1952 Jaguar C-type Ecurie Ecosse

The needle of the rev counter can be wound to the red zone, and each gear takes the car into a new dimension

by Gary Anderson

Photos: Christie’s

Designed and built with the sole intention of winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the renowned Jaguar C-type was a development of the already successful XK 120. Though the race car was initially designated XK 120C, in truth little was shared between the two models apart from the drivetrain, and this was uprated with larger exhaust valves, high-lift cams, and larger carburetors. The race car was designed with rack-and-pinion steering, revised suspension, and a lightweight tubular chassis and bodywork construction. Clothed in the voluptuous C-type curves, the new car’s potency was promptly proven when, just six weeks after its completion, Peter Whitehead and Peter Walker won the 1951 Le Mans race an immense 67 miles ahead of their competition. Six C-types were retained by the works, but the model was also available for sale at some £1,500 plus purchase tax (nearly 50% more than the 120) thus providing a natural progression for privateers already impressed with...