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1952 Jaguar C-type

C-type image

The descriptions of the Classic Cars in the Directory were partly generated or supplemented with the help of artificial intelligence (AI). The content may occasionally not always be entirely accurate or factually correct despite careful checking.

The Jaguar C-type 1952 is a classic sports car that was designed to conquer the racing circuits of the early 1950s. With its sleek and aerodynamic shape, this car boasts both beauty and functionality. From its advanced chassis to its sophisticated drivetrain, it is a true technical masterpiece.

At the heart of the C-type is its inline-six engine, which was derived from Jaguar’s XK engine family. With its 3.4-liter displacement, this engine is capable of producing up to 220 horsepower. This power is delivered to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission with a synchromesh gearbox. The transmission’s close-ratio gearing allows for quick acceleration and excellent high-speed performance.

The C-type’s chassis is a work of art in terms of both engineering and design. Its space frame construction uses lightweight tubing to create a structure that is both rigid and responsive. This chassis design allows for precise handling and outstanding stability at high speeds. To further enhance its handling, the C-type features a suspension system that employs double wishbones and coil springs at the front, and a live axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs at the rear.

The C-type’s body is crafted from aluminum, which gives it both strength and lightness. This makes the car quick and agile on the track, while also providing excellent aerodynamics. The car’s shape is specifically designed to cut through the air, with a pointed nose and a long, sloping rear end. Even its windshield is streamlined to reduce drag and improve airflow.

Inside the car, the C-type’s cockpit is minimalistic, with only the essentials included. The driver sits in a low-slung seat, positioned close to the ground for maximum feel and control. The car’s instruments are positioned directly in front of the driver, with a tachometer and speedometer taking center stage. The car’s steering wheel is a small, leather-wrapped item that provides excellent feedback and control.

Overall, the Jaguar C-type 1952 is a true engineering marvel. From its advanced chassis to its powerful engine and lightweight body, it is a car that was purpose-built for speed and performance. With its timeless design and exceptional driving dynamics, it remains a sought-after collector’s item to this day.

Milestones

- Introduced in 1951 as a racing car for endurance events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans - Powered by a 3.4-liter inline-six engine with triple carburetors - Featured a lightweight, aerodynamic aluminum body with a long, sloping tail - Won the 1951 24 Hours of Le Mans with drivers Peter Walker and Peter Whitehead - Followed up with victories in the 1953 and 1955 races before the D-type took over - Produced in limited numbers, with only 53 C-types built between 1951 and 1953 - Considered one of the most beautiful and successful sports racing cars of its era - Gained further notoriety when actor Steve McQueen owned one and drove it in the 1959 movie 'The Great Escape' - Highly sought-after by collectors, with original C-types fetching multi-million-dollar prices at auction


Technical

- The Jaguar C-type was produced from 1951 to 1953, with a total of 53 cars built. - It was designed specifically for racing, with a lightweight aluminum body and advanced aerodynamics. - The chassis was made of tubular steel, and the suspension used torsion bars and telescopic shock absorbers. - Power came from a 3.4-liter inline six-cylinder engine, producing around 220 horsepower in race tune. - The engine featured twin overhead camshafts, hemispherical combustion chambers, and triple SU carburetors. - Drive was sent to the rear wheels through a 4-speed manual transmission. - Top speed was around 150 mph, depending on gearing and aerodynamic setup. - The C-type won the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans race in both 1951 and 1953, cementing its place in motorsport history. - It was also successful in other sports car races around the world, including the Targa Florio and the Mille Miglia. - Today, the Jaguar C-type is highly sought-after by collectors and vintage racing enthusiasts, with prices ranging from several hundred thousand to several million dollars depending on condition and provenance.

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