Jaguar XK120-C / C-TYPE

444 FXN - Replica by Proteus

October 2023 / January 2024

  • Hand-made all-alloy body

  • Fast-road spec 3.8L XK inline-six DOHC

  • Jaguar 4-speed box with overdrive

  • Disc brakes all round

  • Rack-and-pinion steering

444 FXN has run at the following:

  • Prescott

  • Shelsley Walsh

  • Curborough

  • Kop Hill

  • Demonstration runs at Le Mans Classic

This Jaguar XK120-C Replica by Proteus was bought at auction as a non-runner in 2022.

Background on the XK120-C

The Jaguar board had seen privateer entries perform well at Le Mans in 1950 using race-prepared XK120 road cars.

After the race, Jaguar took the view that if it were to develop a lightweight and streamlined body for the XK120, a works team would be able to achieve victory in the 1950 24hrs of Le Mans.

This was when the works on the XK120-C began where “C” was for Competition.

The XK120-C would be Jaguar’s first purpose-built racing car, developed with the specific aim of winning the 24hrs of Le Mans. They went on to achieve their goal with Peter Walker and Peter Whitehead at the wheel later that year.

In 1952, after further development on the XK120-C including switching the commonly used drum brakes for disc brakes, Stirling Moss won the Grand Prix de France at Reims in a C-Type, this was the first time any car had won a race with disc brakes. It is difficult to over estimate the impact of the disc brakes had made - by the chequered flag, Stirling had lapped the entire field.

In 1953, a modified C-Type went on to claim victory at Le Mans for a second time with Tony Rolt and Duncan Hamilton as the drivers.

A total of 53 factory XK120-C were built between 1950 to 1953, 10 works cars and the other 43 sold to private owners.