Fantasy Junction

Description

1952 Jaguar C-Type Recreation by Proteus
s/n 672749, Engine no. W5758-8
British Racing Green with Black Interior

Among the most celebrated of sports cars, Jaguar has continually offered innovative designs, exceptional competition cars, and tremendous engineering capacity. The legendary C-Type Jaguar embodies all these traits. Beginning with the Malcolm Sayer body design, the graceful aerodynamic body is itself a work of art. This functional and beautiful design was coupled with the twin cam XK series engine and disc brakes, making C-Types dominant forces in races, 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 are selling for eight figures at premium auctions. For the motoring enthusiast who seeks the experience of such a great car, a faithful re-creation, uniting authenticity with upgraded engineering, makes for an enjoyable motorcar with the performance and visual heritage to properly celebrate the original.

This Jaguar C-Type was constructed in the 1980s with careful attention to originality and fabrication, befitting a car of this status. At that time, Proteus, now a premier fabrication house creating some of the best C-Type replicas in the world, had just started their operation. This car was assembled using an original 1950s 3.4 Liter Jaguar engine procured from an XK120 and rebuilt for this application. The 1952 XK120 ID tag was riveted to the firewall at assembly and indicates the engine number, which matches with the number stamped on the head currently in the car. Large SU H8 sand cast carburetors were installed with a handmade aluminum airbox, feeding the twin-cam engine. A Moss gearbox was used for shifting duties much as they were in original Jaguars. Dunlop disc brakes were mounted at all four wheels and correctly painted 16” wire wheels were installed. Proteus assembled all their cars using aluminum coachwork over a specially constructed chassis with attention to original specifications and body design, closely matching the original cars. The hand crafted aluminum body involved 600 hours of fabrication before being mated to the chassis. Period correct details were used throughout the exterior and interior, in order to capture the essence of the original C-Type racing cars and still deliver reliable street performance for enthusiast driving.

Today this car presents very nicely, having been regularly serviced and recently tuned and adjusted to ensure proper operation. Originally commissioned by an enthusiast who specified the car be as close to factory original as fiscally possible, the build was carried out and completed with only a few miles put on the car under his ownership. The car was then sold to the second owner and subsequently offered for sale by Fantasy Junction in 2017. The current owner purchased this car from Fantasy Junction that same year adding only minimal miles to it under his ownership. The car is finished in the quintessential British Racing Green, which has been enjoyed and generally preserved over the years, showing only mild evidence of road use in a few areas, and a few scrapes noted at the rear of the car. The odometer indicates fewer than 2,000 miles have accumulated during the restrained life of this C-Type Recreation. The paint is glossy throughout and captures the fluidity of the undulating fender lines much as the original did more than half a century ago. The construction of the alloy body panels is exceptional, with excellent fit and finish, showing only minor areas of use over time - a further testament to the Proteus quality and allegiance to the original. The visual delight continues throughout the exterior of the car with very nice trim, lighting, properly nested side exhaust, clear headlight covers, and correctly painted wire wheels. New tires were fitted in 2019.

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 dial faces on the instruments (many of them rare now and hard to find) are in excellent condition with clear glass and finely detailed indications. The fuel gauge needle migrates a bit unpredictably while in motion. The black seats are accurately presented, nested in the race-trimmed cockpit, revealing just a few silver-painted frame tubes, inclusive of the C-Type’s preeminent racing heritage. The cockpit is both purposeful and engaging, inviting one to drive with ambition and intent, as there are little distractions to deter your focus. The aircraft inspiration, low windscreen, and racing heritage, combined with just a hint of elegant material touches deliver a wonderful feel to the interior of the car.

Under the hood, the craftsmanship continues to inspire onlookers with visions of vintage Le Mans racing. The engine is prominently featured with dual carburetors, a handmade aluminum airbox, and polished cam covers gleaming against the correctly finished red twin-cam C-Type head. Hardware has been appropriately updated, allowing for improvements where modern technology enhances reliability and safety. These improvements are evident when driving this well-balanced and properly engineered car.

The engine fires to life eagerly and settles into a smooth but slightly raspy exhaust and excellent throttle response, offering a symphony of motorsports brilliance with each tap of the throttle. The driving experience is very satisfying, cohesive, and engaging. Even the most comfortable and familiar drivers of vintage sports cars will appreciate the balance and excitement driving in this car. 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. 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, the Jaguar C-Type is a dream only a few can aspire to own. However, with a contemporary 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 reliability, free from the costly tethers of museum curation and 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