Jaguar C-Type History
Catalog record
This is a brief catalog introduction with limited source documentation. A licensed, identity-checked lead photograph has not yet been added for this page. Detailed year, configuration and ownership coverage must be identified separately; this page is not a complete vehicle catalog.
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Officially the XK120-C, the C-Type was Jaguar's first purpose-built racing sports car, using a tuned XK engine in a lightweight tubular frame with aerodynamic bodywork by Malcolm Sayer. It won the Le Mans 24 Hours at its very first attempt in 1951.
For 1953 the C-Type ran pioneering Dunlop disc brakes and won Le Mans again — the first time the race had ever been won at an average speed above 100 mph. Only 53 were built, most sold to private racers.
Body styles
- Racing roadster
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