Tecnomodel 1:18 1952 Jaguar C-Type Longtail diecast model car review

Tecnomodel recently announced 1:18 replicas of the distinctive Jaguar C-Type Longtails that raced in the 1952 Le Mans 24 Hours.

Following Jaguar’s victory at La Sarthe in 1951, the team continued to enjoy success in the early part of the 1952 sportscar racing season. Stirling Moss won the production sportscar race that was part of the Daily Express International Trophy meeting at Silverstone, and then also took Tommy Wisdom’s privately-entered car to victory in the Formula Two-supporting Sportscar Grand Prix at Reims. Ian Stewart notched up successes in less prolific affairs in Jersey and Scotland as well.

But during the Mille Miglia Moss was concerned when a Mercedes 300 SLR blasted past his big cat, moving him to send a telegram to the top brass at Jaguar simply stating ‘Must have more speed at Le Mans’.

With barely six weeks between the infamous Italian road race and the jewel in the endurance racing crown, Jaguar set to work developing streamlined bodywork for the C-Type that also incorporated a long tail. Crucially, the lower front end necessitated a revised cooling system, and that was to prove Jaguar’s downfall.

Later it was considered somewhat ironic that the new plumbing layout had been entrusted to a man by the name of Roy Kettle, as all three C-Type Longtails were removed from the race by serious overheating issues. The #17 of Moss and Peter Walker was eliminated by a failed engine, while both the #18 of Tony Rolt and Duncan Hamilton and the #19 of Peter Whitehead and Stewart were done for by blown head gaskets. The British team would return to victory lane at Le Mans the following year, with its C-Types reverting to more traditional bodywork.

As well as the three cars that raced at Le Mans, Tecnomodel will also be producing a press car in British Racing Green.

Click Tecnomodel 1:18 1952 Jaguar C-Type Longtail to order.