1952 Jaguar C-Type

If you happen to have £4.5m just burning a hole in your pocket and you’re looking for something to spend it on, the guys at RM Sotheby’s might have just the thing in the shape of this rather breathtaking 1952 Jaguar C-Type which is going under the hammer at their upcoming London auction. This extraordinary looking machine clearly won’t come cheap and excitement is already high surrounding this lot amongst classic car aficionados (those with deep pockets, at least).

The 1952 Jaguar C-Type from RM Sotheby’s is one of just 53 C-Type models made by Jaguar and it boasts an excellent competition pedigree with in-period SCCA race history. This particular offering was restored by expert Peter Jay Engineering and RS Panels in 1988 and is presented in excellent working order given just how old it is. It retains the numbers-matching body, chassis, and engine, verified by JDHT production record so you can rest assured that you’re getting a real piece of automotive history if you’re the one lucky enough to get your hands on this lot when the hammer goes down.

MOTORING ICON

Following on from Leslie Johnson’s competitive outing at the 1950 24 Hours of Le Mans in a Jaguar XK 120 S, Jaguar management approved the creation of a new XK-based racing model, initially dubbed the XK 120 C and later known as the C-Type. Kicking off with an all-new lightweight tubular space frame, Jaguar’s experimental department redesigned the XK’s rear suspension with additional positioning links and the 3.4-litre engine was enhanced with a new cylinder head, high-lift camshafts, racing pistons and an un-muffled dual exhaust system, combining to deliver an uncompromising 200 horsepower.

This 1952 Jaguar C-Type from RM Sotheby’s (guide price £4-4.5m), chassis number XKC014, is one of the 53 made at the Coventry factory. Originally finished in cream with a suede green interior, the car was imported through Max Hoffman of New York and was dispatched 7 October 1952 to its first owner, Commander John “Jack” Rutherford of Florida, U.S.A. In February 1953, Rutherford was timed at 134.07 mph behind the wheel of the Jaguar during the NASCAR Speed Week at Daytona Beach.

Getting your hands on this beautiful looking steed presents a wonderful opportunity to own an early-production C-Type with racing history from the 1950s and 1960s, and overall is a glorious restored example of Jaguar’s iconic racing sports car – which is why so many have already registered an interest in making this the next addition to their luxury car lineup. Highly eligible to Grand Prix Historique de Monaco, Le Mans Classic, Tour Auto, Modena Cento Ore, Mille Miglia, or Colorado Grand, this is one iconic machine.

buy now | £4m