JAGUAR
Except otherwise stated, all results include the premium.
See also : Cars 1950s Cars 1953-54 Cars 1955 Cars 1956-57
Chronology : 1953
See also : Cars 1950s Cars 1953-54 Cars 1955 Cars 1956-57
Chronology : 1953
C-Type
Intro
In 1948 Jaguar develops a sports car. The XK120 is first supplied with a two-seater roadster body. The wooden frame will soon be replaced by metal. It is the fastest production car of its time.
Customers are enthusiastic about this powerful car, which is the fastest production model of its time. Privateers obtain very good results in endurance events. After the 24 hours of Le Mans 1950, Jaguar takes the plunge and decides to develop a racing chassis.
The new Jaguar is the XK120C. This designation can be confusing, but the 120 which referred to a guarantee of reaching 120 mph did not need to be modified. The XK120C is known as the C-Type. In both references the C stands for Competition.
Le Mans is specially targeted. For its first outing in 1951, a C-Type wins the 24 hours of Le Mans. In the following year, the long nose improves the aerodynamics at the expense of the cooling. The C-Type model wins again at Le Mans in 1953 with a lightweight body.
The C-Type also caused a sensation on the circuits by the unequaled purity and simplicity of its barchetta-type bodywork, for which the superfluous elements were eliminated. The windshield, which prevents reaching the maximum top speed, becomes an option. The stabilization fin will appear in 1954 on the next model, the D-Type.
53 C-Types were produced including 43 for private customers, all variants combined. Most have undergone a heavy use and cars that have kept their original configuration are highly appreciated.
Despite its racing success, the C-type still had a great deal of progress.
C was meaning Competition while the later D and E were simply the next two after C in the alphabet.
Customers are enthusiastic about this powerful car, which is the fastest production model of its time. Privateers obtain very good results in endurance events. After the 24 hours of Le Mans 1950, Jaguar takes the plunge and decides to develop a racing chassis.
The new Jaguar is the XK120C. This designation can be confusing, but the 120 which referred to a guarantee of reaching 120 mph did not need to be modified. The XK120C is known as the C-Type. In both references the C stands for Competition.
Le Mans is specially targeted. For its first outing in 1951, a C-Type wins the 24 hours of Le Mans. In the following year, the long nose improves the aerodynamics at the expense of the cooling. The C-Type model wins again at Le Mans in 1953 with a lightweight body.
The C-Type also caused a sensation on the circuits by the unequaled purity and simplicity of its barchetta-type bodywork, for which the superfluous elements were eliminated. The windshield, which prevents reaching the maximum top speed, becomes an option. The stabilization fin will appear in 1954 on the next model, the D-Type.
53 C-Types were produced including 43 for private customers, all variants combined. Most have undergone a heavy use and cars that have kept their original configuration are highly appreciated.
Despite its racing success, the C-type still had a great deal of progress.
C was meaning Competition while the later D and E were simply the next two after C in the alphabet.
1
1953 Lightweight
2015 SOLD for $ 13.2M by RM Sotheby's
In June 1950 in Le Mans, Jaguar executives are delighted. They had allocated some cars to private pilots and one of them showed a good behavior of his XK120 before dropping at the 21th hour for a braking issue. Jaguar is then resolutely committed to the technological challenge of competition and launches the study of the XK120C soon known as the C-Type.
In 1951, success is achieved for the first official attempt by Jaguar at Le Mans : a C-Type wins the race. In the following year, the failure is scathing. To counter Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar had modified the aerodynamics without appreciating that it would cause an excessive overheating.
The option taken for 1953 is innovative, with a lightweight body made of aluminum and some equipment improvements. The unique target of the brand is Le Mans, and only three cars are assembled. They will be the last three in the C-Type. Success returns : the new Jaguars brilliantly occupy the first, second and fourth final positions.
This variant of transition is the rarest Jaguar, made obsolete by the development of the D-Type.
Jaguar is not totally uninterested in the fate of its C-Type Works Lightweight since they managed to sell all the three cars to the Ecurie Ecosse after the 1953 season. The three cars are getting high successes throughout 1954 before being sold again.
The best overall record of these Lightweight comes to the car that had been fourth at Le Mans in 1953. It then will undergo major transformations including changing its coachwork. Its current owner has fitted a new body that scrupulously meets the 1953 configuration, excepted that it is metallic blue painted in the colors of Ecurie Ecosse.
The C-Type Lightweight is the rarest Jaguar. This recently restored car was sold for $ 13.2M from a lower estimate of $ 9M by RM Sotheby's on August 14, 2015, lot 235. Please watch the video shared by Petrolicious.
In 1951, success is achieved for the first official attempt by Jaguar at Le Mans : a C-Type wins the race. In the following year, the failure is scathing. To counter Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar had modified the aerodynamics without appreciating that it would cause an excessive overheating.
The option taken for 1953 is innovative, with a lightweight body made of aluminum and some equipment improvements. The unique target of the brand is Le Mans, and only three cars are assembled. They will be the last three in the C-Type. Success returns : the new Jaguars brilliantly occupy the first, second and fourth final positions.
This variant of transition is the rarest Jaguar, made obsolete by the development of the D-Type.
Jaguar is not totally uninterested in the fate of its C-Type Works Lightweight since they managed to sell all the three cars to the Ecurie Ecosse after the 1953 season. The three cars are getting high successes throughout 1954 before being sold again.
The best overall record of these Lightweight comes to the car that had been fourth at Le Mans in 1953. It then will undergo major transformations including changing its coachwork. Its current owner has fitted a new body that scrupulously meets the 1953 configuration, excepted that it is metallic blue painted in the colors of Ecurie Ecosse.
The C-Type Lightweight is the rarest Jaguar. This recently restored car was sold for $ 13.2M from a lower estimate of $ 9M by RM Sotheby's on August 14, 2015, lot 235. Please watch the video shared by Petrolicious.
2
1953 XKC 011
2016 SOLD for € 7.2M by Bonhams
Traceability is a headache for collectors of racing cars made before the mid-1950s. The transparency of information from Ferrari offers a substantial advantage to that brand.
The Jaguar C-Type introduced in 1951 on the XK120 chassis displays an aerodynamic elegance well ahead of its time. One of them won the 24 hours of Le Mans in the very first year. It was one of the favorite models of Stirling Moss.
On November 18, 2015, a press release by Bonhams announced that a 1952 C-Type with XKC-011 chassis number, driven by Stirling Moss among others for the works team of the brand, will be one of the stars of their sale on May 13, 2016 in Monaco. The release also announced that the car had been lent in 1954 by Jaguar to the Belgian private team Ecurie Francorchamps.
Everything is great excepted that a previous owner had observed in 1963 that its bodywork was tagged with the number K1047 associated in principle with the XKC-047 chassis released from factory in 1953. The assumption of a swap of the bodies could explain this oddity. It comes to the credit of Bonhams to have pushed further the investigation.
The XKC-011 carving on the chassis is authentic and without falsification. This car is in an original condition close to perfect. The known history of the two frames shows that the gearbox fitted to the car for sale is not compatible with the XKC-011 driven by Moss.
In 1954, for rewarding the good results of the Belgian team, Jaguar had agreed to transfer to them the ownership of the XKC-011 which previously had only been loaned, for the purpose of a sale to be realized immediately. The Ecurie Francorchamps restitutes to Jaguar their XKC-047 which is now prepared to be sold on the following year to Dunlop for tyre testing. Jaguar probably observed at that time that the chassis was not serialized. They mark the XKC-047 with the XKC-011 number whose history in competition was slightly more prestigious.
The C-Type offered for sale was never driven by Moss but it remains one of the most authentic examples of this remarkable model. Only some minor changes have been made over time to maintain its road certification. It was sold for € 7.2M from a lower estimate of € 4M, lot 114.
The Jaguar C-Type introduced in 1951 on the XK120 chassis displays an aerodynamic elegance well ahead of its time. One of them won the 24 hours of Le Mans in the very first year. It was one of the favorite models of Stirling Moss.
On November 18, 2015, a press release by Bonhams announced that a 1952 C-Type with XKC-011 chassis number, driven by Stirling Moss among others for the works team of the brand, will be one of the stars of their sale on May 13, 2016 in Monaco. The release also announced that the car had been lent in 1954 by Jaguar to the Belgian private team Ecurie Francorchamps.
Everything is great excepted that a previous owner had observed in 1963 that its bodywork was tagged with the number K1047 associated in principle with the XKC-047 chassis released from factory in 1953. The assumption of a swap of the bodies could explain this oddity. It comes to the credit of Bonhams to have pushed further the investigation.
The XKC-011 carving on the chassis is authentic and without falsification. This car is in an original condition close to perfect. The known history of the two frames shows that the gearbox fitted to the car for sale is not compatible with the XKC-011 driven by Moss.
In 1954, for rewarding the good results of the Belgian team, Jaguar had agreed to transfer to them the ownership of the XKC-011 which previously had only been loaned, for the purpose of a sale to be realized immediately. The Ecurie Francorchamps restitutes to Jaguar their XKC-047 which is now prepared to be sold on the following year to Dunlop for tyre testing. Jaguar probably observed at that time that the chassis was not serialized. They mark the XKC-047 with the XKC-011 number whose history in competition was slightly more prestigious.
The C-Type offered for sale was never driven by Moss but it remains one of the most authentic examples of this remarkable model. Only some minor changes have been made over time to maintain its road certification. It was sold for € 7.2M from a lower estimate of € 4M, lot 114.
D-Type
Intro
Jaguar triumphed at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1953 with their C-Type model winning the first, second and fourth final positions. For the first time a radar speed trap was managed in the Mulsanne straight. The highest speed was recorded at 249 km/h with a Cunningham.
The public was eagerly awaiting the 1954 event for which the first-ever television broadcast of that race added a further appeal. Jaguar and Ferrari are the favorites, symbolizing a competition between technology and power.
The Jaguar D-Type model is ready just in time to enter three prototypes. It has been developed in the wind tunnel to improve the stiffness and reduce the drag. It is spectacular with its unprecedented stabilizer fin. The cockpit is monocoque and it is made lighter by the use of an aluminum alloy. The 3.4-liter engine is unchanged from the C-Type.
The D-Type driven by Stirling Moss records the highest top speed at 278 km/h but the over-powered Ferrari 375 Plus with its 4.9-liter engine is the best on the full lap and wins the race.
Over its three years in production, the population of the D-Type is 6 works cars plus 54 cars for trade.
The public was eagerly awaiting the 1954 event for which the first-ever television broadcast of that race added a further appeal. Jaguar and Ferrari are the favorites, symbolizing a competition between technology and power.
The Jaguar D-Type model is ready just in time to enter three prototypes. It has been developed in the wind tunnel to improve the stiffness and reduce the drag. It is spectacular with its unprecedented stabilizer fin. The cockpit is monocoque and it is made lighter by the use of an aluminum alloy. The 3.4-liter engine is unchanged from the C-Type.
The D-Type driven by Stirling Moss records the highest top speed at 278 km/h but the over-powered Ferrari 375 Plus with its 4.9-liter engine is the best on the full lap and wins the race.
Over its three years in production, the population of the D-Type is 6 works cars plus 54 cars for trade.
1
1955 XKD 501
2016 SOLD for $ 21.8M by RM Sotheby's
In the early 1950s, Jaguar targets Le Mans. The C-Type perfectly meets this ambition. Design changes are frequent to maintain competitiveness and to follow the rule changes made necessary to ensure the safety.
The C-Type Lightweight from 1953 is a transition model preparing the 1954 D-type. In 1955, the D-Type Long Nose carries the expectations of the brand. In the same year, for meeting the requirement to engage commercially available models in competition, Jaguar begins to produce in series the D-Type model with its 1954 "short nose".
The first two commercial D-Type, chassis XKD 501 and 502, are delivered in 1955 to Ecurie Ecosse, a private team that works closely with Jaguar. Due to an accident, XKD 501 cannot participate at Le Mans in its first year.
The disaster of Le Mans significantly changes the game. Mercedes-Benz will not return. In 1956, a regulatory limitation of the fuel creates a headache for high volume engines. The XKD 501 of the Ecurie Ecosse wins the race one lap ahead of an Aston Martin. The feat of the Ecurie Ecosse is of high merit because the car is equipped with a big 3.4-liter engine.
Still more important changes are being considered in the rules. In 1957 Jaguar terminates its racing team. In 1958 Le Mans limits the size of engines to 3 liters, definitely obsoleting the C-Types and D-Types.
XKD 501 was maintained in its configuration and its engine of the 1956 Le Mans victory. Its condition is certainly the most authentic among the five Jaguar that won at Le Mans in the 1950s. It had been fitted before Le Mans with the engine from the third D-Type of Ecurie Ecosse, XKD 561, a car that the team mostly used as a spare.
XKD 501 was sold for $ 21.8M by RM Sotheby's on August 19, 2016, lot 114. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
In its class, glory brings an added value : in very good condition, XKD 561 was sold for £ 2.6M by Bonhams on December 1, 2013.
The C-Type Lightweight from 1953 is a transition model preparing the 1954 D-type. In 1955, the D-Type Long Nose carries the expectations of the brand. In the same year, for meeting the requirement to engage commercially available models in competition, Jaguar begins to produce in series the D-Type model with its 1954 "short nose".
The first two commercial D-Type, chassis XKD 501 and 502, are delivered in 1955 to Ecurie Ecosse, a private team that works closely with Jaguar. Due to an accident, XKD 501 cannot participate at Le Mans in its first year.
The disaster of Le Mans significantly changes the game. Mercedes-Benz will not return. In 1956, a regulatory limitation of the fuel creates a headache for high volume engines. The XKD 501 of the Ecurie Ecosse wins the race one lap ahead of an Aston Martin. The feat of the Ecurie Ecosse is of high merit because the car is equipped with a big 3.4-liter engine.
Still more important changes are being considered in the rules. In 1957 Jaguar terminates its racing team. In 1958 Le Mans limits the size of engines to 3 liters, definitely obsoleting the C-Types and D-Types.
XKD 501 was maintained in its configuration and its engine of the 1956 Le Mans victory. Its condition is certainly the most authentic among the five Jaguar that won at Le Mans in the 1950s. It had been fitted before Le Mans with the engine from the third D-Type of Ecurie Ecosse, XKD 561, a car that the team mostly used as a spare.
XKD 501 was sold for $ 21.8M by RM Sotheby's on August 19, 2016, lot 114. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
In its class, glory brings an added value : in very good condition, XKD 561 was sold for £ 2.6M by Bonhams on December 1, 2013.
2
1955 XKD 518
2021 SOLD for $ 6M by RM Sotheby's
Jaguar is hoping to make a commercial profit from the great performance of the D-Type in 1954 at Le Mans : second position overall for Hamilton and Rolt and top speed record at 278 Km/h by Moss. In the following year the brand accepts orders from private teams. The improved 'long nose' variant will however remain for the exclusive use of the works team.
Selling it was never easy. A red painted D-Type sent to a dealer in Manchester in December 1955 cannot find a buyer. Returned to London, it finally dazzles a driver who buys it to Bernie Ecclestone acting as a trader. After a significant participation in British races from 1956 to 1958, the car becomes the property of the female driver Jean Bloxham who races it twice.
This D-Type has never been modified or damaged and has even been repainted in its original factory red. Former owners praised its comfort and its ideal handling in heavy rain. It was sold for $ 6M by RM Sotheby's on January 22, 2021, lot 141.
Selling it was never easy. A red painted D-Type sent to a dealer in Manchester in December 1955 cannot find a buyer. Returned to London, it finally dazzles a driver who buys it to Bernie Ecclestone acting as a trader. After a significant participation in British races from 1956 to 1958, the car becomes the property of the female driver Jean Bloxham who races it twice.
This D-Type has never been modified or damaged and has even been repainted in its original factory red. Former owners praised its comfort and its ideal handling in heavy rain. It was sold for $ 6M by RM Sotheby's on January 22, 2021, lot 141.
3
1955 XKD 520
2014 SOLD for € 3.7M by RM Auctions
A D-Type made in 1955 had a great racing career in Australia. Remaining highly original, it was sold for € 3.7M by RM Auctions on February 5, 2014, lot 30.
4
1956 XKD 530
2013 SOLD for $ 3.9M by RM Auctions
A Jaguar D-type model 1955 released from factory in 1956 was sold in post-sale by RM Auctions in August 2013 for $ 3.9M. It was sold for $ 3.7M by RM on March 14, 2015, lot 135. It passed on August 12, 2021, again at RM Sotheby's, lot 110.
This car had originally been delivered to a Finnish customer who used it in ice racing where its stability could do wonders. Its recording was thus not affected by the changes in the regulations of track racing. The conditions were exhausting and the engine had to be replaced by the factory in 1959. The body and the chassis were replaced later for the same reason. After repair the original monocoque was fitted back onto the original frame in 2003.
It is considered being the only D-Type to have once competed in period in the Soviet Union, at the Leningrad Grand Prix in 1961. It is illustrated in the top of the 2013 release shared by Sports Car Digest.
This car had originally been delivered to a Finnish customer who used it in ice racing where its stability could do wonders. Its recording was thus not affected by the changes in the regulations of track racing. The conditions were exhausting and the engine had to be replaced by the factory in 1959. The body and the chassis were replaced later for the same reason. After repair the original monocoque was fitted back onto the original frame in 2003.
It is considered being the only D-Type to have once competed in period in the Soviet Union, at the Leningrad Grand Prix in 1961. It is illustrated in the top of the 2013 release shared by Sports Car Digest.
1957 XKSS
2023 SOLD for $ 13.2M by RM Sotheby's
Success on track is not enough to ensure the profitability of a production line. Moreover it is announced in 1956 that the maximum capacity for the World Sportcar Championship will be reduced in 1958 to 3 liters, below the 3.4 liters of the Type D engine.
In 1956 the last 25 units in various assembly phases of the highly efficient Jaguar XKD (D-Type) are no longer able to find acquirers.
The company decides to modify them with a target on the North American market including all the characteristics necessary for road homologation. The new XKSS will have a full windscreen, a passenger side door, and some weather equipment.
The transformation begins in January 1957. On the following month a fire in the factory destroys 9 cars. The population of the XKSS will thus be limited to 16 units.
With no technological innovation in comparison with the D-Type, the XKSS is improved in the comfort of its two-seater cockpit and of the windscreen, and the stabilizing fin is removed. With its aerodynamical body similar to the D-Type, it is the most stunning road car of its time.
The XKSS deserves to be compared to the masterpiece of the following decade, the Ferrari 250 GTO. Both are dual for competition and road, in limited series. Their owners keep them jealously and they are extremely rare at auction.
An XKSS retaining in matching numbers its bodywork, most of the engine, the gearbox and the rear axle was sold for $ 13.2M by RM Sotheby's on August 19, 2023, lot 351. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
An enthusiast former owner obtained in Scotland the wink plate number JAG 1 which the car still retains today. He had also made it repainted in the metallic blue of the Ecurie Ecosse Type C and Type D fame.
In 1956 the last 25 units in various assembly phases of the highly efficient Jaguar XKD (D-Type) are no longer able to find acquirers.
The company decides to modify them with a target on the North American market including all the characteristics necessary for road homologation. The new XKSS will have a full windscreen, a passenger side door, and some weather equipment.
The transformation begins in January 1957. On the following month a fire in the factory destroys 9 cars. The population of the XKSS will thus be limited to 16 units.
With no technological innovation in comparison with the D-Type, the XKSS is improved in the comfort of its two-seater cockpit and of the windscreen, and the stabilizing fin is removed. With its aerodynamical body similar to the D-Type, it is the most stunning road car of its time.
The XKSS deserves to be compared to the masterpiece of the following decade, the Ferrari 250 GTO. Both are dual for competition and road, in limited series. Their owners keep them jealously and they are extremely rare at auction.
An XKSS retaining in matching numbers its bodywork, most of the engine, the gearbox and the rear axle was sold for $ 13.2M by RM Sotheby's on August 19, 2023, lot 351. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
An enthusiast former owner obtained in Scotland the wink plate number JAG 1 which the car still retains today. He had also made it repainted in the metallic blue of the Ecurie Ecosse Type C and Type D fame.
E-Type
1
1960 E2A
2008 SOLD for $ 5M by Bonhams and Butterfields
Jaguar had terminated the D-Type production line in 1956. The unfinished D-Types are made US road legal in 1957 as the model reference XKSS. The wins by the Ecurie Ecosse at Le Mans in 1956 and 1957 do not revert the obsolescence of the D-Type.
The brand decides in 1960 to restart racing with a new model which will be the E-Type. E2A is the first prototype. It was sold for $ 5M by Bonhams and Butterfields on August 15, 2008.
When the E-Type is launched commercially in 1961, Enzo Ferrari considers that it is the most beautiful car ever made. However, it anticipates only by one year the masterpiece of the Italian brand, the 250 GTO.
The brand decides in 1960 to restart racing with a new model which will be the E-Type. E2A is the first prototype. It was sold for $ 5M by Bonhams and Butterfields on August 15, 2008.
When the E-Type is launched commercially in 1961, Enzo Ferrari considers that it is the most beautiful car ever made. However, it anticipates only by one year the masterpiece of the Italian brand, the 250 GTO.
2
1963 Lightweight ex Cunningham
2017 SOLD for $ 8M by Bonhams
Jaguar targets to compete in GT category by letting the information circulated about an E-Type Lightweight in aluminum alloy. It seems evident a posteriori that this ambition was not a priority. 18 chassis are prepared but only 12 cars are assembled : the prototype raced at Silverstone in May 1962 is followed by the simultaneous production of 11 units in 1963.
Competitors have progressed faster than Jaguar. It is too late. If it had been released one year earlier, the E-Type Lightweight could have gleaned the first places despite the fragility of its engine.
Jaguar did not bet on that production run arguably specially tailored for Briggs Cunningham. Its endurance called for further improvements and the competition with Ferrari's 250P prototypes and 250 GTOs left a reduced place for an outsider. Although they differ from the basic E-Type by the extensive use of aluminum alloy, they are not identified as a special excepted by the S prefix in the chassis number. The factory nevertheless provided a significant support to the owners.
On August 18, 2017, Bonhams sold at lot 52 for $ 8M the second of three E-Type Lightweight purchased new by Team Cunningham. Please watch the video shared by Bonhams.in 2017.
After a limited competition history, it is still equipped with its fragile original 3.8 liter 6 cylinders inline alloy engine. Its only significant changes from new were the replacement of the gearbox, broken in the 8th lap at the Le Mans 24 Hours in 1963, and of the hood taken later in the same race to fit another E Lightweight Cunningham that had been slightly damaged.
Jaguar loses its motivation, neglecting to listen to the requests for improvements from its customers.The six unused chassis of the series of 18 will be exhumed in 2014 for a prestige operation.
Competitors have progressed faster than Jaguar. It is too late. If it had been released one year earlier, the E-Type Lightweight could have gleaned the first places despite the fragility of its engine.
Jaguar did not bet on that production run arguably specially tailored for Briggs Cunningham. Its endurance called for further improvements and the competition with Ferrari's 250P prototypes and 250 GTOs left a reduced place for an outsider. Although they differ from the basic E-Type by the extensive use of aluminum alloy, they are not identified as a special excepted by the S prefix in the chassis number. The factory nevertheless provided a significant support to the owners.
On August 18, 2017, Bonhams sold at lot 52 for $ 8M the second of three E-Type Lightweight purchased new by Team Cunningham. Please watch the video shared by Bonhams.in 2017.
After a limited competition history, it is still equipped with its fragile original 3.8 liter 6 cylinders inline alloy engine. Its only significant changes from new were the replacement of the gearbox, broken in the 8th lap at the Le Mans 24 Hours in 1963, and of the hood taken later in the same race to fit another E Lightweight Cunningham that had been slightly damaged.
Jaguar loses its motivation, neglecting to listen to the requests for improvements from its customers.The six unused chassis of the series of 18 will be exhumed in 2014 for a prestige operation.
3
1963 Lightweight
2017 SOLD for $ 7.4M by Bonhams
One of the 11 E-Type Lightweight assembled in 1963 is sold to Bob Jane and obtains honorable successes in Australian competitions. It remains remarkably original with about 6,500 Km from new. It was never restored or repaired except for the replacement of its engine in 1966.
This car was sold for $ 7.4M by Bonhams on January 19, 2017, lot 24.
This car was sold for $ 7.4M by Bonhams on January 19, 2017, lot 24.