1961/86 Proteus C-Type Evocation

Lot details
Registration No: 668 CBC
Chassis No: 109344DN
Mot Expiry: Sept 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.

This particular Proteus C-Type Evocation was supplied new in kit form. Reputedly assembled by Nick Lott and Richard Tyzak utilising a 1961 Jaguar MKII 2.4 as a donor car, the two-seater is further understood to have been returned to Proteus for the fitting of its all-alloy bodywork. Raced by Mr Lott - apparently with a 4.5 litre 300bhp engine aboard - the C-Type Evocation was subsequently crashed and repaired before being sold to engineer Brian Wingfield. The car then passed to restorer Tony Ditheridge who was responsible for fitting its current Jaguar 3.4 litre powerplant.
Since entering the current ownership the Proteus has benefited from over £20,000 worth of fettling by renowned Jaguar specialist JD Classics. Carried out in 2004, work encompassed the installation of a new steering rack and Holley competition fuel pump not to mention a thorough overhaul of the rear driveshaft assemblies, brake system and engine. Uprated to road/race specification complete with wrapped tubular exhaust manifold, 'hotter' camshafts and triple Weber carburettors, the latter is allied to a four-speed Moss gearbox. The two-seater's impressive specification also comprises: a built-in fire extinguisher, detachable roll-over bar, alternator, high-torque starter motor, limited slip differential-equipped 'live' rear axle, independent front suspension, full harnesses, 16-inch (72-spoke) wire wheels and four-wheel disc brakes with AP 4-pot race callipers.

Nicely patinated, this rare and attractive all-alloy Proteus C-Type Evocation is offered for sale with V5C Registration Document, history file (including numerous photographs), tonneau cover, MOT certificate valid until September 2013, historic class (free) road fund licence valid until November 2013, several exhaust silencers and other assorted spares including the original starter and dynamo.