The Jaguar C-Type stands as one of the most revered sports racing cars of all time, a machine that cemented Jaguar’s dominance in endurance racing and helped shape the future of motorsports. Internally referred to as the Jaguar XK120-C (for “Competition”), the C-Type was introduced in 1951 as a purpose-built racing evolution of the XK120 roadster. The result was different enough from the SK120 that its name was changed to C-Type. With an aerodynamic aluminum body designed by Malcolm Sayer, a lightweight tubular space frame and a race-tuned version of Jaguar’s 3.4-liter inline-6 engine, the C-Type took the motorsports world by storm. It famously won the 24 Hours of Le Mans on its first attempt in 1951 and, in 1953, with the introduction of disc brakes, it repeated the victory, cementing its legacy as a revolutionary race car.
Only 53 original C-Types were ever built, making them extraordinarily hard to come by. For enthusiasts who dream of experiencing the thrill of the C-Type, high-quality re-creations like this hand-built example from Proteus offer a remarkable alternative.
This exquisite right-hand-drive 1952 Jaguar C-Type re-creation, offered with No Reserve at the 2025 Palm Beach Auction, April 24-26 at the South Florida Fairgrounds, was crafted in 2020 by the classic replica manufacturer Proteus. Built with 2,000 man-hours of craftsmanship, this example is No. 10 of 10 in the final production run before Jaguar took over the rights to manufacture and sell C-Type replicas. As a result, this Proteus C-Type stands as one of the last and most exclusive examples of its kind.
The beauty of this machine lies in its authenticity and attention to detail. The car features an all-aluminum body, true to the original’s lightweight racing construction, and is built with genuine Jaguar components. Under the hood lies a totally rebuilt 4.2-liter Jaguar straight-6 engine from 1986, enhanced with fuel injection to provide seamless power delivery while maintaining the character of its legendary predecessor. A Tremec 5-speed transmission offers precise shifting, giving the driver a connection to the road, while an upgraded radiator and brakes ensure reliability and performance.
The exterior is finished in a deep, layered metallic black paint that highlights the car’s sculpted curves and timeless design. Sitting on period-correct wire wheels, it captures the essence of the 1950s endurance racers, blending beauty with purpose. The Le Mans-style behind-the-grille racing headlight pays homage to the endurance racing heritage of the original, adding an extra touch of authenticity.
The interior is no less stunning, with luxurious gray-Barley leather race-inspired bucket seats, secured by racing seatbelts, providing both comfort and period-accurate aesthetics. The dashboard is a faithful re-creation of the original, adorned with original Smiths gauges, including a classic tachometer and speedometer, reinforcing the car’s vintage appeal.
Beyond its striking appearance, this Proteus C-Type comes with a fascinating history. It was originally commissioned and partially built to be the personal car of Proteus’ founder and CEO. After his untimely passing, the project remained unfinished until it was later completed by Proteus for the current owner. As a tribute to the founder’s vision and dedication to perfection, his signature is inscribed on the fuel filler cap.
This re-creation is more than just a tribute to Jaguar’s golden era of racing ‒ it is a testament to the craftsmanship, passion and dedication of those who seek to keep the spirit of classic motoring alive. As close as one can get to the original, this Proteus C-Type re-creation offers a combination of history, exclusivity and thrilling performance. Bidder registration is open – sign up today!
Written by Nicole Ellan James
For enthusiasts who dream of experiencing the thrill of the C-Type, high-quality re-creations like this hand-built example from Proteus offer a remarkable alternative.