Jaguar C-Type: How a British Icon Outshone the Competition at Le Mans

Stirling Moss preferred the C- to the D-type. The latter was tauter and faster – at Le Mans at least – but the former was more adaptable and kinder to a burgeoning career. The pride he felt as Jaguar’s secret weapon was pushed into scrutineering prior to the 24 Hours of 1951 was perhaps equalled only by his British Grand Prix victory for Vanwall at Aintree six years later.

“We really did feel as if we were showing the flag, and that counted for a lot,” said Moss.

‘The Boy’ had signed to drive for Jaguar on the eve of his 21st birthday in 1950, having proved that he could handle a ‘man’s car’ – an alloy-bodied XK120 – in the tipping Tourist Trophy rain of Dundrod. He arrived seeing no reason why Britain could not succeed on the wider stage. The C-type confirmed that. Then he drove BRM’s V16 Grand Prix challenger and began to wonder… it would remain forever the worst car he drove. In contrast to that magnificent, hugely hyped flop, Jaguar aimed lower with its C-type, and with greater accuracy and perspicacity.