Jaguar C-Type
The Jaguar C-Type (also known as the Jaguar XK120-C), a racing sports car, was built and sold by Jaguar from 1951 to 1953. It had been designated the letter "C" for 'competition'. It had the same engine and running gear as the contemporary XK120, as well as a lightweight tubular frame, an aerodynamic aluminium body, and improved braking performance with the inclusion of disc brakes on all four wheels. A total of 52 C-Types were built.
Specification
The 3.4 litre twin-cam, straight-6 engine from the XK120 had an output of 160 to 180 bhp (134 kW). The engine for the C-Type was upgraded to reach 205 bhp (153 kW) with the installation of triple twin-choke Weber carburettors and high-lift camshafts, which lightened the car as well. Bob Knight designed the lightweight, multi-tubular, triangulated frame, while Malcolm Sayer came up with the aerodynamic body. All road-going items, including carpets, weather equipment, and exterior door handles, were excluded in favor of keeping the car lightweight.
Racing
The Jaguar C-Type was a successful racing vehicle, particularly at the 24 Hours of Le Mans race, where it earned first place twice. In 1951, three cars entered and the drivers paired were Stirling Moss and Jack Fairman, Leslie Johnson and 3-times Mille Miglia winner Clemente Biondetti, and the winning duo, Peter Walker and Peter Whitehead. The only car to finish was the Walker/Whitehead entry, while the other two stopped due to lack of oil pressure. A privately owned XK120 also competed in the race and finished 11th. The following year, Jaguar modified the car for increased top speed but overheating became an issue and all three cars were forced to pull out of the race. 1953 marked a victory for the C-Type after modifications were implemented, with Duncan Hamilton and Tony Rolt winning the race at a record-breaking average speed of 105.85 mph {170.34 km/h}. In 1954, the Ecurie Francorchamps' entry received a fourth place with Roger Laurent and Jacques Swaters behind the wheel.
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