1950s Jaguar C-Type

Step back in time with the unmatched elegance of the 1950’s Jaguar C-Type. As Berkley One Classics celebrates the big 5-0, we’re hosting an exciting virtual car show for collectors and enthusiasts alike. We’ll share our love of classic cars by spotlighting 50 cars for 50 years that have been chosen and beloved by our employees. Each will showcase the evolution of design and engineering and provide a nostalgic journey through auto and pop culture history. Read on as Katja Zigerlig, Vice President Art, Wine + Collectibles Advisory at Berkley One, tells us why she loves the Jaguar C-Type.

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The Car:

This 1950’s Jaguar C-Type stands out as it was one of the first cars to combine sleek aerodynamic design with groundbreaking technology including 4-wheel disc brakes and a 3.4-litre twin-high lift cam XK6 engine supported by a multi-tubular triangulated frame. Successful in racing, the C-Type marked a turning point for Jaguar, elevating the brands reputation in international motorsports. It’s rarity and historical significance for the company make it popular amongst today’s collectors.

The Collector:

Jaguar built competition cars for the automotive races that were popular at the time. These racing cars were identified by their model starting with the alphabet letter C (to be followed by the D-type and in 1961, the E-type). The Jaguar C-Type was the first and made an immediate impact – in style and performance. Malcolm Sayer designed the sleek, all-enveloping body inspired by feline musculature, and it helped to make the C-Types fast for their time. In fact, the C-Type won the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans race in 1951, which put this car on the map!

The Love:

I loved watching nature documentaries about Big Cats when I was little, and I was intuitively attracted to the aesthetics and power of Jaguar cars as soon as I saw one. Early in my insurance career, one of the brokers I worked with owned a Jaguar, and let me drive it through Seattle, so I’ve been able to experience the power of the roadster first-hand!

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Contributed by Katja Zigerlig

Photo: iStock

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This car feature is part of our 50 Cars for 50 Years campaign in honor of Berkley One Classics celebrating 50 year of insuring collectors and their vehicles. See the other cars we love here.

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Berkley One Classics is a Berkley Company who recognizes that classic cars are unique and require insurance that’s equally distinctive. Let us help you protect your beloved vehicle so you can enjoy it for years to come. Learn more here.