Lot details
Registration No: LGV 248
Chassis No: P1F6509BW
Mot Expiry: Aug 2017

- Only c.1600 miles since completion by vendor in 2010 using Jaguar 420 donor

- GRP body, 3.8-litre VSE engine, twin SUs, overdrive gearbox, copies of build sheets

- Magazine featured, period Suffolk registration number and Swansea V5C

In many ways the XK120's success, both on and off the track, took Jaguar by surprise. Among the fastest production cars of its day, the model had obvious competition potential but the endurance racing derivative that debuted at the 1951 Le Mans 24-hours was an altogether more specialised machine. Conceived behind closed doors, the XK120-Competition - a.k.a. the C-Type - was considerably faster, lighter and nimbler than its roadgoing sibling. The work of Bob Knight and Malcolm Sayer respectively, the newcomer's sophisticated multi-tubular chassis frame and aerodynamic bodywork allowed it to conquer contemporary Ferrari, Aston Martin and Mercedes-Benz opposition.

Famous for winning the 1951 and 1953 Le Mans 24-hours, the C-Type may well have triumphed on the 1952 event had Jaguar not chosen to make various unproven modifications. One subsequent upgrade that more than validated its worth was the adoption of four-wheel Dunlop disc brakes. Thus equipped the C-Type driven by Duncan Hamilton and Tony Rolt at the 1953 Le Mans 24-hours became the first car ever to average over 100mph for the French endurance classic. Total C-Type production amounted to just 53 cars but even after Jaguar had turned its attention to the D-Type privateers continued to campaign the older design with considerable success.

This example was supplied in kit form from Suffolk Sportscars Ltd, whose products are widely recognised as having the most accurate dimensions, and constructed by the vendor over a period of six months using a Jaguar 420 donor vehicle. An article about the build process was published in Suffolk magazine in 2011, a copy of which is contained in the history file. Completed in 2010, and registered with the period Suffolk number LGV 248, the car has covered just c.1650 miles since. Finished in Ecurie Ecosse blue, the specification includes a VSE supplied fast-road 3.8-litre engine breathing through twin SUs, 4-speed overdrive XJ6 gearbox, disc brakes all round, torsion bars, collapsible steering column and Blockley tyres. Copies of the build sheets and invoices accompany the car together with a Swansea V5C and MoT to August 2017. Constructed with great attention to detail, this wonderful evocation is now only being offered for sale due to a house move.