jaguar c-type auction
A real beauty though...no roll bar. Source: Sotheby's
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Jaguar C-Type 007 Up To Auction: License To Win

The '50s were intense years at the 24 Hours of Le Mans: Pierre Levegh's terrible accident in which more than 80 spectators died in '55; Carroll Shelby's victory in '59, epitome of the fight between Aston Martin and Ferrari in the last years of the decade; Mercedes' success with its 300SL “Gullwing” in '52…. However, there is one name that dominated during these years over the others: It is about Jaguar, and it is that the English brand won the most famous endurance race in the world no more and no less than 5 times.

With its spectacular aerodynamic finish, the Jaguar D-Type it reached the top spot three years in a row. But it was earlier, in 1951 and 1953, that the C-Type's lightweight shapes made way for the feline. It was light, powerful, and designed to cut through the wind with ease; in addition to being the first monocoque of the brand and the first race car to mount disc brakes successful story.

THE SINUOUS BODY OF THE JAGUAR

The C-Type was only in production from 1951 to 1953, precisely the years of its Le Mans victories. It was a racing car. Endowed with spectacular aerodynamics - encouraged by the rivalry with the Mercedes 300SL- This very light car made of aluminum made the most of its engine twin cam 6-cylinder in-line, a mechanic that has become a part of motorsport history in its own right.

Double winner at Le Mans, fighter in the Mille Miglia - this one dominated by Italian brands - known in various endurance races ... the short time it was in production was enough to make the C-Type a legend of the brand. Coventry. Malcolm Sayer -responsible for aerodynamics- and william heynes -extremely lightweight triangular chassis designer - they could rest easy with their work: this Jaguar knew how to roar, and it did it beautifully.

007, LICENSE TO WIN

As we have said, 53 units were manufactured. 53 units that, curiously, mostly ended up in the US Accustomed to these huge, comfortable and well-equipped cars, Americans were fascinated by compact and radical European sports cars. Just the profile that the C-Type gives. But of all, it was the copy that will go up for auction at Shoteby's this coming December 6 the first to arrive: chassis 007.

He served in competitions from '52 to '57, all in the US And always driven by Carlyle blackwell -photographer and son of a famous silent movie actor- or by Phil Moss, the driver who would become the first American to win a Formula 1 championship. Santa Bárbara, Elkhart lake… This unit has a pedigree.

The car is in an enviable condition, although the reader will be surprised to learn that its original color was red! Although it alters one of the original characteristics, this green further reaffirms the character of the car. The character of a whole gentleman racer British sent to USA with 'license to win' and that is estimated to reach 5 - 5 million dollars when the deck is lowered.

What do you think?

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Written by Miguel Sánchez

Through the news from La Escudería, we will travel the winding roads of Maranello listening to the roar of the Italian V12; We will travel Route66 in search of the power of the great American engines; we will get lost in the narrow English lanes tracking the elegance of their sports cars; We will speed up the braking in the curves of the Monte Carlo Rally and we will even get dusty in a garage while rescuing lost jewels.

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