Historic Jaguar C-Type to Fetch $3.7 Million in London

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed)
Sep 23rd 2010 at 10:01AM

A rare 1950s Jaguar C-Type has been added to the lineup at RM Auctions' Automobiles of London event on October 27, where it joins the famed 1964 Aston Martin DB5 driven by Sean Connery as James Bond in Goldfinger and Thunderball as we reported in June. The 1952 C-Type (above), which was taken to victory at the Golden Gate Nationals, San Francisco, by well-known driver of the period, Masten Gregory, boasts successful racing history and an unbroken chain of ownership.

Eligible for the world's most prestigious events, it is expected to fetch up to $3.7 million. "Specifically designed to win the Le Mans 24 hour race, the legendary C-Type Jaguar is one of the most desirable sports racing cars ever built," notes Max Girardo, Managing Director of RM Europe. "Powered by a 210bhp, 3,442 cc six-cylinder engine, Jaguar C-Types have an enviable racing heritage from the glory days of 1950s motorsport. The example on offer, XKC-015 is a wonderful illustration and an exciting addition to our London sale."

Gallery: 1952 Jaguar C-Type

Tags: auctions, classic cars, Jaguar, Jaguar C-Type, Le Mans, London, race car, RM Auctions, UK

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Bill Hilser Sep 23rd 2010 2:27PM

Back in 1959, I had a '53 Jaguar XK-120 that I had bought for $2,000 a couple years before, and I almost traded it in for a C-Type that was selling for $4,000, but bought a new Porsche S-90 coupe instead. Now I'm happy driving my old '78 Ferrari Dino GT4. I passed on a '55 Mercedes 300-SL Gull-Wing coupe for $7,000 about the same time I bought the Jaguar for $2K. The guy's wife was pregnant, and couldn't get in or out of the car. -- Yer pal, Ferrari Bubba

BTDT Sep 23rd 2010 11:05PM

Not exactly concours d'elegance. They're going to be disappointed if they expect three and a half mil at auction.

ajschrod Sep 24th 2010 1:35AM

We all love wealthy people that crow about their expensive toys. Why didn't you lay it on a little thicker--maybe name-dropping a few equally insufferable egoists on your "A" list? MY first car was a '41 Chevy coupe, and I peddled papers to get it; but then your father couldn't afford what I paid for it!

MAGOOS Sep 23rd 2010 3:03PM

Serving an automotive apprenticeship during the fifties,my employer was a Jaguar and Mercedes Benz dealer. I recall XK-120 models brought in for service work; I did several engine refits on them. I drove the first gull winged Mercedes, (300SL - first fuel injected into combustion chamber car), we sold after doing a pre sale service and road test. One of our clients, racing driver Archie Scott-Brown, was a D Type owner along with another keen racer Ivor Bueb who had a passion for Jaguars. I acquired my own Jaguar, a pre war 100SS which I bought for a mere 600 pounds from a hard up RAF officer. This car would go on to be valued at very much more. I did get to own a couple of Jaguars down the road, an XK 150 and a special equipment sedan. Super old cars betrayed by Joe Lucas and sometimes poor factory quality control. Nice to see this rare C type.

john f sykes Sep 24th 2010 12:13AM

Nice comments . I am british .just moved to Idaho from Cleveland .hope to re-locate to Las Vegas once the economy improves anyway i was born and rased in Preston .Lancashire and ill never forget in the fifties my dad took me to Oulton park to watch a class c sports car event .among the entries was a lister jaguar the driver was archie scott brown it was in my opinion .one of the best looking race cars of the jaguar family ,since that time i did aquirre a pic of a jaguar d-type which also was a favouritte of mine formally raced by possibly tony rolt of the scottish stable eccurie eccose ..your comments brought back great memories..thankyou john f sykes

Bobby Sep 23rd 2010 4:39PM

I'd prefer four Bugatti's instead..

dlreedy4 Sep 23rd 2010 5:35PM

I have a 1991 sorveign Jag It's in good shape. Any offers from car collectors?

liguy Sep 23rd 2010 7:53PM

Not sure about a Sovereign, but my dad sold his 1990 Vanden Plas with 60K miles, black and in showroom condition for $5500 two years ago. He bought it used from the original owner around 1999, great car except the radio and air conditioning system were problematic. Very dependable car though.

bev Sep 23rd 2010 5:34PM

we scoured england back in the '70s for two '60s e-type racers, and brought them to california to rehab & race - the woo11 (coupe) and the e-gal )roadster) - gorgeous cars - gorgeous fun - we set price records in buying them - both in the 15k range, if i remember correctly. sleek, smooth and plenty of vrooom!

matt Sep 23rd 2010 10:04PM

Yep all the great deals from way back. easy to see now (in hindsight). Sold my '63 XKE roadster (at age 18) in 1976 to buy a G Production Spitfire and go racing and college at the same time...fun, but no money...smart move. Bougth a few other cars since then TR3(s), TVR, GT6, and for my wife a newer XKR Coupe (the thing makes the old Lucas look trouble free). Jag has not changed in 40 years with elec issues.
So what cars today (that can be had for a fair price) will be the sought after collectables in 30 years?

Les Stace Sep 23rd 2010 10:46PM

In the early sixties I had a 1954 xk120. Great car except it always was burning valves for some reason. Traded it off for a 1961 corvette. Wish I still had it now...

joe Sep 23rd 2010 11:53PM

Tired of could-a should-a comments

suzanne Sep 24th 2010 12:24AM

jaguars are so over rated..ive had a xk8 and its been nothing but a pain..an acura is the best car i ever had

Ray Sep 24th 2010 2:31AM

I do not see were that car is going to bring in 3.7Mil. It is in no shape to be worth that much. If thay did a complete body off restore it may be worth that much, but not the shape its in now. Just looking at those carpets they look like they are just about rotten. I would dread to see what they look like if you were to pull up a corner and look under those carpets.
Back in the mid fifties I did see one of these on a used car lot.I think it was going for about 3 Grand. for a 52 or 53 model. I purchase one next to it. A 53 Olds 98 convertable. Black with red interior. Dam, How do thay say that? Indsight!

dlreedy4 Sep 24th 2010 7:32AM

This Jag has a problem with the radio also. lol Everything else works fine. The air freezes you out. There is some rust on the 2 front fenders and a spot on the truck. It is a very restorable car. White in color. Tan leather interior. The asking price is $2200 obo. Thanks for replying, any information is helpful