Jaguar launches C-type Continuation programme

By Lizzie Pope

| 28 Jan 2021

Classic & Sports Car – Jaguar launches C-type Continuation programme

Jaguar Classic is to build eight C-type Continuation cars to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the original, made between 1951 and 1953.

The cars will be handbuilt in Coventry to the 1953 Le Mans-winning specification, meaning they will be powered by a 3.4-litre straight-six with triple Weber 40DCO3 carburettors, and equipped with disc brakes.

In period, 53 Jaguar C-types left the factory and 43 were sold to private owners, but the production C-type specification was limited to drum-braked cars with twin SU carburettors, in the style of the 1951 works cars.

This announcement comes just a fortnight after Ecurie Ecosse revealed its own seven-strong run of continuation C-types.

The number 18 Jaguar C-type of Tony Rolt and Duncan Hamilton wins the 1953 Le Mans 24 Hours

As well as winning the ’53 Le Mans, the C-type gave Jaguar victory in the 24-hour race two years earlier, with Peters Walker and Whitehead, and these continuation versions will be eligible for competition, too.

Indeed, they are being built in advance of a racing-inspired celebration for their owners, scheduled for 2022.

Using ’50s drawings and company records, as well as the data from an original scanned C-type, will help Jaguar Classic remain faithful to the 1953 specification.

And although the marque has previously produced continuation versions of the Lightweight E-type, XKSS and D-type, this is the first time buyers will be able to visualise their cars on an online configurator which will show, among other things, the 12 exterior and eight interior colours – all of which were offered in period – that are available.

Check out the paint options and more online

“Driven by some of the most-admired racing drivers in history, the C-type laid the foundations for Jaguar’s success in endurance racing and is synonymous with design and engineering innovation,” said Dan Pink, Director, Jaguar Classic.

“Seventy years on, Jaguar Classic is proud to be able to utilise the latest innovations in manufacturing technology – alongside traditional skills and unrivalled expertise – to reintroduce this legendary car for a new generation of enthusiasts to enjoy.”

Find out more on Jaguar Classic’s website.

FIA-approved rollover protection systems can be fitted ahead of competitive use

Also in the last few days, Jaguar Land Rover has won a landmark copyright infringement case in the Swedish High Court, confirming copyright protection of the C-type’s shape.

The Intellectual Property Division ruled in Jaguar Land Rover’s favour in a case that the OEM brought against a company manufacturing C-type replica vehicles.

“We welcome the decision by the Swedish High Court, that the shape of a vehicle as original as the Jaguar C-type is protected by copyright, in a similar way to other works such as statues, paintings or music. This is an important case in the evolving copyright law landscape across the EU,” commented Amanda Beaton, Global IP Counsel for Jaguar Land Rover.

“This beautiful vehicle is part of our company’s heritage and this ruling helps us protect that lineage, as well as the significant investment that we have made in our unrivalled design.”

Images: Jaguar Classic and Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust

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