Sexy Speed: Jaguar C-Type To Be Auctioned

Ahhhhhh, the Jaguar C-Type. Has there ever been a Jaguar sexier than this? Yes, the D-Type was even more sexy. And the E-Type topped even that. But the C-Type was the one that started Jaguar down a curvaceous road that made even Italians blush.

The first time I went to the Monterey Historic Races at Laguna Seca, Jag was the featured marque. Stirling Moss was there, and Jaguar had its then-new XJ220 on display in a tent. And in the Jaguar corral, as well as on the track, were C-Types by the score. Imagine turning a corner and seeing 20 or so Gina Lollobrigidas, and you'll start to understand the impact it had on me. (And not to get off on a tangent, but I TRIED to think of a curvaceous British actress from the 50s, and damned if I could come up with anyone. It's nothing personal, but when I think about British actresses, "curvy" isn't the adjective that springs to mind, and brother, if you don't notice the curves on a C-Type first and foremost, you need your gaskets checked).

Even though I'm half Italian, and my car world orbits around all things Ferrari, I grew up in a British car household. This was mainly due to cost concerns, since Triumphs and MGs are way less expensive than Alfas or Lancias. Besides, you had to respect British cars for their superlative handling. TR-4s with independent rear suspensions, for example, are very forgiving cars to drive ... which is in pretty sharp contrast to older Giuliettas ... or 911s, don't even get me started on how Porsches "handle".

Anyway, move on up the performance ladder a half dozen rungs and consider the C-Type. Underneath that oh-my-God body was a car that was light, tight and handled right – or as Jag would later say in their advertisements: "Grace. Pace. Space."

For example, the C-Type that is going up for auction this August at RM Auctions Sports & Classics of Monterey event. It's chassis number XKC-007, and one of only 53 built and was one of the first Jaguar C-Types delivered to the United States. It was fresh off the boat to Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, where Phil Hill drove it to victory in The Sheldon Cup. With Hill back behind the wheel, chassis XKC-007 went on to achieve success at Torrey Pines that same year.

So, if you have the cash to make something like this a reality, you might want to contact RM Auctions. How much cash? A lot. An enormous pile, most likely. But you can't take it with you.

Source: ClassicalDrives.com Photos from Flicker user dave_7