Magnificent and sip, the “Continuation Cars” are born to celebrate the glorious moments of the past by combining the mastery of the technological age, and the craftsmanship that characterized its origins. The result of the prized equation accessible only to large estates, are masterpieces such as the Jaguar Classic C-type presented live for the first time during the Concours of Elegance event at Hampton Court Palace.
The prices currently not declared, promise to be as spectacular as the aesthetics and refinement of the hand-built vehicle based on the futuristic shapes of the two-seater racing car that made its debut in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The first deliveries of the custom-built C-type, which will be produced in 57 units powered by the 3.4-liter six-cylinder engine with 220 horsepower, are scheduled for next year to coincide with the 70th anniversary of the first victory on the French circuit, and when we are talking about purely emotional purchases, timing is definitely a factor. As indicative of the fascination exercised by the Coventry “Continuation”, is the price of $ 1.7 million paid at a Sotheby’s auction, to grab the special E-Type Lightweight; jewel of rare scenic impact packaged by Jaguar Classic in homage to the sixtieth anniversary of its icon.
It is not excluded that in the future, the wide operating margins of the atmospheric Continuation movement may extend to other car manufacturers with a history full of motorsport gems to recreate. At the same time, precisely because they are extremely fascinating, the tributes to the unattainable beauties of the past, can divert attention from the models present and therefore for a necessary company philosophy, the phenomenon must remain occasional and niche.
The term “Continuation Car” identifies faithful replicas of classic and racing cars, built using the latest generation components and techniques. The E-Types created by the Eagle company (prices from £ 600,000 upwards) are closer to the world of restomod (modern restoration) and so to the Porsche Singer collection. Both houses – or rather the ateliers – use the frames of the classic E-Types and the 911 964 series as a basis, and then “reinterpret” the interiors and aesthetic details of the historic model according to the specifications requested by the customer.
Jaguar Classic has already announced the production of the D-type which, like the hand-built C-type, will make use of 3D Cad technology to support virtual creation, allowing customers to choose their preferred configuration. Excluding the models of the English house, the catalog of “official” Continuation Cars respectful of their own
genesis in every element and detail, it remains rather small and among the most recent and relevant creations, the 427 Shelby Cobra of 2015 assembled by Shelby American for the fiftieth anniversary of the model and a series of GT40s signed by the American tuner Superperformance stand out . Ford’s GT40, like the new Countach presented in August by Lamborghini, are not Continuation Cars but special re-editions.
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