Fantasy Junction

Description

1957 Jaguar C-Type Replica
s/n 76244DN, engine no. 7E 3223-8
Metallic Blue with Blue Leather

The C-Type is one of Jaguar’s most famous and successful creations. A dedicated competition variant of the swoopy and sophisticated XK120, the C-type was converted to race use through the use of a stunning body and careful reengineering of all the major mechanical systems. The bodywork is among the most beautiful ever fitted to any car, and was designed by Jaguar’s legendary aerodynamicist and stylist Malcom Sayer. The car was an instant success, winning Le Mans on its first outing in 1951, and again in 1953. It continued to use the sophisticated twin cam XK inline-6, and, for the first time in an automobile, disc brakes, which had been pioneered during World War II on airplanes. Just 52 C-Types were built, and now trade hands for multiple millions of dollars, around $13 million for a great example. Thus, it is not surprising that faithful replicas built on Jaguar chassis with Jaguar running gear are popular among enthusiasts seeking to capture the historic experience of one of the all-time great sports racing cars without the massive price tag or uneasiness associated with using such a valuable car.

Starting with the donor basis of a 1957 Jaguar Mk. VIII, this wonderful all alloy bodied C-Type Replica was crafted by High Performance Engineering Centre, Ltd in the United Kingdom. Taking the identification and powerplant from the Mk VIII, the balance of the car body, chassis, underpinnings, and running gear were either handcrafted for the purpose of this application (in the case of the body and chassis), or carefully selected from their vendors (in the case of the suspension, brakes, and modern 5-speed dog leg transmission). The Engine was built by John Wilcox Competition Engines, who enlarged the displacement to 4.2L and converted the induction to accommodate triple Webers. The rally/endurance build profile of the engine, with mild cams and compression ratios as to run on pump gas, still produces an attention-getting 308 horsepower! As with the original cars, the chassis is a tubular steel affair wearing dimensionally accurate aluminum coachwork. Of particular note is the ergonomic nature of the driving position, which would be suitable for a driver up to 6’3” in height. This is not necessarily the case with all replicas. The suspension is largely correct in layout, save for the benefit of an independent rear axle assembly which is borrowed from an E-Type era car. This particular car was built in 2006 for the present owner who specified it with triple Webers, cold air vents in the footwells, nose stripes and number balls in paint, a full cockpit tonneau cover in black canvas, “upgrade tubes”, sound proofing materials in the interior, a fire extinguisher, passenger’s windshield, and a 3.31 differential final drive ratio for the capacity to tour long distances at high speed. It is further equipped with massive 4-piston vented front brakes, an outside fuel filler, and painted wire wheels shod with near new Vredstein tires.

The craftsmanship of the body panels and the car in its entirety is very high. To our knowledge, just two of these cars were constructed, this high-performance specification example, and second car which more closely approximates the performance potential that a C-Type would have exhibited in the 1950s, which was ordered by a close friend of the owner of this car. It is said that High Performance Engineering Ltd. spent several million GBP developing the molds for the aluminum coachwork with the expectation to build a vast number of cars, but then proved financially unviable as an entity, and closed their doors.

Still with its first owner who imported it once completed in early 2007, this example has logged just under 4,900 miles since its conversion to C-Type guise. Its presentation is that of a nearly new car in every regard. There are only a handful of minor cosmetic blemishes, mainly a few use marks on the frontal facing edges of the paintwork, and some weathering on the side view mirror.

The car is an absolute pleasure to drive. It is incredibly well-resolved and provides a remarkable and special experience that will excite the most jaded of car enthusiasts. It is not temperamental in the slightest, starting and operating easily from cold and providing a coherent, solid, and trustworthy experience that is far from being a given in an old car. The engine has an inviting, smooth hum at idle, but produces immense power when called upon with the throttle. The modern 5-speed transmission is butter-smooth and the gearing is ideal for this application. The brakes are communicative, and provide ample stopping power for the added horsepower. What stands out most to someone expecting a 1950s feeling driving experience, however, is the rigidity and composure of the chassis, which we find simply fascinating. Clearly, the minds at HPE Centre Ltd. had prior experience with racing Jaguars, and knew where to improve upon the original designs. Overall the car is supremely coherent and inspires the kind of trust that allows the driver to drive in a spirited fashion with confidence.

This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a beautifully wrought car that faithfully captures every meaningful element of experiencing one of the greatest cars of all time. An absolute pleasure to drive and look at, this car was built to the highest standards and represents superb value as well. It comes with build documentation from HPE Centre Ltd., original registration documents going back to new for the Mk VIII donor car. Currently titled in California as a 1957 Jaguar, this example would likely prove eligible for any pre-1957 driving events, just as the Jaguar Mk. VIII would.

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