Jaguar Classic did not provide any information on the price of the Continuation Series.

Images: Jaguar, Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust (JDHT)