At Le Mans in 1951 Jaguar introduced their new XK120C, which
soon became better known as the C-type.
Moss, now a member of the works team, and his co-driver Jack Fairman led at
Le Mans with their C-type from shortly after the start for eight hours until
a connecting rod broke.
It was the C-Type seen here, chassis number XKC 003, that won the 24 Hours
race driven by Peter Whitehead and Peter Walker.
Later in the year Moss with another works C-type won the Tourist Trophy for
the second year in succession.
By 1952 Stirling Moss was becoming a famous figure in both
single-seater and sports car racing.
Jaguar decided to experiment with disc brakes on the C-type under racing conditions.
Moss was entered in a handicap race at Goodwood on Easter Monday 1952 and
is seen here on his way to taking fourth place.
In 1953 he finished second with co-driver Peter Walker at
Le Mans behind fellow Jaguar drivers’ Rolt and Hamilton.
As for XKC 003, it was crashed by Stirling at Monaco in 1952 and subsequently
dismantled and used for spare parts.
Jaguar C-Type Specification
(1952)
Engine: 6-cylinder twin overhead camshaft 3442 cc (83 x 106
mm) developing approximately 200 bhp at 5800 rpm. Gearbox:
Jaguar 4-speed. Chassis: multi-tubular with front suspension
by wishbones and torsion bars and rear suspension by rigid axle and torsion
bars. Wheelbase: 8 ft 0in. Front and rear track:
4 ft 3 in.
Overall length: 13 ft 1in. Dry weight:18.5
cwt.
