Fantasy Junction

Description

1953 Jaguar C-Type Recreation
s/n 726164 DN, Engine no. D8309-8
Metallic Blue with Dove Gray Leather

A great sports car earns its legacy three ways. Some might be superlative in design, others proven on the racetrack, or perhaps simply by engineering prowess. But in the case of the C-Type Jaguar, it is masterfully inclusive of all three. The legendary Malcolm Sayer designed the C-Type body with beauty and aerodynamic efficiency in mind. Coupled with the twin cam XK series engine and disc brakes, C-Types dominated races, winning at Le Mans in 1951 and again in 1953. And with just 52 examples built at the factory, it should come as no surprise that 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, becomes an inviting proposition for miles of enjoyment.

This Jaguar C-Type re-creation is one of just four cars built by renowned engineer Bryan Wingfield in 1987. Built specifically for each customer, the original four owners were Paul Hewes, Henry Taylor, Merrick Taylor and Sir Anthony Bamford. These four cars were executed with engineering excellence and faithfulness to the original. The initial designs were built as nearly identical copies of the 1953 Works Lightweight Specification cars, considered the epitome of this series. In August 2015 a factory Works original sold for over $13 million, cementing these cars forever as hallmarks of racing excellence. It was this specific car that Brian Wilkinson measured and studied, creating patterns and fixtures to duplicate the chassis. The aluminum coachwork was faithfully measured and templates were used to capture the fluid contours of Sayers original design. The body fabrication was then entrusted to the well-known firm of Classic Autos of Kings Langley, run by Aubrey Finburgh, himself a long-term owner of a genuine C-Type. The suspension follows the original C-Type design with wishbones at the front and a live axle at the rear, which is sprung by torsion bars. The 3.4-litre engine is a XK140SE unit built to C-Type specification and fitted with a straight-port cylinder head, triple Weber 45DCO carburetors and ‘D’ camshafts. This engine combination resulted in 230hp when tested. The gearbox is a Jaguar unit and, per the ‘53 spec cars, features Dunlop disc brakes at all four corners. Further modifications include a non-standard (and thus more reliable) fuel pump, non-original steering rack, front wishbones from an XKE-Type, a Kenlowe electric fan, and a larger XK150 radiator, which offers improved cooling.

Paul Hewes purchased this car in 1987 when it was brand new. He lovingly maintained the car from 1987 until 2006, using it as a capable road vehicle, but also actively campaigning it in numerous racing events, circuit races, hill climbs, sprints and various classic rallies. Events were sponsored and organized by clubs such as the Aston Martin Owner’s Club, Silverstone Eight Clubs and Brighton Speed Trials. Jaguar enthusiast Brian Cracknell of Station Garage, Thurston, Suffolk, carried out all maintenance and service during Mr. Hewes ownership. Roughly two years after Mr. Hewes sold this C-Type, it made its way to the USA and in 2009 the current owner purchased the car. During the current ownership period this C-Type Recreation has shared a stable with other all-time sports cars including an original Ferrari 250 Short Wheelbase Berlinetta, Ford GT40, and Ferrari 275 GTB/4. Maintenance during this period of ownership has included mechanical servicing, new engine mounts, new ball joints, new suspensions bushings, new tires and a rebuilt radiator.

Today the car presents very nicely, finished in the evocative period Ecurie Ecosse blue, which has been enjoyed but preserved over the years, showing only mild evidence of road use and minor wear in a few areas. The paint is glossy throughout and captures the fluidity of the undulating fender lines perfectly. The handmade construction of the body panels is exceptional, showing excellent fit and finish and is a further testament to its build quality and accuracy to the original. The visual delight continues throughout the exterior of the car with excellent trim, lighting, properly nested side exhaust, and beautifully finished wire wheels.

The interior delivers a handsome combination of racing history and purposeful features. Instruments are neatly clustered behind a beautiful steering wheel adorned with the Jaguar emblem. The dial faces on the instruments are in excellent condition with clear glass and finely detailed indications. The dove gray seating is accurately presented, nested in the black cockpit, revealing just a few silver painted frame tubes as part of the racing heritage. Clearly the invitation is to drive with ambition and intent, as there are little distractions in the cockpit to deter your focus. One can clearly see the aircraft inspiration in this design – confirmed by the speeds the original cars achieved on racetracks around the world.

Under the hood, the craftsmanship continues to inspire onlookers with visions of vintage Le Mans races. The engine is revealed in all her 230hp splendor with side draft Webers and polished cam covers, gleaming against the bright red painted finish. Hardware is period correct in most instances, allowing for improvements in areas where modern technology enhances reliability and safety. These improvements become very clear when driving this fabulous recreation. With only slightly more than 14,000 documented miles on the car since new, the engine fires to life eagerly. The car idles smoothly with excellent throttle response, creating a symphony of motorsport brilliance with each tap of the throttle.

The driving experience is nothing short of remarkable. Even the most comfortable and familiar drivers of vintage sports cars grin from ear to ear once underway, eager to provoke another mile. Shifting is smooth and easy with excellent clutch feel. Pressing harder on the throttle there is no hesitation as highway speeds come up quickly, moving through all gears. Disc brakes deliver as promised with very good grip, providing ample stopping power, needed for the additional horsepower. The current owner has improved dearly on the car over the years, adding suspension and brake improvements to further enhance the driving experience. The car comes with service records, time sheets from some of the UK races, detailed paperwork from import (including several UK registration documents), and a handful of vintage racing tags from the original owner events.

A masterpiece of automotive design and racing excellence, the Jaguar C-Type is certainly a dream only a few can truly aspire to achieve. However, with a recreation of the highest order, one is afforded the opportunity to experience history and motoring excellence. This stunning C-Type recreation is ready for your motoring enjoyment, delivering all the promise of the original design, exceptional engineering, and improved reliability without the responsibility associated with driving a museum artifact.

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