2010-06-16 08:56:33 | pauls writes:

Ebay item 6/16/10
cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Jaguar-XK-C-Type-XK120-C-rep-Proteus-E-Type-XKE-IRS-4-2- ...
Current bid $16,100 reserve pricenot met, 10 bids 9 days left in auction.

Sellers description:
1952 Jaguar C-Type Replica by Proteus
Exterior Color: Ecurie Ecosse Blue
Interior Color: Grey Leather
Engine: 4.2 liter inline-6
Transmission: 4-speed manual with overdrive
VIN: 1G13360DN
This is a high quality replica of the legendary Jaguar C-Type built by the highly regarded Proteus. Fitted with a 4.2 liter engine, overdrive synchromesh transmission, and independent suspension all round, and disc brakes all round, it is mechanically sophisticated and runs and drives beautifully.

This car is in Pleasant Hill, CA

This particular car was constructed by the renowned Proteus in England in the 1990s, and is a Mark II variant. Proteus are highly regarded for the quality and accuracy of their cars, and this car is externally difficult to distinguish from a genuine C-Type. The engine is a 4.2 liter Jaguar XK unit with SU carburetors, and the rear suspension is an independent E-Type/XJ assembly with dual telescopic shock absorbers and inboard disc brakes, which provides superior roadholding and ride characteristics compared to the live rear axles of original C-Types. The car has disc brakes all round, and all running gear was rebuilt at the time of construction, according to the previous owner. The car was imported from England in 1999, and has had two California owners since then. The current owner purchased the car in San Diego in August of 2003, and drove the car back some 400 miles to Northern California. During his ownership, the car has covered only a few thousand miles.
Condition

Cosmetically, the car is in very nice condition. The body is very nice throughout, with good fit and operation of the panels. The paintwork was done to high standards and makes a strong overall impression, with few blemishes: just the occasional small scratch or chip. There is one small crack in the bonnet where the hood louvers meet the hood. The center section of the body is aluminum, while the clips are high quality glass fiber, and the paintwork on the front of the car and in the region of the leather hood straps is protected with clear bra. The lighting is correct throughout, with covered Lucas headlamps, and proper braking, parking, and turn indicator lamps. The wheels are painted Jaguar wire wheels, which wear Avon tires.

The interior is Spartan and evocative. The leather bucket seats are comfortable, supportive, and in good shape, with a nice patina. The dashboard is simple and is punctuated by Smiths instruments sourced from a period Jaguar. All instruments work except for the speedometer. The steering wheel is a lovely Moto-Lita wood-rimmed 4-spoke affair, and the car has a full complement of instruments, air horns, and push button starter. There is a full canvas tonneau cover. The engine compartment is tidy and presentable. It is not perfect, but presents very attractively and is clean throughout and is ideal for a driver. The car has correct cloth wrapped wiring harness, and the radiator has been recored. Thanks to the clamshell bonnet, accessibility is excellent.

The car drives well. It starts easily, and with a single side exit muffler, makes the legendary and rather raucous Jaguar inline-6 growl. With a 4.2 liter engine, the car is quite tractable, while the all round independent suspension and synchromesh transmission make for a considerably more modern and capable driving experience than an original C-Type. The gearbox is equipped with overdrive, which functions properly, and the car does not run hot unless it sits for extended periods of time. The four wheel disc brakes are also very effective, and the experience of driving this car is extremely evocative.

This is an extraordinary opportunity to acquire a car that captures the experience of a true legend at a small fraction of the price of an original. Against an E-Type for similar money, this car is a stunning and very special feeling car. It is very unique and evocative car with the widely available mechanical components of less exotic Jaguars. Proteus’ quality is widely regarded to be among the best, and only a handful of these cars have been imported to the United States. The car has been quite reliable for its current owner, and consequently, it would make an ideal event or weekend car to use regularly.

2010-06-30 09:54:47 | pauls writes:

Car returns to ebay 6/30/10
cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Jaguar-XK-C-Type-XK120-C-Proteus-E-Type-XKE-IRS-4-2-NO-R ...
Opening bid $69,500, no reserve, no bids yet 9 days left in auction.

Previous auction ended at $41,100 reserve not met after 26 bids.