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C
Type (1951- 1953)
The
C type was created especially to compete at Le Mans in 1951. The body was
designed by Malcolm Sayer. The engine and front suspension were from the
XK120 but the rear suspension was a new single transverse torsion bar
design. The engine was modified to produce 210 hp and a 40 gallon fuel
tank was fitted. Three cars entered the 1951 endurance race, two retired
but the third driven by Peter Whitehead and Peter Walker went on to win.
(Total 53 cars built).
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D
Type (1954-1957)
The
XK engine and rear suspension carried over from the successfull C type,
however everything else was new. The central part of the vehicle was an
aluminium monocoque. Bolted to the fire wall was a tubular subframe that
carried the front suspension. The top speed was over 170 mph. The car was
hugely successfull at Le Mans finishing second in 1954 and winning in
55,56 and 57. (Total 71 cars built).
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XKSS
Jaguar
had trouble selling the last few D Types, so in 1957 they converted
the remaining models into touring road cars. They were fitted with full
windscreens, hoods and luggage racks. (Total 16 cars built)
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XJ13
(1965-1967 )
The
XJ13 was jaguars first and only mid-engined car. It was built for Le Mans
in the mid sixties. Powered by a 500 hp four cam 5 litre V12 fitted with
fuel injection. Sadly the car was not ready for testing until 1967 due to
lack of development funds. Rule changes for 1968 meant that the car never
raced. The car was later used in a film to promote the V12 series 3 E
type. Unfortunately during filming a rear wheel collapsed
causing major damage to the car the driver Norman Dewis was lucky to
walk away. The car was eventually rebuilt and still exists as a show car. |
