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Jaguar C-type

The Autobiography of XKC 051

Jaguar C-type

Author: Chas Parker

Date: 2017-07-1

Publisher: Porter Press; 1st edition (July 1, 2017)
Language: English
Hardcover: 320 pages
ASIN: 1907085467
ISBN-10: 9781907085468
ISBN-13: 978-1907085468
Item Weight: 5 pounds
Dimensions: 9.5 x 1.25 x 11.5 inches

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This glorious book tells the story of the celebrated lightweight Jaguar C-type, chassis number XKC 051, that Duncan Hamilton and Tony Rolt drove to victory in the 1953 Le Mans 24 Hours. The car went on to have a busy post-works racing career, first with Ecurie Ecosse, then with privateer drivers Bill Smith and Geoffrey Allison. Among its small number of collector custodians in later years, the names Briggs Cunningham in America and Adrian Hamilton (son of Duncan) in the UK stand out. The development of the C-type is described, focusing on the three lightweights of 1953 with thinner-gauge aluminum bodies, pioneering disc brakes, and aircraft-style fuel tanks. All this is covered in fascinating detail, supported by interviews with drivers and mechanics, a fine collection of period images and studio photographs.

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