The 3.5 liter XK engine in it's natural habitat. Much detail is visible in this right side view. Note tubular front frame, Jaguar's first effort with space frame construction. A unique feature, not visible here, is a stressed steel diaphragm in the rear section, which doubles the stiffness of the tubular frame. Although the C-Type is not a monocoque, this construction technique presages the E-Type. The carburetors are sandcast SU's, this early car has 1 1/2" carbs. Horn and voltage regulator on the firewall would look more appropriate on a street car. The pigtail at the rear of the intake manifold is part of the instrumentation package, probably the temperature probe. The container on the lower frame rail is the overflow catch for the cooling system. Note the spare ignition coil. In period Le Mans competition, pit repairs would be limited to parts carried in the car, thus the extra coil. Yes, the C-Type had a spare tire as well.

[C-Type in Detail Home Page]

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About the author - Michael Frank is Vice President and Webmaster of the Jaguar Touring Club. His red 2+2 E-Type is a familiar sight at JCNA events in the Northeast. Currently, he is building a reproduction of the 1963 Cunningham Lightweight E-Type.

Copyright © 2001 Michael Frank, New York. All rights reserved.

Posted: 5/2001