Fantasy Junction

Description

1951 Jaguar C-Type Recreation by Tempero
Chassis No. 720956
Black with Tan Leather Interior

Among the most celebrated sports cars marques, Jaguar has continually offered innovative designs, exceptional competition cars, and groundbreaking engineering. The legendary C-Type Jaguar embodies all these traits. Beginning with the Malcolm Sayer body design, the graceful aerodynamics have since become a celebrated work of art. Both functional and beautiful, the fluid bodywork was coupled with the twin cam XK series engine, manual transmission, and disc brakes, making C-Types dominant at world venue competitions, winning at Le Mans in 1951 and again in 1953. With a mere 52 examples assembled at the factory, today some of the finest C-Types sell well into the millions at premium auctions. For the motoring enthusiast who seeks the experience of such a great car, a faithful recreation, uniting authenticity with upgraded engineering, makes for an enjoyable motorcar with the performance and visual heritage to properly celebrate the incomparable originals.

This Jaguar C-Type was constructed by one of the earliest innovators in vintage Jaguar construction and recreations using similar hand crafting practices employed in the original construction. Three generations of Tempero coachbuilders dating back to 1946 servicing original examples while eventually developing a range of recreations including D-Type, C-Type, XJ13, and Aston Martins all with the highest quality of workmanship and accuracy. This example was constructed to an exceptionally high level of finish by the capable Tempero team. This C-Type is fitted with a Jaguar engine and transmission and is titled and registered for road use per the chassis tag riveted to the firewall which also corresponds to the clean California title in the current owner’s name. The handcrafted aluminum body involved 600 hours of fabrication before being mated to the chassis and finished in stunning black. Period correct details were used throughout the exterior and interior extending every effort to capture the essence of the original C-Type racing cars while delivering reliable street performance for enthusiast driving.

The current owner purchased this car in 2017 from a large collection based in Texas. Under current ownership, this C-Type has been cared for by Jaguar experts at Stewarts Automotive, Sacramento, CA including work performed in May 2017 (46,542 miles) totaling over $15,0000 including an annual service removing wheels and greasing splines, clutch and brake fluid flush, adjusting the shifter assembly, adjust front hubs, starter rebuild, new starter solenoid and Lucas cylinder ignitor, rear suspension rebuild including half shafts and driveline, rebuild rear calipers, install new steering rack boots, install new battery, new tail shaft, new U-joints, new ignition coil, new engine freeze plugs, the cooling system pressure tested, and a compression test showing 165 on all six cylinders. In June 2017 the speedometer was serviced and recalibrated at 46,593 miles.

In October 2017 with 47,102 miles recorded, over $16,0000 was spent with Stewarts when the engine was removed, the head resurfaced, hot tanking and honing the block, polishing the crank and resurfacing the flywheel, all new engine gaskets, new engine bolts and hardware installed, new oil pump, new Deves piston rings (.040), new crank dampener and clutch kit, radiator flush and leak repair, transmission servicing, and complete reassembly for the engine, and reinstallation of the transmission and engine. 

In 2018 with 47,272 miles, the car was serviced at Stewarts including replacing the front transmission bearing, balancing front wheels, and retorquing the cylinder head. Additional services followed that same year at 47,447 miles replacing the throw out bearing, thrust washer, and front bearing, resealing the fuel cell to filler connection flange, carbs adjusted, and spark plugs cleaned. In 2019 and 2020, oil and filter changes were performed, wheels balanced, and an oil pressure switch installed. Over the past four years, the current owner has driven the car sparingly resulting in just 48,140 miles indicated at consignment.

Today this C-Type presents in stunning condition. Finished in gleaming black, the paint is exceptional throughout. The construction of the alloy body panels is exceptional, with excellent fit and finish, clean fitment for the headlight covers, beautifully shaped hood and side louvers, and delicate trim all prepared with authenticity and quality in mind. Though minor signs of use can be seen upon close examination including a small paint imperfection (1/2” in length) on the left rear fender, the car is really quite impressive and ready for showing. The visual delight continues throughout the exterior of the car including modern front turn indicators thoughtfully mounted into the headlight buckets, properly nested side exhaust, clear headlight covers, silver painted wire wheels with dual eared knockoffs, and correctly sized Michelin tires.

The interior delivers a handsome combination of racing history and purposeful features. Instruments are neatly clustered behind a beautiful wood-rimmed steering wheel adorned with the Jaguar emblem. The gauges are in excellent condition with clear glass and finely detailed indications while other features repeat the competition history including an alloy shifter handle, corded leather shifter boot, exposed alloy floor and inner panels, and six spare spark plugs mounted “at the ready” in the driver’s door pocket. The tan leather seats are accurately presented, nested in the race-trimmed cockpit and contoured for racing complete with a set of contemporary race style seat belts inclusive of the C-Type’s preeminent competition heritage. The cockpit is both purposeful and engaging, inviting one to drive with ambition and intent, relieving both driver and passenger of any digital distractions, cup holder foolery, or insipid radio broadcasts. The aircraft inspiration, low profile plexiglass windscreen, and racing heritage, combined with just a hint of elegant material touches deliver a wonderful feel to the interior of the car.

Unlatching the leather bonnet buckles, the clamshell alloy hood tilts forward to reveal the engine compartment, front suspension, and steel frame. The craftsmanship continues to inspire onlookers with details that delight the eye including vintage castings, correct components, and polished alloy features. The engine is fitted with triple Weber carburetors and polished air horns contained in a handmade aluminum airbox. Both the sound and visual impact from this engine are spectacular, made all the more enjoyable as this C-Type has been appropriately updated with modern enhancements thoughtfully concealed for improved reliability and safety.

The engine fires to life with a smooth and raspy exhaust note. Once warmed to operating temperatures, the throttle response delivers a symphony of aural brilliance with each blip of the throttle. The driving experience is very satisfying, engaging, and delightfully nimble given the era. Even the most familiar drivers of vintage sports cars will appreciate the balance and excitement behind the wheel of this C-Type. Shifting is smooth and easy with positive feel and good clutch engagement. Pressing harder on the throttle there is no hesitation at highway speeds through all gears as the car pulls strong and decelerates well coming down from higher speeds. Disc brakes deliver good grip, providing ample stopping power, while the live rear axle works surprisingly well in this package, delivering good grip and confidence even in tighter corners.

A masterpiece of automotive design and racing excellence, a factory built competition Jaguar C-Type is a dream only a few can aspire to own. However, with a contemporary Tempero recreation of the highest order, fortunate enthusiasts are afforded the opportunity to experience both the history and motoring excellence of these great cars. This stunning C-Type is ready to deliver all the promise of the original design, exceptional engineering, and improved roadgoing confidence, ready for Jaguar events and tours unencumbered by the costly tethers of museum curation and historic preservation.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608