Jaguar C-Type car, 24H France, 1953, #20

From the very beginning, Jaguar's main goal was a long-distance classic that was aware of the marketing impact of success at Le Mans. As support for the three factory team cars, Ecurie Francorchamps, which was established a year earlier, came to Le Mans and shared the same management as the lightweight C-Types. The impressive result of two drivers, de Tornaco and Laurent, in an almost standard C-type placed ninth in the overall classification. CMC decided to develop this interesting motorsport variant with a striking color scheme. The result is a miniature with impressive charisma and sporting dynamism.

Ecurie Francorchamps was founded in 1952 by Jacques Swaters. The Belgian team participated in several Formula 1 races from 1952 to 1954, but the only victory it achieved was at the 1956 Avus Grand Prix outside the World Championship, with the team owner driving. Ecurie Francorchamps also competed in sports car races until 1978, leading a Ferrari racing car campaign. But its origins can be traced back to the use of Jaguars. It was 1953 when the Belgian team took part in the Jaguar factory entry at Le Mans. Impressed by their ninth place, Jaguar boss Lyons sent the Belgians to the remaining races of the season at Spa and Nürburgring. Ecurie Francorchamps competed against Laurent and Swaters in the Spa 24 Hours in July but suffered an engine failure that led to an early retirement. This happened again to the Belgians at the Eifel race at the end of August: withdrawal from the race due to engine damage.

Following this race, the chassis XKC 047 was sent to Jaguar Cars Ltd. in Coventry for a new engine with a Weber carburetor system and modified rear suspension of the Lightweight model. Thus, XKC 047 type C was handed over to Dunlop as a test and development vehicle. Later, XKC 047 resumed racing until 1959. Since 1963, it remained in the possession of a single family for over half a century. It was the cornerstone of Guy Griffith’s significant Jaguar collection in southern England. In 2016, chassis XKC 047 was sold at Bonhams auction in Monaco for €7.2 million — unrestored and completely authentic.

Ecurie Francorchamps returned to competition in the 1954 season with a Jaguar C-Type (XKC 011), which was rebuilt and fitted with Weber carburetors. Once again, it achieved success: fourth place at Le Mans, third at the 12 Hours of Reims, and seventh at the Tourist Trophy.

Information about Classic Model Cars (CMC)

Stylish products combined with the highest quality finish make us synonymous with the German brand Classic Model Cars. This is a true homage to handcrafted products that impress with their unique elegance and luxury.

CMC is one of the leading brands producing miniature vintage cars. The company creates classic and collector’s models using authentic materials and fabrics.

Since 1995, CMC has had its own manufacturing facility with highly qualified engineers and staff in China. After months of research, they produce a variety of classic car models, assembled by hand from over 1800 individual parts. The manufactory uses high-quality materials to fully preserve the “faithfulness to the original” of each vehicle model.

The manufactory focuses on all major and popular collector scales: 1:12, 1:18, 1:24, 1:43. The first model produced by the company was in 1:24 scale — the iconic Mercedes-Benz SSK from 1930. Built in 1995, it has won numerous prestigious awards.

Every single element is carefully assembled by hand. Instruments on the dashboard are mounted separately. The seats are covered with fabric or leather. The floor lining is laid inside and in the trunk. The replicas replicate the smallest details in accordance with the original plans of the vehicle.