The Jaguar C-Type was produced between 1951 and 1953 and quickly captured a place in the hearts of racing fans. Designed by Malcolm Sayer and officially known as the Jaguar XK120-C, this vehicle combines groundbreaking design with outstanding performance. The car was a product of the post-war era and became well-known for its success at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where it triumphed in 1951 and 1953. With a 3.4-liter inline-six engine producing around 200 HP, it was technologically ahead of its time. It's also worth mentioning that the Jaguar XK120 was the direct predecessor of the Jaguar C-Type. Major societal events like the first ascent of Mount Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953, or the passing of King George VI in 1952 give a glimpse of the historical context.
The Jaguar C-Type is renowned for its innovative lightweight construction, largely developed by William Heynes, one of Jaguar's leading engineers. The car features a tubular frame and a thin aluminum body, reducing its weight to just 965 kg (2127 pounds), crucial for its speed and agility. Interestingly, the Jaguar C-Type was one of the first vehicles to be equipped with disc brakes, giving it a significant advantage in braking performance. Technical specs like a top speed of 230 km/h (143 mph) and 0-100 km/h acceleration in about 8 seconds show why this car is highly regarded. Even though it was produced in limited numbers, it remains a milestone in automotive history.
The model showcased here in a scale of 1/18, manufactured by AUTOart, is a detailed replica of the Jaguar C-Type. The model is made from a mix of materials including plastic and metal elements to ensure an authentic and robust finish. The photos showcase the exquisite attention to detail of this model, from the delicate wire wheels to the realistic engine replica under the hood. The paint job is also excellently done, with a deep, glossy green color that mimics the original racing car. Even the exhaust system and the hood air intakes are faithfully reproduced.
The AUTOart model car in a scale of 1/18, featured in the collection of Modelly member "woodchuck", showcases the fascination and technical mastery of the Jaguar C-Type. For model car collectors worldwide, this piece offers an excellent opportunity to own a piece of racing history. To better understand the timeline: the year 1951, when the Jaguar C-Type made its debut, was also the year the USA began launching satellites into space and the iconic song "Unforgettable" by Nat King Cole was released. These examples illustrate the historical significance and the temporal context of the original vehicle.