Highlights
- Le Mans race car recreation for the road
- 3.5 year build by motor engineer
- Estimated £60k spent on parts and materials
- Huge attention to detail
The Appeal
If you’ve always fancied the idea of driving Jaguar’s first Le Mans-winning model but don’t have the many millions of pounds that are now required to own one stashed down the back of the sofa, then here’s the answer. Proteus began producing its Jaguar C-Type homage in the eighties and this recreation has been built from one of its early kits by a motor engineer with a keen eye for detail.
Built over a 3.5 year period with visits to the then still open Rockingham Speedway to help to refine it during the process, this is a beautifully constructed road going race car that is sure to generate a huge amount of positive attention wherever it goes.
The builder and current owner has taken it round the circuits at both Le Mans and Spa and has won numerous show awards but is now retiring and has decided to let someone else enjoy the car. While there are more Proteus recreations around than genuine C-Types, they’re still few and far between so get your bid now for a rare opportunity to acquire a prime example.
The History and Paperwork
- Jaguar C-Type recreation based on 1972 XJ6 donor car and kit from Proteus
- Build started by the previous owner
- Acquired by the current owner, a motor engineer, with the engine installed and on its wheels
- 3.5 year build process ensued
- Costs estimated at £60,000, excluding time spent
- Winner of numerous show awards, which will accompany the car
- Has been round the circuits at Le Mans and Spa
- Large folder of invoices
- Books on the C and D-Type and Jaguar engine overhaul
- Owner selling due to retirement
- V5 present in owner’s name
- MOT history shows mileage from the donor car until the speedo was recalibrated and the odometer replaced
- Current mileage reflects the distance travelled since build completion
- Will come with a fresh MOT
The Interior
- Riviera Blue leather
- Willans harnesses
- Beautiful wood-rimmed steering wheel
With the driver and passenger separated by bodywork and the visible tubing in the cabin, there’s no mistaking that you’re climbing into a racing car, even if it does wear number plates. The seats are finished in Riviera blue leather which complements the paintwork very nicely and, settling into the driver’s seat, you’re presented with a lovely wood-rimmed steering wheel with the small aero-screen just ahead.
Looking around the cabin, it’s beautifully presented and there’s no blemishes or marks to detract from the period ambience. On the dash, the wide assortment of instruments and switches all function as they should and there’s nothing to get in the way of enjoying the car.
The Exterior
- Westminster Blue
- Chrome wire wheels
- Lovely condition
- Tonneau included
Free of the later aerodynamic additions to the D-Type, the C-Type is a very pure design and is faithfully rendered by the Proteus bodywork. Westminster blue suits the car perfectly and the paintwork is reported to be in excellent condition overall with only a few small cracks and stone chips on the bonnet showing that the car has actually been used.
The chrome ancillaries are all in excellent order and this includes the chrome wire wheels which wear tyres with good tread all round. Underneath shows no signs of damage or corrosion, as shown in the photographs and indeed it looks not have seen much in the way of rain. Just in case, there is a custom made tonneau (at a cost of £700) to keep the passenger compartment dry in the event of inclement weather.
There is no boot to speak of, the cubby at the rear housing the battery and brake servos, and nowhere to house a spare wheel but there is a toolkit included which lives in the lockable storage box in the driver’s side sill. It’s all clearly well thought out and neatly executed.
The Mechanics
- 4.2litre Jaguar straight six with C-Type head
- Balanced crankshaft and conrods
- Electronic ignition
- High torque starter motor
- 4 speed E Type gearbox
- Overdrive in top gear
- Road race clutch
- Twin servo brakes
- Custom made radiator for improved cooling
Flip open the bonnet and you are presented with an immaculately presented engine that has clearly had a great deal of love and attention lavished on it. Modern additions include a fan and fire extinguisher but the triple-carbed 4.2 litre Jaguar straight six is the clear star of the show.
Upon starting with the choke, there is a little smoke but this soon clears and there are no leaks reported. Although we sadly didn’t get to take it for a spin, the owner tells us that it is fantastic to drive and performs strongly, with a 146mph rolling road print out to prove it! On the road, the dominant sound is that of a road-legal Le Mans car but there are reportedly no other noises to distract from it.
Originally, the owner was planning to sell the car upon completing the build but, having driven it, he decided that it was so much fun that he had to enjoy it first. In summary, this is a recreation that should be as good to drive as it is to look at.
Summary
A lovely example of the Proteus Jaguar C-Type recreation that should entertain the driver and provide a thrill for any onlookers.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
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UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
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