In 2016, specialist auction house Bonhams will return to Monaco to present an exclusive sale of 40 exceptional cars in a sale timed to coincide with the Grand Prix de Moncao Historique 2016.
The highlight of the sale — scheduled to take place on May 13, 2016 — will undoubtedly be XKC 011 — the works 1952 Jaguar C-Type once raced by Stirling Moss.
Built new for Jaguar’s racing team early in 1952, this C-Type had its on-track debut at Silverstone and was driven by Peter Walker. Fitted with special long-nose/long-tail aerodynamic bodywork, the car was then entered for the 24 Hours of Le Mans race, but even with a driving team of Stirling Moss and Peter Walker, the Jaguar failed to finish.
Subsequently reverting to standard-body form, XKC 011 would make racing appearances at the 1952 Goodwood Nine Hours race, and set FTDs at Shelsley Walsh and Prescott hill climbs. In 1953, Moss took on the Mille Miglia in the C-Type, while Tommy Wisdom used it for that year’s Targa Florio. The Jaguar was later loaned to the Belgian race team Ecurie Francorchamps. and finally sold on. In later years, XKC 011 would become one of the best-known C-Types on the British club and, later, classic racing scene.