Jaguar C-type - The autobiography of XKC 051

Written by Chas Parker and Philip Porter, this authoritative Great Cars volume follows chassis XKC 051 from its development as one of the three lightweight C-types of 1953 through its Le Mans triumph, later racing career and long life in private ownership. Signed by both authors in this Classic Edition, it is an essential reference for Jaguar and historic motorsport enthusiasts.

The book also explores the technical advances that made the lightweight C-type so effective, including thinner-gauge aluminium bodywork, pioneering disc brakes and aircraft-style fuel tanks.

• Winner of the 1953 Le Mans 24 Hours with Duncan Hamilton and Tony Rolt
• Covers the development of Jaguar’s three lightweight C-types
• Explores pioneering disc brakes, lightweight aluminium bodywork and aircraft-style fuel tanks
• Includes a detailed account of the 1953 Le Mans 24 Hours
• Covers XKC 051’s racing career with Ecurie Ecosse in 1954 and 1955
• Features drivers including Ninian Sanderson, Peter Walker, James Scott-Douglas and Desmond Titterington
• Details its later privateer racing with Bill Smith and Geoffrey Allison
• Follows the car’s later ownership by Briggs Cunningham and Adrian Hamilton
• Includes specially commissioned studio photography

Rich in Jaguar history, Le Mans detail and period racing atmosphere, Jaguar C-type: The Autobiography of XKC 051 is an essential book for Jaguar enthusiasts, C-type collectors, Le Mans historians and admirers of significant British competition cars.