Jaguar Classic, the division of Jaguar Land Rover dedicated to restoring classic Jags, is reopening their small-batch production-from-scratch book. As part of their Continuation program, they'll be building a handful of brand-new C-types based on the 1953 model that won the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

"Driven by some of the most-admired racing drivers in history, the C-type laid the foundations for Jaguar's success in endurance racing and is synonymous with design and engineering innovation," said Dan Pink, Director, Jaguar Classic. "Seventy years on, Jaguar Classic is proud to be able to utilize the latest innovations in manufacturing technology – alongside traditional skills and unrivalled expertise – to reintroduce this legendary car for a new generation of enthusiasts to enjoy."

Eight C-type Continuation cars will be built ahead of a racing-inspired celebration event for their owners in 2022. Each example will reflect the 1953 Le Mans-winning works team car specification, including a 220hp 3.4-liter inline-six engine with triple Weber 40DCO3 carburetors and disc brakes. Additional options available to C-type Continuation customers include an FIA-approved Harness Retention System. Not just for show, these vehicles will be eligible for historic racing, track and closed-road use.

Originally designed by Malcolm Sayer, the new C-types are being hand-built to the original specifications. In addition to working off of the original engineering drawings, the company has fastidiously scanned an existing C-type to get it into CAD.

"Taking that engineering CAD data a stage further," the company writes, "Jaguar Classic is also launching a specially designed online configurator to allow enthusiasts to visualize their C-type Continuation virtually. This tool allows users to compare color and trim options from the 12 exterior colors and eight interior colors available, and apply optional racing roundels, steering wheel badge and hood badging."

Prices have not been announced, but these surely fall in the "If you have to ask…." category.

One interesting, presumably period-accurate, detail I spotted is the tachometer: The needle apparently advances in what the Brits would call an anti-clockwise direction.

If any of you own an old Jag, have you seen this before? Was this just how the Brits did things back then, or was this a Jag/racing-specific feature?