History:
Jaguar started off as Swallow Sidecar Company in Blackpool 1922 by William Lyons and William Walmsey. The name “Jaguar” first appeared on the 1935 SS Jaguar and from then on the name has stuck. The leaping jagurar has also been the trademark symbol of the car marque. Since then, the company has undergone several changes, mergers and acquisitions. At present, the company is owned by the Indian company Tata Motors.
Jaguar’s cup of tea, so to speak, is its manufacturing of high-end, luxury vehicles. Mostly sports car and luxury saloons, the company has gained reputation in being able to create a balance between luxury and performance.
Another thing that makes Jaguar especially British is that it holds Royal Warrants for HM Queen Elizabeth II and HRH Prince Charles. What that means is that Jaguar’s quality and worksmanship has been recognized by one of the greatest symbols of British pride: the Royal Family.
Notable Models:
XK120
Named after it’s top speed—120 mph, the XK120 was a revolutionary sports car in its day. It was the first mass-produced engine that feature a twin-cam system and hemispsheric combustion chambers. The result: a sports car that could easily be integrated to the race track. And not only that, it looks good to boot. This model established the breakthrough that Jaguar has since then enjoyed. Overcoming design challenges such as noise and possible unreliability, the XK120 pushed through and has allowed Jaguar to make a name for itself.
1955 Mark 1 and Mark 2
Continuing on the success of the XK120, the Mark 1 and Mark 2 models has been launched for the American market. Featuring wider windows and a larger engine, these models have become the poster models for Jaguar. Innovation was continued until the Mark X models that feature a single body and independent suspension systems.
XJ
Running until the present, the XJ series has been the company’s new face in the world today. Featuring V8 engines and luxurios designs and features, the XJ has enjoyed continued success from 1968 to the present day.
Motorsport Success:
A regular champion at Le Mans, Jaguar has shown that it can compete with the best that the world of automotive racing has to offer. Starting off with victories in 1951 and ‘53, Jaguar has continued this line of victories to 1955-57. Move a few decades after, Jaguar is at it again with its V-12 engine that resulted to victories in the 1980’s.
If you want to learn more, you can find more information about Jaguar by following the links below. Among the brands that England has to offer, in sports cars and luxury vehicles, Jaguar is not short of a history and tradition of excellence.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaguar_car
http://www.jaguar-enthusiasts.org.uk/jaguar-post-war.html
