Product Information:

CMC M-193 1:18 JAGUAR C-TYPE 2018 XKC 023 (CHRISTAN JENNY) 

Limited Edition No 332 of 1000

New Model direct from CMC

Modelled after Dr. Christian Jenny’s documented C-Type in its actual condition (see description below). This 1:18 scale precision replica is furnished with black leather seats and a passenger-seat cover.

Origin of the C-Type

One would like to know what was going on in the minds of Heynes and Lyons, the two Jaguar executives, who decided in the late summer of 1950 to take part in a race that would be held only a few months later at Le Mans. When the factory team arrived on the Sarthe in 1951 for training, the cars were unproven. Were Heynes and Lyons really looking for a chance to win? The answer came in the form of subsequent victories of the C-Type at the Sarthe 1951 and 1953.

At the London Motor Show in 1948, Jaguar introduced its brand new XK 120 as a limited production model for use in motorsport. Fascinated by the XK120 form and its technology, the crowd surprised the Jaguar managers with significantly higher demand. Lyons decided to continue to develop the XK120 as a production vehicle and to offer it worldwide. In North America, the sale of the vehicle had overwhelming success.  With its very close-to-introduction XK120 achieving an extraordinarily honourable success at 1950 Le Mans, William Lyons and Bill Heynes soon agreed to get the big shell in the following year with a Jaguar.

The long-distance classic was the main target for Jaguar, and its management was aware of the marketing effect of a success in Le Mans. Accordingly, Jaguar put emphasis on high reliability, good handling characteristics, and aerodynamic balance of speeds. Chief engineer Bill Heynes did a great job. The engine of the XK 120 was upgraded with larger SU carburettors to 210 hp. The chassis was redeveloped as a tubular frame. In addition, Jaguar introduced a lightweight aluminium body with only one door for the driver. The design was a contribution by Malcolm Sayer, a gifted engineer who had years of experience designing for the English RAF aircraft.

The cockpit was protected only by a small racing disc. Also, the space in it was rather than narrow. But Jaguar drivers like Moss, Walker or Whitehead found in the cockpit of the C-Type all the necessary instruments and even spare spark plugs and tools for repairs during the race event.

Successful (almost) everywhere

The new car was tested in the hinterland near the Jaguar home in Coventry. There were a few things that could be improved, and then they set off with their drivers to France. Jaguar came, drove and won. The lead on the runner-up was nine rounds! The drivers also set a new distance record. After the success in Le Mans in 1951, other victories followed, including in Goodwood, Reims, Torrey Pines, and, of course, the renewed victory at Le Mans in 1953.

The appearance of Jaguar at the Sarthe 1952 failed, and all three vehicles were eliminated by overheating of the engines. It was rumoured that Stirling Moss thought the new Mercedes SL were stronger than they actually were in the race. The failure of the Jaguar fleet made the Mercedes victory no less valuable, but a little easier. The next attempt came in 1953. The Jaguar team was equipped with more powerful engines, three Weber carburettors and Dunlop disc brakes in the improved C-type. It was followed by game, set, and victory. Among the first ten vehicles that flew past the panned flag on June 27, 1953 were four C-Type: 1st, 2nd, 4th and 9th. William Lyons dedicated this triumphal march to Queen Elizabeth, who had just been enthroned. Her Majesty returned the favour in her own way and knighted the Jaguar chief in the spring of 1956.

The History of CMC’s Documented Vehicle by Dr. Ing. Christian J. Jenny

The Jaguar XK 120 C, with chassis #XKC 023, briefly referred to as C-Type #23 (where C stands for Competition). Once the car was found in major race events on American West Coast circuits, often with well-known people from the movie and automobile circles as pilots. It started to slip into the oblivion at the end of the sixties.

Model car details:

Metal precision model hand-built from more than 1,195 parts

Flip-open and lockable engine hood

Realistic replica of the straight six engine complete with encircling components, pipes and cabling

Metal exhaust pipes

Triangular front axle with wishbones, hydraulic shock absorbers, longitudinal torsion bar suspension, all made of metal

Rigid rear axle with transverse torsion bar suspension, hydraulic shock absorbers, longitudinal links, all made of metal

Radiator grille hand-made of stainless steel

Detailed replication of the cooling system

Detailed fuel and oil circulation

Authentically-replicated hinged fuel cap

Wing mirror on both sides

Passenger windscreen

Driver´s door openable on realistic-looking hinges

Upholstered leather-covered driver and passenger seats

Perfectly crafted wheels with stainless-steel spokes and nipples on alloy rims

Screw-on central locking nuts with right-/left-handed threads

Elegant and brilliant finish in original color

Roll-bar made of metal attached as accessory