Jaguar C-type - The autobiography of XKC 051

A story of the celebrated lightweight Jaguar C-type, chassis number XKC 051, that Duncan Hamilton and Tony Rolt drove to victory in the 1953 Le Mans 24 Hours.

Classic Edition signed by Chas Parker & Philip Porter 

The car went on to have a busy post-works racing career, first with Ecurie Ecosse, then with privateer drivers Bill Smith and Geoffrey Allison. Among its small number of collector custodians in later years, the names of Briggs Cunningham and Adrian Hamilton (son of Duncan) stand out. All this is covered in fascinating detail, supported by a fine collection of period photographs. Any Jaguar enthusiast will love this book.

Development - focusing on the three lightweights of 1953 with thinner-gauge aluminium bodies, pioneering disc brakes and aircraft-style fuel tanks.

• The story of the 1953 Le Mans 24 Hours told in full, with extensive illustration and behind-the-scenes insights drawn from period interviews with many participants.

• Action with Ecurie Ecosse in 1954 and early 1955, taking in 13 race meetings with drivers such as Ninian Sanderson, Peter Walker, James Scott-Douglas and Desmond Titterington.

• The privateer racing period: Bill Smith in 1955, the car repainted red, until his death while racing another of his cars; Geoffrey Allison in 1956, the car repainted white.

• Later life, first in America, where notable racer and collector Briggs Cunningham was the owner for 18 years, followed by a return to the UK in the hands of Adrian Hamilton (Duncan’s son) for over 20 years.

• Nearly 300 period images, many previously unpublished, supported by a portfolio of studio photography.

Specification

ISBN: 978-1-907085-46-8

The author – Chas Parker

Chas Parker swapped a career in astronomy, during which time he was press officer for the Royal Greenwich Observatory, based at Herstmonceux in East Sussex, to begin writing about his other great interest of motorsport. He spent seven years as a sub-editor on Motorsport News, often reporting on events such as the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Goodwood Revival and the Silverstone Classic. He has written 14 books, including histories of Brands Hatch and Silverstone, together with Haynes manuals about the D-type Jaguar, Bugatti Type 35 and Lola T70. He has also written books in the Porter Press International Great Cars and Exceptional Cars series about the Jaguar XK120, C-type and D-type and SS100, as well as an Enthusiast’s Guide to the Model T Ford and The Michael Turner Collection. Together with co-author Philip Porter, he was shortlisted for the 2017 RAC Motoring Book of the Year Award for Great Cars – C-type Jaguar, the autobiography of XKC 051. He lives in East Sussex with his wife Diane.

The author – Philip Porter

Marque expert and founder of the International XK Club and the E-type Club, Philip Porter has written many books over the years and his knowledge of Jaguar is extensive.

In 2005, he created Porter Press International, which is now one of the world's leading motoring publishers thanks to the amazing team with which Philip is immensely proud to work.