Vehicle Description
In the early 1950s, Jaguar took the world by storm with the
introduction of its magnificent twin-cam inline six-cylinder "XK"
engine. The brilliant design brought race-bred technology to the
masses, thanks to Sir William Lyons's ability to balance outright
performance with volume-production affordability. While it powered
the entire range of Jaguar automobiles, it was in the XK120 sports
car where the new engine first shone brightest, taking the
club-racing world by storm, particularly in the white-hot US
market. But Jaguar's ambitions went beyond club racing, and Lyons
wanted to prove his engine on the international stage, setting his
sight on the greatest prize of all - victory in the Le Mans 24 Hour
race. It took an extraordinary car to win the world's toughest
motor race, and Jaguar delivered that with the stunning new C-Type.
Based loosely on the XK120, the C-Type featured a highly-tuned
version of the same twin-cam inline-six used in the production cars
and the world's first application of four-wheel disc brakes, which
were pioneered on WWII-era aircraft. The lightweight tubular
chassis was wrapped in a gorgeous, svelte skin designed by Jaguar
aerodynamicist Malcolm Sayer, and it was an instant hit. In 1951,
the C-Type won Le Mans on its first attempt and punctuated that
with another win in 1953, catapulting Jaguar to the top of the
sports car world. Jaguar built just 52 C-Types, and they are among
the most prized collector cars in the world, with values stretching
into seven figures. Thankfully, the average enthusiast who lusts
for the raw driving experience and aching beauty of a Jaguar C-Type
has a more reasonably priced alternative in the form of a replica
or recreation. Several companies have produced C-Type replicas
through the years, but few are as widely respected as the cars
built in England by Proteus. From the early 1980s, they sold kits
based on the Jaguar saloon underpinnings with aluminum or
fiberglass bodies. By the end of the decade, Proteus had refined
its formula, becoming the premier manufacturer of C-Type replicas
worldwide, shifting away from kits and toward bespoke, ground-up
builds for individual clients. Utilizing hand-formed aluminum
coachwork over a specially constructed chassis closely matching the
original design, Proteus cars exude the purity and spirit of the
C-Type, with enhanced refinement and reliability for the ultimate
high-performance driving experience. Finished in the quintessential
livery of dark British Racing Green over a suede green leather
cockpit, this Proteus C-Type is a highly desirable, alloy-bodied
example with 3.8-litre XK power. According to a previous custodian,
Proteus confirmed this car arrived in the USA in the late 80s or
early 90s. The owner of a genuine C-Type commissioned the build as
he desired the authentic driving experience for rallies and tours
without risking damage to his massively valuable original. This car
is authentically detailed with covered headlamps, cut-down
windscreen with adjustable Brooklands screens behind, Le Mans-style
filler cap, and silver painted wire wheels shod with period-style
Vredestein Sprint Classic tires. The dark green paint is
beautifully finished, with a rich luster that captures the
undulations and curves of the alloy bodywork. Cockpit finishes
mirror those of the original C-Type, with suede green leather
bucket seats, silver-painted floors and chassis tubes, and a black
Hardura providing a modicum of insulation on the transmission
tunnel. Beneath the clamshell bonnet sits a 3.8-litre inline-six
breathing through twin S.U. carbs with trumpet intakes. The driving
position is superb, and steering via the four-spoke wheel is light
and beautifully direct. Period-style Smiths instruments monitor
engine vitals, and the power goes through a Jaguar four-speed
gearbox with added Laycock overdrive on 3rd and 4th gears, allowing
for effortless high-speed cruising. Four-wheel disc brakes and a
well-located live rear axle ensure surefooted road manners. The
engine compartment and mechanical components are all very well
detailed, and the car shows a pleasing character from moderate use.
The Jaguar C-Type is a motoring masterpiece that only a few lucky
collectors can aspire to own, and while this Proteus costs a mere
fraction of the original, it is beautifully crafted and a joy to
drive, paying faithful tribute to the iconic original. Please note
titled as a 1966 Jaguar Offers welcome and trades considered For
additional details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7319-1952-jaguar-c-type-replica/
