Jerry Booen has set about reconstructing probably the most significant car in Jaguar’s history: the Jaguar XKC 003.

This blog details the various stages of the reconstruction process.



Thursday 30 September 2010

Steering Rack

The C Type was the first Jaguar to have rack and pinion steering. These racks were specially made by Alford and Alder. The first ten C Types had racks which were different to the later production C Type racks. This early rack with its unique centre casting and bearing system has been reproduced by Classic Car Developments in NZ specifically for this project



Rear Suspension

The rear suspension is being reproduced with the early single triangular top link. William Heynes designed this system to generate offset loads under acceleration which counteracts the tendency to lift the right hand wheel due to engine torque. This robbed the XK120 racers of traction out of right hand corners, quite a handicap on most clockwise racing circuits hence Heynes' new system for the C Type. Traction was improved but the suspension was compromised by a very high roll centre, offset to the right and quite severe lateral axle movement as the call rolled. The lower radius arms being bent sideways. Early C Types were reported as "oversteerers" by the drivers. The high triangular link was replaced by a more conventional panhard rod during 1952 and handling was improved. Very few original C Types exist with this early system.

Wednesday 29 September 2010

Seats


Completed seats trimmed in Rexine by Graham Crummett (very few C Types were trimmed in leather, most were cloth). According to Norman Dewis the Le Mans regulation toolbox was removed for the Mille Miglia so the passenger seat reverted to the same height as the drivers seat. Tools were then carried in a roll in the boot.