1998 Proteus C-Type Evocation

Lot details
Registration No: XKZ 434
Chassis No: PIF5306BW
Mot Expiry: July 2013

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 all-aluminium 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 (often uprating the engine from 3.4- to 3.8-litres in the process).

Unsurprisingly given its beauty, speed and pedigree, the C-Type has been widely copied by the likes of Lynx, Wingfield and Proteus. The latter concern was established by Jim Marland during 1985 and initially based in Bolton, Lancashire. Of the circa 240 C-Type Evocation chassis / body units that Mr Marland produced up until 2000, only 40 or so featured all-alloy bodywork; the remainder utilising an alloy centre tub and fibreglass front / rear sections. Although, the majority of cars were supplied in kit form for the purchaser (or a third party) to complete, a select few were assembled by Proteus's founder himself. Highly convincing and beautifully detailed, these Marland-built Proteus C-Type Evocations are both rare and sought after.

Notable as the last fully-assembled C-Type Evocation to have emerged from the firm's Bolton Works, this particular example - Proteus Chassis Number PXC 1020 - was commissioned by the vendor. Based on a Jaguar saloon car donor, the two-seater boasts such niceties as all-round independent suspension, Leda click-stop adjustable shock absorbers and four-wheel disc brakes. Built-up by Rob Beere Racing, its 3.8 litre DOHC straight-six plays host to a lip-sealed crankshaft, lightweight flywheel, oil cooler, electronic ignition, alternator, oil catch tank, stainless steel exhaust, new `straight port' cylinder head (with 1 7/8 in inlet and 1 5/8 in exhaust valves), balanced con-rods, 9:1 compression pistons, reprofiled RBC4 camshafts and twin 2-inch SU carburettors.

Developing some 239.81bhp @ 5,546rpm and 250.53lbft of torque @ 4,221rpm, the engine was allied to a new Getrag five-speed manual gearbox. Appealing authentic, the cockpit sports silver Hardura coverings to its transmission tunnel, sills and footwells not to mention correct-type instruments and green leather seats. Sparingly used as part of a private collection over the last fourteen years, `XKZ 434' is understood to have covered just 2,140 post-completion miles. Starting readily upon inspection, the Proteus is described by the vendor as being in "very good" condition with regard to its engine, gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, bodywork and paintwork.

Riding on silver painted wire wheels, this very handsome C-Type Evocation - the nicest of its kind we have encountered - is offered for sale with V5C Registration Document, build paperwork, tonneau cover, spare (lower) wraparound windscreen, MOT certificate valid until July 2013 and historic class (free) road fund licence valid until June 2013.