Jaguar C-type , The Autobiography of XKC 051

Jaguar C-type, The Autobiography of XKC 051

By Chas Parker and Philip Porter

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.

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. The full history of this Jaguar C-type is covered in fascinating detail, supported by a fine collection of period photographs. Therefore any Jaguar enthusiast will love this book.

Nearly 300 period images, many previously unpublished, supported by a portfolio of studio

About the author

Chas Parker swapped a career in astronomy for one writing about motor sport. Along the way he edited a computer magazine for Hewlett-Packard business users. He also provided copywriting services to companies such as Air Miles, Elf Oil and South East Water. Parker also contributed to Patrick Moore’s ‘Yearbook of Astronomy’ and the ‘Philip’s Astronomy Encyclopedia’.

For a time he was motoring correspondent for ‘Sussex Life’ magazine. Then worked for seven years as a sub-editor on ‘Motorsport News’, for which he still contributes race reports. He is the author of five books, including comprehensive histories of Brands Hatch and Silverstone, both published by Haynes.

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