The Ayrburn Classic Live Auction
Welcome to the Ayrburn Classic Live Auction 2026.
This vehicle will be auctioned live at the iconic Ayrburn Estate, Arrowtown, on Saturday 21 February 2026 at 5:00pm.
Pre-auction offers welcome a chance to test the reserve and set the bidding benchmark ahead of the live auction.
For questions, bidding registration (in person, online, or phone), pre-purchase inspections or access to additional history, photos and videos please visit the Sunday Drive website auctions page or ask a question here.
Price guide $250,000 - $280,000
1953 Jaguar C-Type Recreation Coventry Classics Tool Room Plus Specification
This exceptional 1953 Jaguar C-Type recreation has been handcrafted by Coventry Classics, one of the worlds most respected specialists in period-correct Jaguar recreations. Founded in 2002 by Brian Dwyer, Coventry Classics set out to produce true tool-room standard recreations of the legendary C-Type, earning an international reputation for uncompromising accuracy, craftsmanship, and engineering integrity.
Built to Coventry Classics enhanced Tool Room Plus specification, this example faithfully captures the form, proportions, and mechanical layout of the original Le Manswinning C-Type, while benefiting from carefully considered upgrades for improved performance and usabilitywithout compromising period correctness.
Power comes from an uprated 3.8-litre Jaguar XK straight-port engine, fully balanced and fitted with a lightened flywheel and baffled sump. Induction is via triple Weber carburettors with correct manifold, bonnet air scoop, and Weber-style airbox, delivering both authentic appearance and exhilarating performance. Drive is through a Jaguar 4-speed all-synchromesh gearbox with overdrive (early XJ6 specification).
The car is constructed on a tubular space-frame chassis and clothed in hand-formed aluminium bodywork to original factory coordinates. Suspension follows correct C-Type torsion-bar specification front and rear, while braking is handled by disc brakes all round, utilising XK150 discs and Series 1 XJ6 callipers, with servo assistance to the front.
Further highlights include a correct C-Type radiator with modern core and discreet electric fan, authentic wiring loom upgraded with an alternator, leather-trimmed alloy seats, C-Type style instrumentation, Bluemel-style steering wheel, 20-gallon steel fuel tank with Le Manstype filler, tonneau cover, tool kit, and 16-inch steel-rimmed wire wheels.
Fully tested and run-in over approximately 500 miles, this C-Type recreation presents in exceptional condition throughout. A superb opportunity to acquire one of the finest Coventry Classics builds availableequally suited to a serious private collection, historic motoring events, or spirited road use.
