Historic Ex-Masten Gregory Jaguar C-Type Joins RM’S Forthcoming Automobiles of London Sale

One of the most genuine and original, matching-numbers competition C-Types in existence, chassis number XKC-015, has joined the starting grid for RM Auctions’ Automobiles of London sale, returning 27th October, 2010.

The 1952 car, which was taken to victory at the Golden Gate Nationals, San Francisco, by well-known driver of the period, Masten Gregory, boasts successful racing history and an unbroken chain of ownership. Eligible for the world’s most prestigious events, it is expected to fetch between £1.9 million – £2.4 million when it crosses the auction podium in Central London next month.

“Specifically designed to win the Le Mans 24 hour race, the legendary C-Type Jaguar is one of the most desirable sports racing cars ever built,” says Max Girardo, Managing Director of RM Europe.

“Powered by a 210bhp, 3,442 cc six-cylinder engine, Jaguar C-Types have an enviable racing heritage from the glory days of 1950s motorsport. The example on offer, XKC-015 is a wonderful illustration and an exciting addition to our London sale,” Girardo adds.

Finished in cream with suede green interior trim, chassis number XKC-015 left the Browns Lane factory on 14 October, 1952 for delivery to Charles Hornburg, Jaguar’s US West Coast dealer based in Beverly Hills. The car’s first owner was one J. Hall who took his new C-Type racing on just one occasion. Early in 1953, XKC-015 was sold to upcoming driver Masten Gregory, described by sports car legend Carroll Shelby as “the fastest American to ever go over and race a Grand Prix car.” Gregory had earlier shot to stardom on the racing scene by scoring a podium finish in his very first Formula 1 World Championship Grand Prix start (a first by an American) and was also a winner of the world famous Le Mans 24 Hour endurance race.

Gregory’s winning streak continued behind the wheel of XKC-015, driving the car to victory at an event in Stillwater, Oklahoma, followed by a win at the Guardsman Trophy race at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, as well as at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska. He also lent XKC-015 to Road & Track magazine for its first ever C-Type road test.

XKC-015’s notable finishes in the hands of Masten Gregory included:

– 17th May 1953 Golden Gate Nationals (San Francisco) 1st
– 5th July 1953 Offutt Field Nationals (Omaha, NE) 1st
– 12th April 1953 Lone Star 200 (Bergstrum A.F. Base, TX) 3rd OA
– 9th August 1953 Lockburne AF Base (Columbus, OH) 2nd OA
– August 1953 The Thompson National (CT) 1st

After Gregory’s ownership, XKC-015 passed through the hands of various well-documented owners, where it continued a career as both a competition and road car. Today, it is offered for sale as a gloriously authentic C-Type with a wonderful patina, while also benefiting from a full mechanical restoration by a marque specialist.

“Jaguar C-Types only come to market on the rarest of occasions – the sale of XKC-015 therefore presents an exclusive ownership opportunity for discerning collectors. On-the-button mechanically, it is ready to take to Europe’s most prestigious motoring and racing circuits, including the Monaco Historic Grand Prix, Le Mans Classic and the Mille Miglia to name a few,” adds Girardo.

XKC-015 joins an impressive roster of over 100 investment-quality motor cars slated for RM’s 2010 London sale. Taking advantage of RM’s global network of clients and international footprint, entries have been sourced from 16 countries around the world.

In addition to the C-Type and the famed 1964 Aston Martin DB5 James Bond Movie Car also signed to the sale, other highlights include:

– Twenty-three examples from the Hooper Corporate Collection to be offered ‘without reserve’, including a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing (Est. £350,000 – £400,000);

– a rare 2010 Pagani Zonda R, one of only 15 scheduled to be built and offered at auction for the first time (Est. £1,300,000 – £1,400,000);

– a totally original, factory-certified prototype 1966 Ferrari 365 California Spyder (Est. £550,000 – £680,000); and,

– a pair of yellow Lamborghinis, including a 1975 Lamborghini Countach LP400 ‘Periscope’, the first RHD Lamborghini Countach ever produced (Est. £190,000 – £240,000); and a 1972 Lamborghini Miura SV (Est. £500,000 – £560,000), offered for sale from the same collection.

For full event details and a complete list of auction offerings, visit www.rmauctions.com/london or call +44 20 7851 7070.

For those unable to attend the event in person, Internet, absentee, telephone and iPhone bidding options are available, and the auction will stream live online at www.rmauctions.com, providing real-time coverage of the event.