Realm Engineering C-Type Recreation Blends British Craft with American Muscle

British Bones, Transatlantic Build

A striking recreation of Jaguar's legendary C-Type has surfaced on Bring a Trailer, showcasing the increasingly popular trend of continuation builds for motorsport icons. According to the listing, specialist Realm Engineering in Weston Subedge, England, supplied the rolling chassis in 2014, which was then completed in the United States.

The build pairs period-appropriate aesthetics with practical upgrades. Power comes from an overhauled 4.2-litre XK inline-six — the same engine family that powered later E-Types — fed by triple Weber carburettors. A Toyota five-speed manual handles shifting duties, a sensible choice for reliability and parts availability.

Ecurie Ecosse Tribute

The composite bodywork wears blue Ecurie Ecosse-style livery, paying homage to the Scottish racing team that campaigned C-Types and D-Types with considerable success in the 1950s. It's a fitting tribute considering Ecurie Ecosse's three Le Mans victories between 1956 and 1957.

Spec highlights include four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes, independent suspension all round, 16-inch wire wheels, and side-exit exhaust. Inside, fixed-back bucket seats are trimmed in red leather, keeping things properly spartan as competition cars should be.

Racing Heritage

As Bring a Trailer notes, the original C-Type was developed as a competition version of the XK120C, featuring aluminium bodywork over a tubular frame. Only around 50 were built, with examples claiming victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in both 1951 and 1953.

The seller — offering the car on dealer consignment in California — includes construction photos and invoices, plus service records. It previously sold on Bring a Trailer in December 2022 before the current owner acquired it. The Arizona title optimistically lists it as a 1953 Jaguar, though it's clearly a modern interpretation of the iconic racer.

For enthusiasts who fancy the idea of a Le Mans legend without the seven-figure price tag of an original, this Realm Engineering build presents an intriguing alternative.