Proteus is a well respected manufacturer of replica sports cars based in the U.K. It currently offers convertible versions of the Jaguar C-Type (pictured at right) and D-Type that are near spot-on doppelgangers of the originals. Much has been happening in Proteus' world lately, as the company was recently acquired by its rival, Enduro Cars. This should be a good thing for Proteus, especially considering that Enduro Cars has made significant inroads in establishing a presence in the U.S., building a retail and service center in Irvine, California and new offices in Litchfield, Connecticut.

What's of more interest is news that Proteus may build a coupe version of its Jaguar C-Type replica, as shown in the rendering above. A scale model of the coupe will be shown at Race Retro during the 2007 International Historic Motorsport Show in Coventry, England this weekend. The show is somewhat of a relaunch for the Proteus brand under the stewardship of Enduro Cars, and if the public reacts favorably to the C-Type Coupe model it will likely get the go ahead for sale.

Press release after the jump

[Source: Proteus]


PRESS RELEASE:
PROTEUS HAS BEEN ACQUIRED BY RIVAL SPORTS CAR MANUFACTURER, ENDURO

Prototype design for 'C-Type' Coupe to feature at Race Retro

Proteus Cars has been acquired by rival sports car manufacturer Enduro Cars. For 21 years Proteus has been a leader in the field of re-creation sports cars, such as its renowned Jaguar C-Type, and is synonymous the world over with quality and attention to detail. Enduro's all aluminium C-Type replica was launched to much acclaim at the 2006 International Historic Motorsport Show, since when examples have been sold in the UK, US, Belgium, Germany and Portugal.

Proteus relaunch at Race Retro 2007

One year on, Enduro are privileged to be the main show sponsor of Race Retro (the 2007 International Historic Motorsport Show – Stoneleigh Park, Coventry, March 23-25) and will use the opportunity to relaunch the prestigious Proteus name.

Both Proteus and Enduro brands will be represented at the exhibition, as from hereon the Proteus name will be reserved for fully-built, factory-warranted cars and the sale of any other body and chassis units, while the Enduro moniker will be used for the retailing of any separate mechanical components.

Design for 'Jaguar C-Type' Coupe to be unveiled

Jaguar never made a Coupe version of the C-Type, but there will be a Proteus one if the public react positively to the stunning half scale model that will also be displayed at the show. Said Chairman Matt Beverley, "Where there has been the choice of both Roadster and Coupe versions of a sports car (eg Jaguar XK 120, 140, 150, and E-Type), many have opted for the Coupe, if for no other reason than it offers added protection from the elements. It will be very interesting to see people's reaction to the car Jaguar never built."

The stand at Race Retro will be staffed by representatives of Proteus Cars Ltd.