Why Jaguar? Why?
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Jaguar has successfully sued a retired Swedish couple for building a replica C-Type - previously approved by it. There are hundreds built before, so we attempt to make sense of the indefensible. Without doubt the most damaging publicity Jaguar has acquired in decades is its suing of a retired Swedish couple who were building a perfect C-Type replica - which had Jaguar's permission - and Jaguar is selling non-factorybuilt replicas in its dealerships. The outcry was such that Jaguar was forced to issue a statement saying it would not prevent anyone else from building replicas or have their cars destroyed. Even worse, it owned a replica C-Type and D-Type too - which it was using for commercial purposes ... We can’t give you Jaguar’s version of the facts because they are not talking about the case. It has not explained why it made the claim since replica C-Types have been constructed since the 1960s. One of the crucial elements of the case is whether the C-Type body shape was the result of an artistic process, and thus may enjoy copyright protection. If it was the result of an engineering process copyright does not apply. As such, the credentials of JLR´s claimed originator, Malcolm Sayer, and the nature of 38
his assignment at Jaguar is paramount. Up until JLR’s recent commercial interest in C-Type copyright, it would be fair to say that Sayer’s role as an engineer was undisputed. But as the Appeals Court hearing is approaching, some of the sources referenced are suddenly changing their information. The Wikipedia page on Malcolm Sayer, which was submitted as evidence in 2019, describes him as an aerodynamicist who contributed to various Jaguar models. Sayer insisted he was not a designer, but having come from an aero background, his work was always based on aerodynamics. His work on the C-Type was only as a contractor for three months, and was his first experience in the automotive industry. However, in March 2022, the page suddenly changed to expand Sayer’s responsibilities for the C-Type significantly, conveniently fitting the narrative of JLR’s copyright pursuit better. The new description of Sayer’s role on the C-Type contradicts all known history, including
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Image 01
The Magnussons have been frequent visitors to the Goodwood Revival.
Image 02/03/04/05
Jaguar’s Continuation C-Type is far from accurate. The dash is incorrect, the seats should be leather and while it is not a tribute to the three 1953 Lightweight models, its modern cars inappropriately copy their bonnet vent and ribbed rear panel.
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The Magnusson’s Proteus C-Type.
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The dash of an early works C-Type.
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The standard of their work is impeccable. EDITION 214 JAGUAR MAGAZINE
