The 1953 Jaguar C-Type Works Lightweight which finished 4th in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1953 is set to go under the hammer at RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction on August 13-15.
This particular example is chassis XKC 052 and was just the second of three lightweight Works units created with the 1953 Le Mans endurance race in mind. Differentiating these three from other Jaguar C-Type models include the thin-gauge aluminium bodywork, more powerful Weber carburettors, a triple-plate clutch, fully synchronised gearbox and a rubber aircraft fuel balder. Amazingly, these three C-Type Lightweights were the first ever entrants to Le Mans to feature disc brakes.
Chassis 051 managed to walk away with victory at the 1953 Le Mans while 053 came home in second followed by this unit in 4th place. The Briggs Cunningham’s C5-R spoiler the Jaguar party by claiming third.
After being retired and passed through the hands of numerous owners, it was purchased by Martin Morris in 1971 with it remaining with the family for over 30 years. The car enjoyed a two-year restoration in 1985 and 1986 and has since been displayed and competed in a selection of rallies and tours.
Pre-auction estimates indicate that it will sell for between $9 million and 11 million.
