Louis Klemantaski ©️The Klemantaski Collection
jdclassics.official Duncan Hamilton brings his works Jaguar C-Type down the pit straight to celebrate their win of the Le Mans 24 Hours on June 13, 1953. Sitting next to Hamilton is his co-driver Tony Rolt who has had time to adopt some non-racing wear as two of the Jaguar mechanics ride along behind them.
Louis Klemantaski ©️The Klemantaski Collection
Fittingly for the 70th anniversary of the historic victory, I have brought out of my archives some art prints, which were issued in 1993 on my initiative by the well-known British Automotiv Arts Artist Nicolas Watts. The original was reproduced 500 times, numbered and originally signed by Duncan Hamilton and Tony Rolt. Duncan Hamilton succumbed to serious illness only a few weeks after signing the prints.
I had the honour of meeting Tony Rolt in person at the time when he personally signed the prints in his meeting room at his company in Coventry.
250 of the 500 copies were delivered to me in Germany at the time. These 250 copies (numbers 251 - 500) differ from the first 250 prints in their outer dimensions. At my request, they were cut to the format 60 x 80 cm in order to be able to use a standard picture frame. Some of these copies have been stored with me for 30 years now. Anyone interested in this rare and historic print is welcome to contact me. I will be happy to make you an offer without or with frame in different qualities.
Example with frame in real silver with blue accents
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Historical Background
Not long before the end of the race, Hamilton’s windscreen was struck on the Mulsanne by a bird which broke the windscreen and Hamilton’s nose. He did not slow down. The start of the race almost did not happen for the this British duo. By an unfortunate error their car number was also on a spare C-Type which Stirling Moss wanted to test to compare with the C-Type he was to drive. This he did and the officials decided to disqualify Hamilton and Rolt because Moss was not listed as a driver on their car. As told in Hamilton’s superb autobiography Touch Wood, the two drivers, realizing that their race was over before it had begun, decided to spend the evening drinking, and drank themselves almost insensate. Sir William Lyons, the head of Jaguar, convinced the officials otherwise on their disqualification by paying a large fine. He then had to somehow get his drivers recovered enough to drive. Hamilton was to take the start so he immediately drank a large brandy so he would feel better. Tony Rolt, also needed some refreshment as he prepared to take over from Hamilton. Apparently, brandy was also his choice. Somehow this slightly inebriated pair survived the 24 hours and as their competition fell away, including Moss who had led for quite some time, they found themselves in the lead. At the finish they had become the first car to exceed 100 mph as an average speed for the race. This was duplicated by some several finishers behind them although their margin of victory was four laps. For many years the winning Jaguar C-Type was the proud possession of Duncan Hamilton’s son Adrian who unfortunately passed away. 📸 Louis Klemantaski ©️The Klemantaski Collection #duncanhamilton #jaguar #xk120 #ctype #lemans #classiccars #carpassion #legend #jdclassics
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