Tuesday, March 26, 2024
Menu

With three Weber carburettors: the new Jaguar C-Type Continuation!

Reading time 10 Min.

With three Weber carburettors: the new Jaguar C-Type Continuation!

Jaguar Classic brings the legendary C-Type to life with a strictly limited C-Type Continuation Series to celebrate the iconic model's motorsport legacy 70 years after its first win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The groundbreaking vehicle will make its debut on Friday 3rd September at the prestigious Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace. The C-Type Continuation is handcrafted at Jaguar Classic Works in Coventry to the specifications of the factory version of the 1953 C-Type, which dominated the Le Mans 24 Hours that year and continued the company's streak of success in motorsport. The Jaguar Classic team has carefully researched the history of the C-Type to create the demanding specification of the Continuation and bring Jaguar's legacy to life through modern production technology and engineering expertise, including the use of the same authentic techniques and construction methods like back then.

Jaguar C Type Continuation

“The C-Type is one of the most iconic cars in Jaguar's illustrious racing history and has been driven by some of the most successful racing drivers. The C-Type Continuation also keeps Malcolm Sawyer's iconic and advanced design alive thanks to Jaguar Classic's first-ever use of 3D CAD drawings. It combines design and motorsport heritage with the very latest technical tools. " DAN PINK DIRECTOR OF JAGUAR CLASSIC

The C-Type is the vision of Malcolm Sayer, the legendary designer, aerodynamicist, technical prodigy and artist of Jaguar Cars. The C-Type was originally used in racing from 1951 and won Le Mans when it was first used. Its groundbreaking smooth shape helped winning drivers Peter Walker and Peter Whitehead achieve a record breaking average speed of 93,49 miles (150,46 kilometers) per hour.

  • The C-Type presented in 1951, which won its Le Mans debut that same year, was a groundbreaking racing car that introduced aerodynamic principles inspired by aerospace to sport.
  • After careful research and development, the limited series was built exactly to the specification of the works vehicle that won Le Mans in 1953.
  • Each model has a 3,4-liter in-line six-cylinder engine with three Weber carburettors, which develops 220 hp and - new for this time - specially developed disc brakes that were far superior to the drum brakes previously used.
  • The C-Type Continuation comes to the Concours of Elegance after completing over 1.600 kilometers of high-speed endurance tests.
  • With a combination of modern technology and archived Jaguar materials, the C-Type Continuation is the first classic Jaguar vehicle to be fully reproduced with 3D CAD to support a virtual setup.
  • The new online configurator brings 3D CAD construction data to life and enables potential customers to virtually configure their perfect C-Type: classicvisualiser.jaguar.com
  • Customer inquiries about Jaguar Classic should be directed to: Jaguar Land Rover Classic Center Europe, Tel. +49 (0) 2054-93987-0, classic.germany@jaguarlandrover.com

The C-Type is particularly noteworthy due to the first use of disc brakes from 1952 onwards. They were developed in collaboration with Dunlop and, in conjunction with improvements to the engine and suspension, contributed to the C-Type winning the Le 24-hour race Mans dominated in 1953 with a first and a second place at an average speed of a massive 105,84 miles (170,34 kilometers) per hour. This was the first time the race had been run at an average speed of over 100 miles (160 kilometers) per hour.

With three Weber carburettors: the new Jaguar C-Type Continuation!

THE GLORIOUS MOTORSPORT HISTORY OF THE C-TYPE

The original C-Type was famous for its fluid and aerodynamic shape, designed by Malcolm Sayer, who was enlisted by William Lyons in 1950. Originally known as the XK120C, the C-Type based on this iconic vehicle became one of the most important vehicles in Jaguar racing history.

The C-Type used the engine, transmission and suspension of the XK120, while Malcolm Sayer designed the sleek and aerodynamic body, using his in-depth knowledge of aerospace engineering and aerodynamics. Using complicated mathematical formulas to create three-dimensional curves, Sayer applied his unique artistic and aerodynamic skills to construct the C-Type. He brought the exotic design to life through advanced calculations.

With three Weber carburettors: the new Jaguar C-Type Continuation!

The C-Type was designed, engineered and built in just six months. Twelve Jaguar employees took part in a trio of C-Types in the 24 Le Mans 1951 Hours after having previously driven in competing vehicles from Great Britain. In its first year, 1951, the C-Type won the Le Mans 24 Hours, the first of many Jaguar victories in motorsport. Three cars competed, driven by Stirling Moss and Jack Fairman, Leslie Johnson and Clemente Biondetti and the team that would later win the race: Peter Walker and Peter Whitehead.

With three Weber carburettors: the new Jaguar C-Type Continuation!

The C-Type was constructed with a steel tubular space frame in order to save weight and represented a decisive improvement on the XK120 in every respect. In addition to the first use of disc brakes, further developments over the years also included the use of 16-inch brakes. Wire-spoke wheels with 60 spokes on the 1953 factory cars to improve the cooling of the brakes. Innovations such as the use of a Panhard bar for the rear suspension also improved the vehicle and brought the C-Type into its final 1953 configuration.

At the 24 Le Mans 1953 Hours, the revised C-Type broke the 24-hour average speed record of 105,85 miles (170,35 kilometers) per hour, making a significant step forward from the record-breaking average speed of 93,49 miles (150,46 kilometers) per hour that the C-Type had achieved in 1951. The use of three Weber 40DCO3 carburettors contributed to this success, increasing the output of the 3,4-liter in-line six-cylinder from 200 to 220 hp. The additional power, together with the disc brakes installed for the first time and the lightweight body, contributed to the Jaguar's second Le Mans triumph.

With three Weber carburettors: the new Jaguar C-Type Continuation!

A characteristic feature of the 1953 models is the air intake opening on the bonnet, which uses an elaborately designed air box to direct the air to the carburetors in the upper part of the engine compartment - just one of several unique identifying features of the 1953 vehicle that all C-Type Continuations have in common will have. The 1953 winning car, driven by Duncan Hamilton and Tony Rolt, resulted in a much wider application of disc brakes in both racing and on the road. Jaguar's technical innovations set the trend for the entire industry, leveraging motorsport expertise to improve the driving experience for everyone.

A TREASURE HUNT FOR AUTHENTICITY

The development of the C-Type Continuation required a deep dive into history to determine the C-Type's legacy, the way it was to be built, its specification, and its suitability for racing. Before the physical development could begin, it took nearly two years of data collection, which became a kind of treasure hunt in Jaguar's archives, drawings, documents and pictures, to find out how this iconic car could be translated into the 21st century.

With three Weber carburettors: the new Jaguar C-Type Continuation!

In addition to using the available original drawings and reviewing original parts, the original design book also had to be consulted. A team was set up to fully digitize everything the developers needed to know. The original book contained over 2.000 items that were reviewed by the highly skilled engineers on the Jaguar team. Fortunately, Norman Dewis OBE (1920 - 2019), former test driver and engineer at Jaguar Cars, also provided valuable information on the construction process. The team also had access to a C-Type sample and photos, as well as Malcolm Sayer's notes for the slim body, in order to construct a “Car Zero”. All this information was used to create a 3D Computer Aided Design (CAD) model - this is the first time that an entire Jaguar Classic Continuation vehicle has been developed. A start was made with the main elements of the body and overall structure in order to provide the engineers with key reference points and to ensure that everything was in accordance with the original information available.

With three Weber carburettors: the new Jaguar C-Type Continuation!

By using modern methods, the original designs by Malcolm Sayers could be modeled. The state-of-the-art tools available to Jaguar Cars today helped ensure the authenticity and ingenuity of the original C-Type.

C-TYPE CONTINUATION SPECIFICATION

Of the 53 Jaguar C-Types built in the 1950s, 43 were sold to private individuals. The specifications of these series C-types corresponded more closely to the Le Mans racing cars of 1951 and were limited to vehicles with drum brakes, SU double carburetors and 200 hp. The first C-Type Continuation vehicles will be built in the run-up to a racing-inspired festival for their owners in 2022. Each specimen will reflect the specification of the factory team that won Le Mans in 1953, including the 3,4-liter in-line six-cylinder engine with three Weber 40DCO3 carburettors delivering 220 horsepower and the pioneering disc brakes that led to the record win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans 1953 contributed.

With three Weber carburettors: the new Jaguar C-Type Continuation!

The Jaguar Classic Team with its countless documents and references will deliver another Continuation vehicle with unparalleled attention to detail and craftsmanship. The Weber carburetors of the 3,4-liter in-line six-cylinder engine, each of which takes nine months to build, have all been overhauled to the highest standard, while other details in the engine compartment date from that time, such as the Plessey hydraulic pump on the gearbox and the hydraulic fluid pumps into the brakes. The attention to detail extends to elements such as the brake fluid reservoir, which on the original vehicles was fitted with brackets designed for use in another vehicle. They serve no purpose on the C-Type, but all Continuation vehicles retain this original anomaly.

Similarly, the 1953 C-Type models had a different Lucas fuse box cover than the previous 1951 and 1952 C-Type models. All Continuation vehicles are stocked with remanufactured original versions of the correct design that Jaguar Classic procures has, while the Lucas rear-view mirrors, with which all C-Type Continuation vehicles are equipped, were also obtained as part of a strenuous treasure hunt for authentic components. Only a single copy was available at the start of the process, but Jaguar Classic has found enough originals to ensure that each Continuation is fitted with a faithful Lucas rear-view mirror to complement the three-quarter Brooklands racing disc and the Smiths clocks in the cockpit .

With three Weber carburettors: the new Jaguar C-Type Continuation!

The original clocks and displays are an example of the many hours of craftsmanship that goes into making a continuation. Not only are they true to the original, but the way they are integrated - including the switches surrounding them - is an example of the attention to detail that Jaguar Classic engineers put into creating the perfect example.

The ignition lock of the C-Type Continuation also embodies this approach. The precisely recreated component recreates the start-up process of the original, using reliable, high-quality components to ensure operations work as they should every time. Even with the elaborate replica of the tachometer in front of the driver, including the way it turns counterclockwise, emphasis was placed on authenticity and originality.

For all C-Type Continuations, interior materials have been selected that respect the heritage of the original and refer to the effortless and effective way to combine old with new to ensure authenticity while offering owners high-quality and reliable workmanship. Hardura fairings were used for the cockpit, raised to a new level not found on the original C-Type, but kept in silver to remember the time.

With three Weber carburettors: the new Jaguar C-Type Continuation!

The Rexine finish on the dashboard and side panels of the Continuation vehicles comes from the last available roll of this material and creates the most authentic feel possible by offering the same type of finish as it was 70 years ago.

The seats, which are available in eight different leather tones, are upholstered by Bridge of WeirTM and complemented by racing belts that are attached to a newly designed component behind the rear bulkhead to meet FIA regulations. The Bluemel steering wheel is true to the original and has no round lettering in the middle - this was omitted from the original racing cars in order to reduce glare and reflections. However, customers can add the iconic Jaguar logo if they wish.

All C-Type Continuations are FIA ​​approved and can take part in historic racing championships, including the Jaguar Classic Challenge held at Le Mans, Spa-Francorchamps and Silverstone. In order to comply with the regulations, the C-Type Continuations are equipped with an FIA-approved harness restraint system and a rollover protection, which is effectively integrated into the rear bulkhead. This is also reassuring for those customers who only want to use the C-Type on the racetrack or on closed roads. Further equipment features required by the FIA ​​are a fire extinguisher with engine and footwell extinguishers, which are controlled via additional toggle switches in the cockpit.

Owners can choose from 12 authentic original colors, including Suede Green, Cream, Pastel Blue and British Racing Green, and have the option of upgrading the exterior according to their own ideas with door attachments in white or Old English White. Careful painting with modern water-based paints takes a week, and Jaguar emblems are also possible.

Jaguar C-Type Continuation: Technical Specifications

Powertrain and chassis

  • Handcrafted 3,4 liter DOHC inline six cylinder engine
  • Generates 220 hp at 5.800 rpm
  • Triple carburetor Weber 40DCO3
  • Four-speed manual transmission
  • Plessey pump on the gearbox

Exterior

  • Hand rolled 16 gauge aluminum
  • 12 authentic original first paint jobs
  • for exterior painting
  • Optional door heels
  • Optional Jaguar lettering
  • 16 inch wire rims with 60 spokes

interior decoration

  • Eight different leather seat colors
  • Original Lucas rear-view mirror with three-quarter windshield and Brooklands Aeroscreen
  • Smiths clocks and indicators
  • 15 inch Bluemel steering wheel
  • Optional belt tensioner system
  • FIA approved fire extinguishing system

With three Weber carburettors: the new Jaguar C-Type Continuation!

Don't worry, of course that was far from being the case when it came to auto / auto tuning. Our magazine still has tens of thousands other tuning reports in stock. Do you want to see them all? Then just click HERE and look around. Or are you particularly interested in everything to do with the manufacturer Jaguar? Then the following excerpt with other vehicles is definitely the right one.

Unleashed Restomod based on the Jaguar E-Type Series 3!

With three Weber carburettors: the new Jaguar C-Type Continuation!

Jaguar X-Type racing car with V8 is for sale!

With three Weber carburettors: the new Jaguar C-Type Continuation!

Evil: 2022 R-Dynamic Black model of the Jaguar F-Pace!

With three Weber carburettors: the new Jaguar C-Type Continuation!

With three Weber carburettors: the new Jaguar C-Type Continuation!
Photo credit: Jaguar

With three Weber carburettors: the new Jaguar C-Type Continuation!

tuningblog.eu - on the subject of cars, motorcycles, bikes / ATV / scooters & Co., and of course our passion, the Tuning, we keep you up to date and report daily on cool vehicles from all over the world. It's best to subscribe to ours Feed and you will be automatically informed as soon as there is a new post.

About Thomas Wachsmuth

Thomas Wachsmuth - He has been an integral part of tuningblog.eu since 2013. His passion for cars is so intense that he invests every available penny in them. While he dreams of a BMW E31 850CSI and a Hennessey 6x6 Ford F-150, he currently drives a rather inconspicuous BMW 540i (G31/LCI). His collection of books, magazines and brochures on the subject of car tuning has now reached such proportions that he himself has become a walking reference work for the tuning scene.  More about Thomas

Leave a Comment

Your e-mail address will not be published. Required fields are marked with * marked