This 1954 Jaguar XKC403 was the 2nd 1954 works team car and was the designated lead car for Le Mans.  It was fitted with a tail fin for this race.  At the June 12-13, 1954 Le Mans, Sterling Moss and Peter Walker running as #12 set the fastest time in practice and set a new record speed of 172.79 mph on the Mulsanne straight.  They led the race before retiring with brake problems after midnight.  On July 4th at the Reims twelve-hour sports car race, Moss and Walker did not finish.  For the September 11 Dundrod Tourist Trophy, Peter Whitehead and Ken Wharton finished 5th where the car was fitted with a 2.5 liter engine, #E 2005-9.  After the race and by November 30 1954, it had be fitted with a 3.4 liter engine, #E 2004-9 and was used  by Norman Dewis over the winter.

Design and Features

• Manufacturer: Jaguar Cars Ltd., a British luxury and sports car manufacturer.
• Body Style: The Jaguar C-Type is a two-seater sports racing car with an open top.
• Chassis: It features a lightweight tubular spaceframe chassis, designed to provide rigidity and reduce weight for enhanced performance.
• Bodywork: The body is made from lightweight aluminum, designed by aerodynamicist Malcolm Sayer, which contributed to its sleek, aerodynamic shape.
• Interior: Spartan and purpose-built for racing, the interior features minimalistic instrumentation, bucket seats, and essential controls, emphasizing weight reduction and functionality.

Performance

• Engine: Powered by the XK inline-6 engine, which was also used in the Jaguar XK120, but tuned for racing.
• Power Output: Around 200 to 220 horsepower, depending on the specific tuning and configuration.
• Transmission: Equipped with a 4-speed manual gearbox, providing robust and reliable performance suited for racing.
• Top Speed: Capable of reaching speeds around 150 mph (241 km/h), which was impressive for the time.
• Suspension: Independent front suspension with torsion bars and a live rear axle with torsion bars, designed to provide a balance of handling precision and comfort.
• Brakes: Equipped with hydraulic drum brakes, which were state-of-the-art at the time and provided effective stopping power.

Racing Pedigree

• Competition History: The Jaguar C-Type was specifically built for endurance racing and achieved significant success in the early 1950s.
• Le Mans Victories: The C-Type won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1951 and 1953, showcasing its superior performance and reliability.
• Notable Drivers: Driven by legendary racers such as Stirling Moss, Peter Walker, Duncan Hamilton, and Tony Rolt, contributing to its storied racing heritage.

Production and Rarity

• Production Years: The Jaguar C-Type was produced from 1951 to 1953.
• Total Units Produced: Only 53 C-Types were built, making it a highly sought-after collector’s item.
• Specific Unit (XKC403): Chassis number XKC403 is one of these limited-production models and would have its own unique racing history and provenance, adding to its exclusivity and value.

Notable Features

• Aerodynamic Design: The C-Type's streamlined bodywork was ahead of its time, designed to reduce drag and enhance high-speed stability.
• Engine Performance: The XK inline-6 engine was renowned for its robustness, power, and reliability, contributing significantly to the C-Type's racing success.
• Lightweight Construction: Extensive use of lightweight materials like aluminum for the body and a tubular spaceframe chassis helped achieve an optimal power-to-weight ratio.

You may purchase a print of the 1954 Jaguar XKC403 in our dElegance 2017 online gallery.

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