We present a comprehensive set of optical and near-infrared photometric and
spectroscopic observations for SN 2014ck, extending from pre-maximum to six
months later. These data indicate that SN 2014ck is photometrically nearly
identical to SN 2002cx, which is the prototype of the class of peculiar
transients named SNe Iax. Similar to SN 2002cx, SN 2014ck reached a peak
brightness MB=−17.37±0.15 mag, with a post-maximum decline-rate Δm15(B)=1.76±0.15 mag. However, the spectroscopic sequence shows
similarities with SN 2008ha, which was three magnitudes fainter and faster
declining. In particular, SN 2014ck exhibits extremely low ejecta velocities,
∼3000 km s−1 at maximum, which are close to the value measured for
SN 2008ha and half the value inferred for SN 2002cx. The bolometric light curve
of SN 2014ck is consistent with the production of 0.10−0.03+0.04M⊙ of 56Ni. The spectral identification of several iron-peak
features, in particular Co II lines in the NIR, provides a clear link to SNe
Ia. Also, the detection of narrow Si, S and C features in the pre-maximum
spectra suggests a thermonuclear explosion mechanism. The late-phase spectra
show a complex overlap of both permitted and forbidden Fe, Ca and Co lines. The
appearance of strong [Ca~II] λλ7292, 7324 again mirrors the
late-time spectra of SN 2008ha and SN 2002cx. The photometric resemblance to SN
2002cx and the spectral similarities to SN 2008ha highlight the peculiarity of
SN 2014ck, and the complexity and heterogeneity of the SNe Iax class.Comment: MNRAS Accepted 2016 March 22. Received 2016 March