AUTOart
Racing Series
53502 – JAGUAR XK 120C (C-TYPE)
1953 Le Mans Winner, Car No 18
Die cast
1/43 scale, about 4”long.
Retails for $45.00;
Condition: New, received from the manufacturer
This model is simply a must for any Jaguar and / or Le Mans enthusiast. It retails up to $45 and it worth every cent of it, though here you can purchase it for less. This is a great model indeed. It is more expensive compare to the model of the same car made by ixo-Models, that is a very good model by the way, but this one is really something and only for a few dollars more. M_inichamps sells their racing car model for this price. But do they provide such quality and details as this one honestly I don’t think so.
Sorry for a poor picture, the color of the model is British Racing Green. Quality of a paint job is excellent. The picture doesn’t show it but the model has very sharp details all around, including underbody parts.
ABOUT THE C-Type
“C-Type" (C for competition), In 1951 Jaguar tuned, refined and rebodied the dashing XK 120 road car to create the C120… the car that would give Jaguar its first win at Le Mans! The C-Type’s body is one of the most defining shapes of 50’s sport cars and foretells the styles to come out of Coventry through 1960. Powered by Jaguar’s six cylinder 3.4-litre engine, this car teat Aston Martin, Ferrari and Talbot to give Jaguars its first o four victories at Le Mans during the 1950’s”
Between 1951-53 43 had been build, plus 11 race version. Was developed by Jaguar primarily for racing, but it could also be used on the road – as indeed many were. It borrowed many components from XK 120 (twincam engine, gearbox, rear axel), but had its own multi-tulbar chassis and distinctive aerodynamic light-alloy open roadster body. No concession was made to weather protection or comfort. It was a successful competitor at Le Mans (won in 1951 and 1953) Top speed was over 140 mph.
This car is very significant to Jaguar racing history.
157” Long; 96” wheel base; 2075 lb weight; L 6 (210 cid), 3442 cc/dohc with 200 bhp. Price new was equivalent to $6,000. At some point collectors paid over a $1,000,000 for C - Types with documented competition history.
Though it is very similar in appearance to a streetcar but you will see differences, a windshield only on a driver side, passenger seat is covered and also some difference on a rear part of a body.
ABOUT THE MODEL AND THE RACE
Here is astonishing model of the JAGUAR C-Type. The model presented as driven by T. ROLT / D. HAMILTON on June 13-14, 1953 at LE MANS, France. Le Mans is arguably the most famous and prestigious of all car races in the world. The car won the race, it finished 303 laps of 8.384 mile / 13.492 km (total distance of 2,540.2 miles / 4088.064 kms in 24 hours) with the average speed of 105.84 mph, which was the new speed record of the race. It was the first time when the average race speed was over 100 mph. The Jaguar Team also took second (car #17) and fourth place (car #19). The Jaguar team took 1st, 2nd and 3r place in the group. One more C-Type entered by Jacques Swaters participated in the race and finished in 9th over all / 6th in-group position. All four C-Type that entered the race finished it among other 23 cars. Thirty-six more cars started but not finished the race, for due to accident (including one fatal), one due out of fuel, one disqualified due to illegal refueling, the rest due to different mechanical problems.
ABOUT THE MODEL MAKER
This is a great model ended, superbly done, and very accurate, with tons of details. Turn the model over to see fully detailed underbody, just like the real car, plus front wheels are turn able.
Is it difficult to imagine for a model in 1/43 scale? But it is the truth! Unbelievably highly detailed models from any aspect. Packed in an attractive box with its own acrylic display case.
If you would like to know what they say about their product, please read below. Personally, as a collector, I just love their models. I truly believe that AUTOart is really delivers what they are promising.
“Welcome to the world of AUTOart, a world of excellence in modelmaking. We have made it our business to think small. From the heritage class to the performance thoroughbred, our model cars are perfect replicas in miniature. Produced through the application of cutting-edge technology to the modelmaker’s art. The result is a new attention to detail in both form and colour. AUTOart. Models you can believe in.”
“The 1/43 scale replica is probably the oldest scale in the world of automotive miniatures. There are many companies involved in the production of this size scale that offer products that range from “world class” to something far less than wonderful!”
“The AUTOart 1/43 scale line brings out tradition of quality through craftsmanship and attention to detail to our new smaller scale replicas. We believe we can enhance this scale with our earnest devotion to authenticity, quality and leading edge refinements. We enter this market with the Feeling that our products are the highest quality images today’s technology allows. We will continue to define the 143 market to remain one of its leading manufacturers.”
