The Jaguar F-Type is a car that’s better suited to a beauty pageant than a rally stage, but that’s changed as the firm has unveiled two rally-going versions of its sports car.

The models were revealed as part of Jaguar’s celebrations to mark 70 years of building sports cars, and take design cues from the recently-unveiled F-Type Chequered Flag Limited Edition.

Its 70 years since the firm’s original XK120 first reached showrooms, with these exclude models paying homage to an XK120 that won part three consecutive Alpine Rallies in the early 1950s– one of the most prestigious period rallies that included a number of Europe’s mountain passes.

The rally cars use the newest F-Type engine – a 296bhp four-cylinder petrol unit – and have been built to comply with FIA specifications. Upgrades include better brakes, uprated suspension and a roll cage.

It also features race seats with six-point harnesses, fire extinguishers and bonnet-mounted lights. Adjustable dampers also allow the suspension to be tweaked for different surfaces, while the rally-look continues with motorsport-spec wheels and tyres. A limited-slip differential and hydraulic handbrake also help drivers negotiate sharper bends.

Ian Callum, head of design at Jaguar, said: “The opportunity to design a rally car doesn’t come along very often so I was fascinated to see how we could take our modern day sports car to a similar character.

These models are a fitting tribute to the XK120 and all the great Jaguar sports cars since its reveal 70 years ago.”

The F-Type rally cars have already taken to the rough stuff, and have been put through their paces at Walters Arena rally stage in South Wales, and will continue to take part at events in the coming months.

While just two F-Type rally cars have been built, the Chequered Flag edition is available to order now, priced from £62,335. The special model comes with 20-inch black alloy wheels, a black roof, leather interior and subtle Chequered Flag branding.

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