Jaguar Classic says it has finished building the first C-type Continuation. The strictly limited production run of cars, which are FIA approved and eligible to participate in all FIA Historic events, is underway at Jaguar’s Classic Works in Coventry in the UK, and the first vehicle has finished shakedown testing ready for delivery to its new owner. According to Jaguar, each C-type undergoes at least 400km of physical testing by Jaguar Classic engineers, following a build process that requires 3,000 hours of labor.
The first customer Continuation is finished in pastel green, a choice inspired by the original Jaguar C-type that won the 360km, 50-lap sportscar race at the Reims Grand Prix Meeting on June 29, 1952. This vehicle was the first C-type fitted with disc brakes to win in international competition, after driver Stirling Moss persuaded Jaguar to implement the pioneering technology it had in development.
David Foster, head of engineering at Jaguar Land Rover Classic, said, “We’ve combined original drawings, modern CAD techniques and 3,000 hours of skill and attention to produce our first hand-built C-type, noting a historic landmark moment for Jaguar Classic.
“Our exclusive Continuation C-types feature the technical innovations and specifications of the ultimate 1953 Le Mans-winning car, including the innovative Dunlop disc brake setup that was victorious in Reims in 1952. Each C-type offers an authentic driving experience for customers – starting even from the car’s distinctive starting procedure – that our team was determined to get exactly right.”
All C-type Continuation models will be built to the specification of the 1953 Works C-types. Customers have 12 exterior heritage colors to choose from, including pastel green, British racing green and pastel blue with contrasting roundel, as well as the opportunity to select their own interior specification from a range of eight leather hues.
