And Jaguar started with the production of sidecars for motorcycles, but then switched to the production of bodies for cars. This experience turned out to be successful and Jaguar gradually moved to the production of its own cars.
In 1925, William Lyons and William Walmsley founded the Swallow Sidecar company, which was engaged in the production of sidecars for motorcycles. But this occupation did not bring tangible financial profit and the company is trying to establish production car bodies. One of the first was an order to develop a body for the Austin Seven. According to historians, up to 500 bodies were made for this model. The body experience turned out to be successful and orders were subsequently completed for the construction of bodies for Fiat cars 509A, Morris Cowley and Wolseley Hornet. The customers were satisfied and Lyons decided to take the risk of creating his own car brand. On the London car exhibition in 1931, the company announced itself with two models at once - SS-1 and SS-2. In 1945, the company received its current name - Jaguar, abandoning the abbreviation SS (According to some reports, the letters SS frightened public opinion because of the similarity with Nazi symbols). In 1948, the Jaguar XK-120 appeared, which was recognized as one of the fastest production cars - it accelerated to 126 km / h. In 1984, Jaguar comes under the control of the Ford concern. But the profile of the company does not change, Jaguar is still a manufacturer of very expensive and very high quality British cars with a sporty character. In 2001, the Jaguar X-Type was released - the first D-class car in the company's history, created on the basis of Ford Mondeo. Moreover, the first X-Type had four-wheel drive. In 2003 comes out diesel version X-Type - the first in the history of the company diesel car. In 2008, Jaguar comes under the control of the Indian TATA.
History of Jaguar Jaguar Cars Ltd. begins in the 1920s. In 1922, Sir Lyons William and his partner Sir Walmsley William founded the Swallow Sidecar Company (SS for short) in the northern seaside town of Blackpool, which initially specialized in the manufacture of sidecars for motorcycles. Very stylish aluminum strollers Swallow immediately attracted the attention of motorists. Deciding not to stop there, the talented and enterprising William Lyons decides to try his hand in a new direction - the production of Swallow car bodies.
The first achievement of the company in this area was the development of the car body "Austin 7", thanks to which the company of William Lyons received an order for the manufacture of 500 similar bodies. The funds raised and the increased reputation allowed Swallow Sidecar to establish itself in the body design market, making body designs for Fiat, Morris, Swift, Standard and Wolseley models.
In 1931, in connection with the increase in production, the company moved from Blackpool to more spacious production facilities in Coventry (Coventry). William Lyons begins designing his own cars, having a passion for two-seat sports models, which brings the company another success at the motor show in London. The SS 1, with a chassis and body design entirely designed by Lyons, was voted the sportiest of all Swallow models. From a list of names of birds and animals that embody speed and power combined with beauty and grace, Lyons chose Jaguar for his first child. The SS 1 subsequently became the prototype for the open-top SS 1 Tourer, which has been described as Jaguar's first true sports car.
In the early 40s, automotive production at Swallow was suspended due to the outbreak of World War II. All automotive manufacturers, including the Swallow Sidecar company, took an active part in the execution of military government orders.
1948 marked by a restart automotive production. Swallow Sidecar changes its name to Jaguar Cars Ltd. The development of the revolutionary 2- and subsequently 4-cylinder Jaguar engine begins. The new series of Jaguar cars was called "X" (from the word "experimental"), later known as the XK series of cars.
In 1948, a new success awaited the company at the London Motor Show, where all the eyes of motorists were attracted by the first presented Jaguar XK120. Equipped with a 105 hp Heynes engine, this car easily reached speeds of 126 km / h and was recognized as the fastest among production cars.
In the 50s, Jaguar XK Mark V, Mark VII., Jaguar XK140 cars were produced.
From 1950 to 1960, the company conquers the American market, where the Jaguar XK150 and XK150 Roadster models, with engines from 2.4 to 3.8 liters and up to 220 hp. enjoy huge success. Demand for Jaguars was so great that it became necessary to open another plant for the production of Jaguars in Browns Lane.
The fifties were marked by a series of sports victories for the Jaguar. The C-Type and D-Type models, equipped with adapted XK engines, won sports races at Le Mans for seven years. The success of the Jaguar team and the victory of the Grand Prix in the championship in 1959, 60, 63 and 65 forever linked this name with the history of victories in automobile competitions.
In 1956, Queen Elizabeth II of England awarded William Lyons the title of Royal Designer of the Automotive Industry. He was also awarded the title of royal knight for his great contribution to the development of the country's automobile production.
In 1961, Jaguar's design team began work on the successor to the D-Type car. The predatory curves of this racing car are transformed into the stylish, sensual body lines of the legendary E-Type, equipped with a 3.8-liter XK engine and fully new system rear suspension. The Jaguar E-type, one of the most beloved cars in Jaguar history, is considered one of the most innovative mindsets, style and cutting-edge technology of its time.
The 1961 Jaguar XK E-Type caused a sensational success at the Geneva Show. In 1962, the Jaguar Mark X car expected success on american car mobile market.
In 1968 appeared new sedan Jaguar XJ6 (with a six-cylinder engine), which won many awards, including the title of "Car of the Year". A little later, in 1971, the Jaguar XJ 12 appeared with a 311 hp 12-cylinder engine, which for many years was the most powerful version of the Jaguar engine.
In 1975, the Jaguar XJ-S appeared, equipped with E-Type suspension, a modern four-seat interior and a powerful 12-cylinder engine. He continued the sporting tradition of Jaguar by winning the World Championship in 1977 and 1978.
In 1986, the XJ6 was introduced with an improved 24-valve AJ-6 aluminum engine and a more modern electronic system management, including on-board computer. Jaguar's ongoing efforts to improve the quality of its vehicles have led to a revival of the tradition of the Jaguar 6-cylinder sports car.
The Jaguar XJ220 became a real sensation at the British Motor Show in 1988. The first version of this car was created by Cliff Rudell, and was then finalized by Keith Helfet in 1987. The final version of the car was presented in 1991 at the Tokyo Motor Show. This legendary car, released in a limited edition - only 280 copies, and is currently cherished dream many car collectors in the world. Also in 1988, the opening of the Jaguar Sport division, which develops sports prototypes based on Jaguar production cars of the XJ 220 family, took place.
1991-94 became the period of development of a new model range Jaguar. In 1993, the Browns Lane plant, built in the 1950s, was in as soon as possible reconstructed for production new series XJ. New engine The 6.0-liter V12 is more powerful, modern and fuel efficient than its Daimler Double Six ancestor.
In March 1996, the sports model Jaguar XK8 / XKR was presented in Geneva in coupe and convertible versions. This car with the new AJ V8 engine went on sale in October and immediately attracted the attention of motorists.
October 21, 1998 at the motor show in Birmingham (Birmingham) was presented new model decades - the Jaguar S-type business class sedan. This one is completely new car combines modern design solutions with individual features of the Jaguar style. The Jaguar Mark II, popular in the early 60s, was taken as the basis for creating the body design of this car.
In November 2000, the company's management officially announced the development of a new "most remarkable model in the history of Jaguar" - the all-wheel drive Jaguar X-Type. The appearance of this car was a symbol of a completely new future for the company, which for the first time had the opportunity, thanks to a model range of 4 cars, to compete for leadership on equal terms with other luxury brands.
In 2002, at the September motor show in Paris, a presentation of the new Jaguar XJ model took place. This seventeenth model from the XJ series, thanks to an all-aluminum body, has become 200 kg lighter than its predecessors and even classmates. The new Jaguar XJ embodies traditional Jaguar style, while combining sophisticated design and luxurious interiors with the latest automotive technology innovations.
| Full title: | Jaguar Land Rover Ltd. |
| Other names: | Jaguar, Jaguar Cars Ltd. |
| Existence: | 1922 - present day |
| Location: | UK: Coventry |
| Key Figures: | Cyrus Mistry (Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Tata Group); Ralph Speth (CEO Jaguar Land Rover); Adrian Hallmark (Global Brand Manager Jaguar Cars) |
| Products: | cars |
| The lineup: |
A well-known luxury car brand of English origin. The company's headquarters is located in the town of Coventry in the Midlands and is currently part of the Ford Motors Corporation. It was founded in 1925 by William Lyons (Sir Lyons William) and William Walmsley (Sir Walmsley William), at first had the name Swallow Sidecar (you can meet the abbreviation as SS) and was engaged in the production of sidecars for motorcycles. But their dream of getting rich suffered a devastating fiasco, and Lyons switched his activities to the development of bodies, taking as a basis the replacement Austin 7. This venture of his was crowned with success and in 1927 he received a large fee for an order for the manufacture of 500 such bodies according to his sketches.
The body for Austin 7 was so liked in the car market that regular orders soon followed, as a result of which the company began to gain success. Such famous models like Morris Cowley, Wolseley Hornet, and Fiat 509A purchased their bodies from Swallow Sidecar. The resulting reputation, good recommendations and the proceeds from the sale of these bodies went to the design of their own cars. Lyons was very carried away by his idea and went towards double sports cars. Already in 1931, Lyons presented his two new masterpieces SSI and SSII at the London Summer Motor Show. Then the company received tremendous success and funding, thanks to which the first Jaguar SS90 saw the light a little later. The Jaguar got its name from Lyons, who, in his passion for sports cars, also had good marketing skills. Soon the second Jaguar SS100 joined the first Jaguar SS90. This Jaguar became a classic of the genre and the best-selling model of the 40s, and the company received a new name (“Jaguar”). This move was also due to the fact that the previous shortened abbreviation of the company name evoked memories from critics of the criminal and active Nazi organization at that time.
The next amazing success of the company is considered to be the date of the appearance of the Jaguar XK120. The new Heynes engine put into service had a power of 105 hp. and due to this, the car could easily reach a speed of 126 km / h, which at that time was know-how. The car was recognized at the London Auto Show itself fast car, the manufacturing company has gained wild popularity.
Since then, more and more new models have been produced, such as Jaguar Mk VII, Jaguar XK140, Jaguar XK120. In the 50s, the company improved engine power to 190 Horse power. And already in the Jaguar XK120 introduced this novelty in terms of cylinder volume of 2.4 liters.
1957-1960 - the time of the active work of the company, during which it conquered the entire American auto market with models: XK150 and XK150 Roadster. The power of these models struck buyers, which was 220 horsepower, and the engine size was 2.4 liters and 3.8 liters, respectively.
1961 - 1988 - the company is famous for its sports cars and the appearance of representative sedans. Their prices were high, but the quality absolutely corresponded to the chosen pricing policy, as it provided the car with a sufficiently high technical characteristic. At this time, the company "Jaguar" has become one position with Ferrari and Rolls-Royce.
"Jaguar" back in the 50s. began active cooperation with an English company called Deimler. This company produced excellent cars from its assembly lines, but very similar to jaguars, both in class and in technical specifications. The company wasted no time and convinced the company to replace the production of their Daimlers with the production of Jaguars. Since 1960, the Deimler company has become part of the Jaguar and began to produce exclusively its products. The company itself experienced a financial crisis during this period, as sales decreased. It was this fact that prompted the company, in order to avoid an economic disaster, to merge with the British Motor Company. In 1966, she merges with her and in the same year there is again an increase in the level of sales and, accordingly, the prestige of the company.
In this short time, the already prestigious Jaguar company managed to participate with the new sensational Jaguar XKE in the next exhibition in Geneva (1961), then make a splash in the American car market (1962), release a six-cylinder engine on the XJ6 model (1968) and a twelve-cylinder engine with a power limit of 311 horsepower on the XJ12 model (1972). last car has long been considered the most successful in the history of the company. But Jaguar never wanted to stop there.
In September 1986, the premiere of a new upper class Jaguar XJ8 sedan. In 1973, the world saw a closed-type two-seater coupe on the Jaguar XJ. The speed of this car reached 250 kilometers per hour.
In 1988, Jaguar decided to take part in the British Motor Show with its new Jaguar XJ220. The car became a resounding success, but this model was also decided to be reconstructed. The successor Cliff Rudell transferred these rights to Keith Helfet, who in 1987 presented the first version of the car, and then (in 1991) the second version of this car, but already the final one, at the Tokyo Motor Show.
At the next exhibition in Geneva in 1996, the next sports model of the Jaguar XK8 / XKR was presented, which became known as a car that comes in both a coupe and a convertible.
In 2000, the Jaguar was introduced to Formula-1. For the sake of such a grand event, the company released a new XKR "Silverstone" sports car. This car only one hundred units were produced, but these one hundred units became the fastest in the Jaguar line and began new chapter in the history of the creation of cars with the famous Jaguar emblem.
The history of Jaguar did not end there. Since 2008 in various configurations began to be issued.
Jaguar (Jaguar) is an English automobile manufacturer that produces luxury cars, part of the Ford Motor Corporation. The company's headquarters are located in Coventry, England.
Jaguar was founded in 1925 by two namesakes, Sir William Lyons and Sir William Walmsley. Initially, the company was called Swallow Sidecar (abbreviated as SS) and was engaged in the production of sidecars for motorcycles. However, the production turned out to be unprofitable and it was decided to switch to the production of bodies for the then-famous Austin 7 car. In 1927, 500 such orders were completed. The company has gained a good reputation and has already received orders for body design for the Fiat 509A, Morris Cowley, Wolseley Hornet models.
However, William Lyons didn't stop there. He dreamed of making his own car. In the summer of 1913, at the London Motor Show, the world saw the first two creations of the Jaguar / Swallow Sidecar - SSI and SSII. The models were successful and were followed by the Jaguar SS90 and Jaguar SS100. William Walmes himself gave the name "Jaguar" to his cars. The Jaguar SS100 was a great success, becoming a classic sports model of the 1940s.
In 1945, the company became known as Jaguar (Jaguar), as the abbreviation SS caused unwanted associations with the criminal Nazi organization. New success came to the company in 1948 at the same London Motor Show, where all eyes were attracted new Jaguar XK120. Equipped with a 105 hp Heynes engine, this car easily reached speeds of 126 km / h and was recognized as the fastest among production cars.
The fifties begin with the release of the Jaguar Mk VII. The next was the XK140 model, which in 1954 replaced the Jaguar XK120 in production, the engine power increased to 190 hp. with a cylinder volume of 2.4 liters.
From 1957 to 1960, the company makes an active breakthrough in the American market, where it is represented by the Jaguar XK150 and XK150 Roadster models, with engines from 2.4 to 3.8 liters, up to 220 hp.
From 1961 to 1988 the company introduced a range of sports coupe and executive sedans, distinguished by a high price and the same high performance. In terms of prestige, Jaguar cars can only be compared with Ferrari and Rolls-Royse.
Since the 1950s, the Jaguar has been closely cooperating with the English company Deimler, whose traditionally luxurious cars, similar in class to the Jaguars, are gradually being replaced by the Jaguars produced at the Deimler factories. Since 1960, "Deimler" has been part of the Jaguar (Jaguar). The Jaguar company itself, experiencing obvious difficulties with sales, in 1966 merged with British Motor.
1961 - Jaguar XKE - a sensation at the exhibition in Geneva.
1962 - Jaguar MkX - success in the American automotive market.
In 1968, the Jaguar XJ6 (6-six-cylinder engine) appeared. A little later, in 1972, the Jaguar XJ12 appeared with a 311 hp 12-cylinder engine, which for a long time was the most powerful version of the Jaguar.
In the fall of 1968, the first show of the Jaguar XJ8 high-end sedan. In September 1994: new model (X 300), XJR 4.0 Super Charged with compressor.
1973 - Jaguar XJ - two-seater closed coupe. Maximum speed up to 250km/h.
1983 - Jaguar XJ-S - 3.6 liters, 225 hp, new proprietary engine - AJ6.
Jaguar XJ220 was first presented at the 1988 British Auto Show, where it made a splash. The first version was created by Cliff Rudell. However, in 1987 it was modified by Keith Helfet. The final version of the car was presented in 1991 at the Tokyo Motor Show. In 1993, a sports lightweight modification "Jaguar XJ220-C" was introduced.
1988 - the opening of the Jaguar Sport division, which develops sports prototypes based on the serial Jaguar XJ220 family.
1989 - Jaguar becomes a subsidiary of Ford.
1991-94 - new XJ range
In March 1996, the sports model Jaguar XK8/XKR was presented in Geneva. Available as coupe and convertible.
Jaguar S-type, a business class car (sedan), introduced October 21, 1998 in Birmingham.
In Detroit in 2000, a show took place sports roadster luxury F-type Concept. Applied to car latest technology production of headlights "Baroptic".
X type model, compact sedan luxury class, introduced in 2000.
2000 was a turning point for Jaguar. The company has re-entered the Formula-1 arena. This event was timed to release a new sports car - XKR "Silverstone". Only one hundred copies were put into production. It remains to be hoped that the Jaguar will continue to please us with new victories and original solutions.
History of the Jaguar brand.
big cat
History remembers many examples when famous car brands due to circumstances, they were forever consigned to oblivion. A similar consideration could befall the Jaguar company, but fortunately the "big cat" turned out to be tenacious ...
text: Maxim Fedorov / 07/02/2013
The roots of the Jaguar brand go back to the English company SS Cars, which in turn grew out of a small company producing motorcycle sidecars Swallow Sidecar. The company was founded in 1922 by namesakes William Lyons and William Walmsley. It got its name from the name of the owner of the garage where the first strollers were built, and since Swallow means “swallow” in English, this nimble bird has become their emblem.
Having made enough capital in the wheelchair business, in 1927 the partners decided to start building cars on the Austin Seven chassis. Inexpensive "swallows" Austin Swallow equipped with 2- and 4-seater original bodies were in good demand. Orders for cars were constantly increasing, and Austin was unable to supply enough chassis, so Swallow began to purchase them from various manufacturers: Morris, Fiat, Swift, Wolseley and Standard (later became Swallow's main supplier).
But the founders of SS Cars wanted to start producing cars whose "stuffing" would not repeat the models of other manufacturers. To do this, they entered into an agreement with Standard for the supply of exclusive chassis, which were intended only for Swallow. The first such car was the SS1 (Standard Swallow), which premiered at the London Motor Show in October 1931. This model was equipped with a 6-cylinder engine and had the lowest body among the English cars of that time. The novelty was well received by customers, and the next year there was a version of the SS1 with an increased wheelbase, which became more proportionate and more spacious than before. The car received a lot of accolades and even won the title of "Most beautiful car in the world".
In 1935, a model appeared that played a key role in the history of the company - the SS Jaguar sedan. After the war, when there was an urgent need to get rid of the "inconvenient" abbreviation SS, its name was chosen as the name of the enterprise - Jaguar Car. The first brainchild of the newly formed brand was the sports Jaguar XK120, which was released in 1949. The number in the index indicated top speed(in miles per hour), although without windshield this model could also accelerate to 132 miles / hour (approximately 212 km / h), which was a record for mass-produced cars of that time.
To participate in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans race in 1951, a racing car with a streamlined body and more was created on the basis of the Jaguar XK120. powerful motor. The model was named XK120C by birth and was later renamed C-Type - already under this designation it performed at Le Mans, where it immediately brought the winner's laurels to the brand. Bypassing rivals on the track helped her not least disc brakes on both axles - Jaguar designers were the first to install them on a racing car, significantly increasing braking performance.
Inspired by the triumph of the C-Type, in 1954 the company released the racing D-Type with an aerodynamic body of unearthly beauty. In addition to design, this model was distinguished by constructive know-how: it was the first to use a monocoque body, whose constructs later became the generally accepted standard in the construction of racing cars. Like its predecessor, the D-Type proved to be successful on the track: in 1957, the Jaguar team completely defeated opponents in the 24 Hours of Le Mans race, taking the entire prize podium.
Unfortunately, Fortune cannot smile all the time. And, as it often happens in life, behind the white streak of success, a black streak has come for the Jaguar brand. On the evening of February 12, 1957, a fire broke out at the Browns Lane plant, incinerating production shops and caused damage to the enterprise in 3 million pounds (a colossal amount at that time). However, it was not for nothing that the company was called "Jaguar": like all cats, it turned out to be tenacious. Thanks to the efforts of the workers who helped restore the burnt-out shops, in just two weeks the enterprise resumed work, albeit at a third of its previous capacity.
While the factory was being rebuilt, the Jaguar design bureau was in full swing, the fruit of which was the legendary E-Type, which debuted on Geneva motor show 1961. The model, which impressed with its fantastic design, dynamics and attractive price, brought worldwide fame to the brand. The E-Type has gained thousands of fans around the world, and the New York Museum of Modern Art has even included it among its permanent exhibits. Thanks to its success, this car turned out to be a long-liver, holding out on the assembly line for 14 years.
September 1968 is considered the date of birth of the flagship Jaguar XJ limousine. With the advent of this model, the confusion in the classification of Jaguar sedans has finally stopped. The style of the car, which was personally supervised by William Lyons, made a splash. After a series of upgrades in 1986, a completely new model of the XJ series appears. It was the last of the Jaguars to receive the approval of William Lyons himself (1901-1986). Four years after the introduction of the new XJ, Jaguar was bought by Ford Motor Company.
Before Jaguar came under the control of the American auto giant in 1989, the British were doing very badly: the quality of the cars produced was lame, there was no money to launch new models, and the dealer network left much to be desired. The change of leadership, the revision of the business strategy, and the impressive financial injections of the American concern helped to rectify the situation. The main forces were thrown at improving the quality of machine assembly, reducing production costs, as well as developing a dealer network. In parallel, the development of a new model range was carried out, but this process was greatly extended in time.
The first model of the “new wave”, which appeared only in 1996, was the Jaguar XK8 coupe, and 9 years after Ford made cash crops on British soil, the S-Type business class sedan was born. The design of this model was inspired by the famous post-war Jaguar XK120 coupe, and at a price it was much more affordable than the flagship XJ. In 2001, the even more compact Jaguar X-Type sedan comes out. To reduce development costs, Ford company“shared” the Mondeo platform with the Jaguars, from which many X-Type nodes were borrowed. This model was distinguished not only by being the first Jaguar car with front-wheel drive, but also by the fact that it was based on a station wagon version - also the first in the history of the British marque.
After the X-Type, it was the turn of the company's flagship: in 2002, the new Jaguar XJ appeared, which, in defiance of the Audi A8, received an aluminum body. The use of aluminum made it possible to reduce the weight of the car by 200 kg compared to its predecessor, despite the fact that the car has become larger. Having bought a Jaguar, the Ford concern received “to the heap” and the Daimler brand. So that the purchase would not remain ownerless, the new management of Jaguar decided to put it into action, offering long-wheelbase XJ sedans in the richest performance under the Daimler brand. However, despite all efforts, the Americans failed to bring Jaguar to a profitable level: in 2008, this brand, along with Land Rover, was sold to the Indian corporation Tata.
SS1 (1934). Photo: Jaguar
SS Jaguar (1938). Photo: Jaguar
Jaguar XK120 (1949). Photo: Jaguar
Jaguar C-Type (1951). Photo: Jaguar
Jaguar D-Type (1954). Photo: Jaguar
Jaguar E-Type (1961). Photo: Jaguar
Jaguar XJ (1968). Photo: Jaguar
Jaguar S-Type (1998). Photo: Jaguar
Jaguar X-Type (2001). Photo: Jaguar
Jaguar XJ8 (2002). Photo: Jaguar
Jaguar XK. Photo: Jaguar
Jaguar XJ. Photo: Jaguar
Jaguar XF. Photo: Jaguar
Jaguar F Type. Photo: Jaguar
