Jaguar C-X75 from “spectre” is going up for auction
The C-X75 A Concept that Made Heads Turn
In the year 2010, Jaguar captivated the automotive world with the unveiling of the C-X75 concept car. This extraordinary vehicle combined breathtaking design with an innovative hybrid powertrain, featuring a gas turbine engine that provided electricity. While the C-X75 never made it to full production, it left an indelible mark on popular culture by making a memorable appearance as a villain car in the James Bond film Spectre. Now, an exclusive opportunity awaits as RM Sotheby’s, the renowned auction company, offers one of the Jaguar C-X75 stunt cars for sale. This article delves into the captivating journey of the C-X75, from its remarkable concept to its thrilling on-screen presence, and explores the unique features of the stunt car being auctioned.
Key Takeaways
- The Jaguar C-X75 concept car, introduced in 2010, showcased stunning design and an innovative hybrid powertrain with a gas turbine engine.
- While the C-X75 never reached full production, it gained notoriety by appearing as a villain car in the James Bond film Spectre.
- The Jaguar C-X75 stunt car being auctioned is the first one built, featuring a custom tubeframe chassis, rally car suspension, and a modified Jaguar F-Type V8 engine.
- The stunt car’s interior reflects a race car-like cockpit, hosting famous actors during filming, such as Dave Bautista, and even attracting the attention of former Formula 1 driver Felipe Massa.
- RM Sotheby’s will auction the Jaguar C-X75 stunt car in Abu Dhabi, offering a unique opportunity to own a piece of automotive and cinematic history.
From Concept to the Silver Screen: Spectre’s Villain Car
Despite its initial promise, the Jaguar C-X75 never made it to full production, leaving many disappointed. However, the car did manage to make a comeback in a rather unexpected manner – as a villain car in the James Bond film Spectre. The sleek and menacing appearance of the C-X75 perfectly suited its role as a formidable adversary to Agent 007.
Production Prototypes and Stunt Cars: A Rare Offering
Between the original concept and its appearance in Spectre, Jaguar produced a limited number of production prototypes, including five cars equipped with four-cylinder hybrid powertrains. Additionally, a few stunt cars were created to perform daring maneuvers on the movie set. One of these exclusive stunt cars is now being offered by renowned auction company RM Sotheby’s.
According to RM Sotheby’s, this particular Jaguar C-X75 stunt car is the first one built. The creation of the stunt cars was entrusted to Williams Advanced Engineering, a company with a rich history in Formula 1 racing. While the stunt car may not share many mechanical components with the concept or the prototype cars, it possesses its own unique features that make it truly exceptional.
Raw Power and Performance: A Closer Look at the Stunt Car
Beneath its stunning exterior, the Jaguar C-X75 stunt car hides an array of race-inspired components. Instead of a conventional chassis, the car utilizes a custom tubeframe chassis, providing enhanced structural rigidity. Its long-travel rally car suspension enables the stunt car to tackle various terrains with ease, ensuring a thrilling and dynamic driving experience.
Powering the C-X75 stunt car is a modified version of the Jaguar F-Type’s renowned V8 engine, complete with a dry-sump oiling system. This potent powerplant is mated to a sequential manual six-speed transmission and a rear transaxle, equipped with a mechanical limited-slip differential. To bring this beast to a halt, AP Racing brakes, adjustable from the cabin, offer exceptional stopping power, complemented by a hydraulic handbrake for precise control.
The Enthralling Cabin and Memorable Moments
One notable consequence of the C-X75 stunt car’s race-inspired underpinnings is the cockpit, which more closely resembles that of a high-performance race car. Inside, you’ll find a small Momo steering wheel, along with an array of toggle switches and controllers, evoking a sense of raw power and control.
Interestingly, this unsophisticated yet captivating cabin has witnessed the presence of some famous individuals. The car served as a tool for capturing shots with the actors during filming, with a specially mounted driver’s seat on top. Notably, the esteemed actor Dave Bautista, known for his role as a villain, occupied the driver’s seat. Furthermore, the C-X75 stunt car was showcased at the Mexico Grand Prix to promote the Spectre film, and former Formula 1 driver Felipe Massa even had the opportunity to take it for a thrilling test drive.
The Opportunity to Own a Piece of Automotive History
As the auction date approaches, RM Sotheby’s has yet to disclose an estimated price for this remarkable Jaguar C-X75 stunt car. Nevertheless, it is safe to assume that this rare offering will come with a considerable price tag. The auction will take place in Abu Dhabi on November 30, and the winning bidder will not only acquire the car but also receive a bill of sale, a movie call sheet, and a specification sheet from Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations.
While the legalities of titling this unique vehicle in the U.S. remain uncertain, the true essence of the C-X75 stunt car lies in its ability to deliver unmatched thrills on a race track rather than public roads. Whether it becomes a treasured collector’s item or a heart-pounding track-day machine, this extraordinary Jaguar creation is destined to leave an indelible mark on the automotive world.
For more information about the Jaguar C-X75 and its remarkable journey from concept to the silver screen, please visit the following sources:
FAQ
1. What made the Jaguar C-X75 concept car so special?
The Jaguar C-X75 concept car stood out for its captivating design and innovative hybrid powertrain. Its curvaceous body and aerodynamic features made it a true show-stopper. However, what truly set it apart was its hybrid powertrain, which combined a gas turbine engine with an electric motor. This unique setup provided exceptional performance while reducing emissions, showcasing Jaguar’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive technology.
2. Why was the Jaguar C-X75 never produced in full?
Despite its overwhelming positive reception, the Jaguar C-X75 concept car never made it to full production. Several factors contributed to this decision. Firstly, the global economic downturn of the late 2000s played a significant role, as it affected the financial viability of producing a limited-run supercar. Additionally, the challenges of implementing the gas turbine hybrid powertrain at a mass-production scale and meeting stringent emission regulations also influenced the decision not to proceed with full production.
3. How many Jaguar C-X75 prototypes were built?
Jaguar produced a limited number of prototypes for the C-X75 project. Specifically, they built five prototypes equipped with four-cylinder hybrid powertrains. These prototypes allowed Jaguar to refine the vehicle’s performance, handling, and hybrid system. While the production version never materialized, these prototypes served as a testament to Jaguar’s engineering prowess and their commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive technology.
4. Who built the stunt cars for the Jaguar C-X75?
The creation of the stunt cars for the Jaguar C-X75 was entrusted to Williams Advanced Engineering. Known for their extensive experience in Formula 1 racing, Williams Advanced Engineering brought their expertise to develop these specially designed stunt cars. Their involvement ensured that the stunt cars possessed the necessary performance and safety features to handle the demanding and thrilling driving sequences required for filming Spectre.
5. What modifications were made to the Jaguar C-X75 stunt car?
Compared to the original concept and prototype cars, the Jaguar C-X75 stunt car underwent significant modifications. Underneath its striking exterior, the stunt car featured a custom tubeframe chassis and long-travel rally car suspension, specifically designed to handle the rigorous demands of stunts. It was powered by a modified version of the Jaguar F-Type’s V8 engine, coupled with a sequential manual six-speed transmission and a rear transaxle with a mechanical limited-slip differential. These modifications ensured optimal performance, control, and durability during intense stunt sequences.
6. Who drove the Jaguar C-X75 stunt car in the movie Spectre?
In the movie Spectre, the Jaguar C-X75 stunt car was driven by the talented actor Dave Bautista, who portrayed one of the film’s villains. Bautista’s portrayal of a menacing character behind the wheel of the C-X75 added to the car’s on-screen presence and contributed to the film’s action-packed sequences. The combination of Bautista’s driving skills and the Jaguar C-X75’s performance capabilities created an unforgettable cinematic experience.
7. Was the Jaguar C-X75 stunt car used for other events apart from the movie?
Yes, the Jaguar C-X75 stunt car made appearances at various events beyond its role in Spectre. One notable occasion was its presence at the Mexico Grand Prix, where it was showcased to promote the movie. During the event, former Formula 1 driver Felipe Massa had the opportunity to test drive the C-X75 stunt car, further highlighting its performance capabilities and generating excitement among motorsport enthusiasts and movie fans alike.
8. Where and when will the Jaguar C-X75 stunt car be auctioned?
The Jaguar C-X75 stunt car will be auctioned by RM Sotheby’s at their Abu Dhabi sale on November 30. This exclusive auction event presents a rare opportunity for automotive enthusiasts and collectors to own a piece of cinematic and automotive history. The auction will be a highly anticipated event, and interested buyers should contact RM Sotheby’s for more details regarding the bidding process and auction logistics.
9. Will the Jaguar C-X75 stunt car be street legal in the United States?
The street legality of the Jaguar C-X75 stunt car in the United States may pose some challenges due to its specialized nature and modifications. As a purpose-built stunt car, it may not meet certain requirements and regulations necessary for road registration. Therefore, it is advisable to consult with local authorities or automotive experts to determine the feasibility of titling and registering the vehicle for street use in the United States.
10. What are the unique features of the Jaguar C-X75 stunt car’s interior?
The interior of the Jaguar C-X75 stunt car exudes a race car ambiance. It features a small Momo steering wheel, reminiscent of high-performance racing vehicles, offering enhanced control and maneuverability. The cabin is equipped with an array of toggle switches and controllers, emphasizing the car’s raw power and providing a tactile driving experience. While the interior may be unsophisticated compared to luxurious road cars, it served its purpose perfectly for capturing exhilarating on-screen moments and accommodating the needs of the film’s actors during the filming of Spectre.
Conclusion
The Jaguar C-X75 remains an automotive icon, remembered for its striking design and pioneering hybrid powertrain. While it never reached full production, the C-X75’s legacy endures through its appearance in the James Bond film Spectre. The Jaguar C-X75 stunt car being auctioned by RM Sotheby’s represents an exclusive chance to own a piece of this extraordinary automotive history. With its bespoke chassis, rally-inspired suspension, and modified V8 engine, the stunt car delivers thrilling performance and a unique driving experience. Whether destined for a collector’s private garage or a passionate enthusiast’s race track, the Jaguar C-X75 stunt car continues to captivate hearts and evoke a sense of awe in all who encounter it.
