Authentic Stirling Moss Raced Jaguar XK120 C Heads to Bonhams
Scheduled to roll onto Bonhams auction block in Monaco this spring is likely the only unrestored original 1952 Jaguar XK120 C, C-Type, available on earth. And it’s been raced by Stirling Moss himself.
Under the same family ownership since 1963, this XK120 C, aka XKC 011, has been kept as a period piece, retaining its natural wear and race fatigue. The Woodley Family has allowed Andrew Tart Motor Engineering (ATME) to care for this C-Type for the last 15 years, and they have kept it in prime running condition. ATME even has a fully documented history of its ownership.
Through this C-Type’s career, it has never been crashed or updated, though it’s been repainted several times due to its history on race circuits. Winning first place in its debut year of 1951 Le Mans, Jaguar Works Racing Team’s XK120 C soon became a world famous name. Jaguar’s rise ignited an automotive arms race in Europe. Jaguar caught wind of the fire and began a redesign of the C-Type for 1952.
The ‘52 changes included a ten-inch longer body, higher compression ratio, and other new performance modifications which upped its top speed into contention. The 3.4-liter straight six is said to be able to touch around 144 MPH, although these ‘52 C-Types were plagued by overheating issues and all Jaguar Works team cars retired from Le Mans that year.
Over the next decade it was used by a small batch of private racing teams, club racers, and even by Jaguar and tire manufacturers for testing. Through its decade-long life as a race and test machine, it was updated properly with mentionable parts installed like Weber carbs. After those years it switched private owners a couple times until settling down into the hands of the current family.
This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime chance to own a real authentic Stirling Moss-raced C-type. Bonhams doesn’t have a reserve for this C-Type because there has been a revival of interest in these vehicles and the market prices are rising fast. Considering its unbelievable rarity and provenance, this auction might set new records for a C-Type. What do you think it’ll sell for this spring?
