One of the original Proteus/Enduro aluminium Superform bodied cars assembled by XK Engineering, Coventry
Finished in iconic Ecurie Ecosse blue with black leather interior by GB Trim
Comprehensive engine and drivetrain refresh completed by Mirabel Engineering in October 2024
Extensive history file documenting the build process and subsequent care
Comprehensive spares package including spare wheel, tonneau cover, headlight cowls and custom cover
The Appeal
It's a disservice to call the Proteus/Enduro C-Type a replica. This is a continuation - a next-generation iteration of the legendary car with meticulous engineering throughout, modern CNC tech and top-of-the-line aluminium bodywork that preserves the original car's spirit without maintaining the foibles that came so naturally to 50s British marques. Designed from the outset to be a thoroughly developed new generation, these are real unicorns, and needless to say, garner plenty of interest with enthusiasts.
This particular example is one of the original Proteus/Enduro aluminium Superform bodied cars, assembled in 2007 by XK Engineering in Coventry and originally sold by Legends Automotive Ltd, who were the acting agents for Proteus/Enduro at the time. As such, it represents the ultimate development of the original Enduro manufactured run and should not be confused with lesser replicas.
The specification is exemplary: finished in the evocative Ecurie Ecosse blue with a black leather and insulated Hardura interior expertly fitted by GB Trim of Coventry, and powered by a 4.2-litre VSE Engineering Jaguar engine breathing through triple Weber carburettors.
Most significantly, Mirabel Engineering completed a comprehensive refresh in October 2024, including a full engine refresh with valves, crank balancing and new bearings, a replacement clutch, machined and balanced flywheel, rebuilt and balanced prop shaft and drive shafts, new engine mounts, and a gearbox inspection. This thorough mechanical overhaul ensures the car is in fine fettle and ready for immediate enjoyment.
The car comes with an extensive history file documenting the care lavished upon it from day one, including invoices from XK Engineering, Wren Classics, Milford Vintage Engineering and Mirabel Engineering, along with photographs of the build process and the original Enduro sales brochure. A comprehensive spares package accompanies the car, including a spare wheel with new tyre, tonneau cover, headlight cowls, matched touch-up paint, custom cover, and all the tools one would need. The vendor informs us that NUB 638 is ready and raring to go for long-distance, high-speed continental touring.IMG_3288 Daniel Glanz.jpg3.99 MB
History and Paperwork
Assembled in 2007 by XK Engineering, Coventry
Originally sold by Legends Automotive Ltd, who were acting agents for Proteus/Enduro
Comprehensive history file with invoices from XK Engineering, Wren Classics, Milford Vintage Engineering and Mirabel Engineering
Photographs documenting the build process included
Aluminium Superform body finished in Ecurie Ecosse blue
Black leather and insulated Hardura interior fitted by GB Trim of Coventry
Wire wheels with spinner hammer in leather holder
Fitted tonneau cover with bag
2 x plexi headlight cowls
Tin of Dingbro matched paint for touch-up
Lozenge fitted custom cover
Complete set of replacement bulbs
Jack and wrench
Spare wire wheel with new tyre fitted and spare tube
As a logical next step in the C-Type's development, it's little surprise this car really looks the part. The car's bodywork is as sleek and characterful as you'd expect, and thankfully the bodyshell is well presented, with a very evocative Ecurie Ecosse blue livery and very well-presented trims. Some gentle wear is visible here and there, and a tin of professionally matched paint is ready for touching up any dings or scuffs.
Internally, the car is festooned with evocative stickers and all of the instruments are clean and legible, The seats are very well presented and everything is very clean from top to bottom. For the enthusiast seeking a car that's track-ready, there'll be few surprises and plenty to love. IMG_3385 Daniel Glanz.jpg5.63 MB
The Mechanics
4.2-litre VSE Engineering Jaguar 6-cylinder engine
5-speed gearbox
Triple Weber carburettors
All running gear is Jaguar sourced
Fully adjustable front and rear suspension
Front vented disc brakes with 4-pot callipers
Rear solid discs with 2-pot callipers
Comprehensive refresh completed by Mirabel Engineering in October 2024
Engine refresh including valves, crank balance and bearings
Clutch replaced
Flywheel machined and balanced
Prop shaft and drive shafts rebuilt and balanced
Engine mounts replaced
Gearbox inspected
As you'd expect for specialist bit of kit, everything mechanical has been treated to plenty of tailor-made TLC. It's all polished up and beautifully presented - in fact it's all spick and span and very clean. A familiar Jaguar XK 6-cylinder plant is under the bonnet, fed by Weber carbs. It's all Jaguar-sourced and to the seasoned mechanic will be very familiar and easy to get to grips with.
Plenty of work has been put in to keep it at its absolute best, and the vendor proudly reports that it's ready and waiting to go.
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