Jaguar cars (Jaguar Land Rover Automotive PLC) is one of the world’s most famous brands, known for its stylish, graceful, and fast cars. It gained worldwide acclaim thanks to its racing successes in the 1950s and cars that combined unique technologies and outstanding speed. The most memorable of these is the “E-Type,” an iconic car of 1960s.
Today, Jaguar’s creators are driven by the same desire as the company’s founders: to make cars that are almost alive. Cars that are flexible, fast, agile, cars that move like their namesake, the Jaguar.
The company has had its ups and downs, but now it is finding its way, producing beautiful and fast cars. It has turned to its past so that the brand can continue to move forward; it has a glorious history.
The History of Jaguar Cars
Jaguar was founded in England in the roaring 20s. Its 21-year-old founder, William Lyons, was determined to realize his sense of style and business skills.
Lyons joined forces with his friend William Walmsley to create streamlined motorcycles with sidecars. Lyons and Walmsley named their venture the “Swallow Sidecar Company,” or “SS” for short. Lyons also tried his hand at automotive design. Like many others, he used the “Austin 7” as a basis for his first experiments.
The cars sold well, but he needed something more serious. By 1930, Lyons was producing a range of models under the SS brand. Although some of them were 4-seaters, all were long, sporty, and low-slung.
The first real breakthrough was the “SS90,” a 2-seater that looked like a real sports car.
Lyons wanted to go public to grow the company. Walmsley, disagreeing with him, left the company. On the advice of an advertising agency, Lyons changed the brand name from “SS” to “SS Jaguar.”
Rising of Jaguar Cars
In 1935, a new brainchild was born, the “SS Jaguar 100” sports car. Being faster than the “SS90,” combining power and maneuverability, the sports car quickly gained respect among car enthusiasts.
Thanks to a 2.5-liter engine, the “SS 100” was not only beautiful but also fast – a car for people with an adventurous streak. It gained popularity, and more than 300 units were assembled.
The “SS100” was ideal for racing, considered a timeless example of the harmony of design and technology.
When World War II began, the factory suspended car production and began producing parts for artillery and aviation. At the same time, Lyons was planning the release of a new engine after the war. He gathered engineers, and every night, while waiting for bombings, the team discussed a new engine model that would take the company to the world stage.
When peace returned in 1945, they were ready. The result was the legendary “XK” engines.
These powerful inline sixes, with two overhead camshafts, produced 160 hp. But after the war, something changed. The notorious reputation of the Nazi SS divisions forced Lyons to change the company’s name. The abbreviation “SS” was dropped, and the company became “Jaguar Cars.” In 1948, the renamed company produced XK engines and an excellent new chassis, but it lacked a sports body. Lyons decided to develop a completely new car that would bring the company fame. As a result, in 1948, the elegant 2-seater sports car “XK120” appeared.
Iconic Jaguar XK120
The car delighted the public and immediately became a classic, but people doubted that it could accelerate to the claimed 120 mph (190 km/h). To convince skeptics, a speed run was organized with one of Jaguar’s test drivers. His performance would determine whether the car could live up to its name.
The car performed better than expected. The press saw it reach a speed of 132 mph (214 km/h). The company was flooded with orders.
The factory could barely handle them. Waiting lists grew even longer after the car’s debut in a production car race at Silverstone in August 1949. Lyons provided 3 units to well-known professional drivers. The “XK120” took the first 2 places and almost won 3rd, becoming a leader.
Phil Hill and his XK120
Its reputation began to grow. Ambitious American racer Phil Hill wanted to get such a car. In the 1970s, he came to England and spoke about his desire…
Beautiful, overhead camshaft, double exhaust pipes, can I take a ride? Of course!
Hill raced in MGs and worked as a mechanic in Los Angeles when he was sent for advanced training at the Jaguar factory. As a factory employee, he received a discount on the car, believing that the “XK120” would help him prove himself as a racer.
I arranged with the California company where I worked to take one of the cars from the batch intended for it, and the company would sell my MG. Having borrowed money from relatives, I was able to buy the car, then raced it. I won my first victory in ’60 on this car, in Pebble Beach.
It was an amazing race. Hill’s clutch broke, and he had to start from the back of the pack. Somehow, the car kept going, and he won. Pebble Beach strengthened his reputation as a racer and the car’s reputation.
Like the “SS100” in its time, the “XK120” attracted amateurs and professional racers from all over the world who needed a competitive car. The “XK120” began to win touring car races and rallies. Becoming one of the most successful rally cars in history, it again took a double victory at Silverstone. These successes convinced Lyons that the factory should start producing cars exclusively for racing.
Legendary Jaguar D-Type
Next car was an aerodynamic “D-Type,” introduced in the spring of 1954, that made Jaguar a racing legend. It was created solely for speed. Designer Malcolm Sayer used aviation principles in his work. A thin aluminum body was mounted on a lightweight monocoque frame.
The car was focused on long-distance races, such as Le Mans, where it debuted in ’54. The race turned into a duel between Jaguar and Ferrari.
Moss takes position opposite number 12. Rowbotham and Worth opposite numbers 14 and 15, 30 seconds left… The spectators freeze… The flag drops, and Stirling rushes to the car, the incredible tension drowned out by the roar of engines at the start of the Le Mans race. Cars take off. Ferrari number 5, Cunningham number 11, Talbot number 10, Ferrari numbers 3 and 4.
During the race, Ferrari’s larger engine provided a 90-second advantage over Jaguar, but against all odds, Jaguar pilots Tony Rolt and Duncan Hamilton managed to take 2nd place.
The following year, Jaguar added fuel injection to the engines, boosting power to 300 hp, and returned to Le Mans confident in their abilities.
The flag drops. The racers rush to their cars. Castilotti in a Ferrari goes into battle first, followed closely by Jaguar.
All day and all night, Jaguar fought with Ferrari and Juan Manuel Fangio in a Mercedes. By the next morning, only 21 of the 58 participants remained in the race. Jaguar was among them, and then, tragedy struck. The “Silver Arrow” crashed into an Austin-Healey and flew off the track, catching fire right in the crowd of fans. Spectators were trapped. 80 people died.
Mercedes withdrew from the race, and all Ferraris dropped out due to mechanical problems. The race was continued, and Jaguar number 6 crossed the finish line first. But the joy of victory was overshadowed by the tragedy, including the fact that William Lyons’ son died on the way to the race.
In 1956, Jaguar again brought the “D-Type” to Le Mans to prove that its victory was not accidental and won again. In 1957, the “D-Type” once again amazed spectators, taking 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 6th places.
Such a racing past explains why surviving “D-Types” now cost more than a million dollars.
The glorious times faded when a fire broke out at the Jaguar factory in 1957. It threatened catastrophic consequences but was extinguished in time, and soon the main assembly line for sedans was restarted. Unfortunately, the equipment for producing the “D-Type” was destroyed.
Time after fire
The fire forced Jaguar to focus on sedans for a while. The company produced a range of models, but it was clear that sports cars attracted the most attention. The experience gained in racing was applied to the creation of new models, in particular, the successor to the “XK120,” the “XK140,” which was more powerful and had better handling.
In 1957, the “XK150” also appeared. It had disc brakes, and for true enthusiasts, an engine version with 265 horsepower was available. The “XK” series was very successful, but it was time to develop a replacement for it.
In 1957, work began on the “E1A,” a prototype of a new Jaguar sports car. At first glance, it looked like the “D-Type,” but it was not a racing car. This lightweight and powerful car was created to drive fast on ordinary roads, not racetracks.
The Iconic Jaguar E-Type Model
In the 1960s, a new model appeared. It became iconic for its era. The beautiful “E-Type,” or “XK-E,” as it was called in the USA, accelerated to 240 km/h and was very stylish. 265 horses accelerated the car to 100 km/h in less than 7 seconds.
This car was not only pleasant to look at but also to drive. All the drive and elegance cost less than an Aston Martin and three times less than a Ferrari. The “E-Type” continued Jaguar’s rivalry with the “Prancing Horse” on the track.
Its successes forced Ferrari to develop the “250 GTO,” and Jaguar responded with a lightweight version of the “E-Type.” Only 12 fuel-injected Ferrari hunters were assembled.
The car’s top speed exceeded 270 km/h, it won several times and was later sold at auction for more than a million dollars.
To be ahead of everyone on ordinary roads, Jaguar began work on a larger, family-friendly “E-Type”.
In 1966, a more practical 4-seater “2+2” model appeared for families with children, while maintaining speed. The “XJ13” model was used at Le Mans in ’66.
These cars were very popular among car enthusiasts. Some formed Jaguar owner clubs, where they could test their skills and learn to get the most out of their cars.
Many clubs organized courses that allowed drivers to test cars in combat mode. This created a base of loyal Jaguar fans from the old and young generations, who continue to compete today.
E-Type second generation
In 1969, the second-generation “E-Type” appeared. The company did not go for a complete redesign, bringing only cosmetic changes, such as retractable headlights, enlarged side lights, and turn signals moved under the bumper.
The main changes happened under the hood. The engine was modified to meet new emission restrictions introduced in the USA. This hit the speed, the car’s main advantage.
Jaguar realized that it was necessary to return the drive to customers, entrusting experienced engineers Walter Hassan and Gary Mundy to develop a 12-cylinder engine.
We wanted to make an outstanding engine. It was necessary for the car to sell well in America. This requires something better than the V8, which is so widespread there.
In 1971, the new 12-cylinder engine appeared on the third-generation “E-Type.” The engine returned Jaguar’s former racing glory. Veteran racer and founder of the famous “Group 44” team, Bob Tullius, piloted one of the two factory “E-Types” in the race at Road Atlanta in ’75.
The car was equipped with a 5.3-liter 12-cylinder engine with four Stromberg carburetors, producing 450 horsepower. The race at Road Atlanta turned into a battle of Jaguars. By the 12th lap, Tullius was 30 seconds ahead of everyone. He finished first, crowning Jaguar’s two-year effort to win this race. But racing success was not enough to save the “E-Type.”
The global market changed significantly, and the era of the “E-Type” came to an end in ’74. One of the most famous sports cars won many races and sold over 70,000 units. During the same period, William Lyons, the heart and soul of the company and one of the world’s greatest designers, retired. A time of change had arrived.
Modern Jaguar ERA
Jaguar released a range of executive cars finished in wood and leather, but their design was seriously outdated by the mid-60s. They were replaced by a model that was intended to provide the company with a giant leap forward – the “XJS.”
Introduced in ’68, the model became another masterpiece by Lyons, setting new standards for automotive design and technology. The original “XJS” models were the main source of income for almost two decades. Of course, speed was not forgotten. In 1975, a model appeared with a fuel-injected 12-cylinder engine that provided stunning speed qualities.
The car was fast and elegant. It also attracted the attention of Bob Tullius and his “Group 44” team. The company achieved some success in racing, continuing to work on new models, such as the “XJ220.” However, fierce competition forced Jaguar to seek a new financial partner. Ford Motor Company offered $2.5 billion, and a new era began in 1990.
Ford representatives assured that they would preserve Jaguar’s heritage; the world wanted to see concrete results. Ford not only tackled quality and cost issues but also began fulfilling customer desires – creating a true Jaguar sports car, like the renowned “XK.”
The XK8 became for Jaguar fans a continuation of the tradition of the great sports cars of the past. It’s the first sports car in many years that convinced everyone that the brand was in the right hands. It attracts attention; people will go out on the street just to look at it.
The “XK8” received universal praise, although it was not the only new car produced by the factory. In 1999, production of the “S-Type” was launched. The car was aimed at customers who needed sporty, stylish, mid-size sedans.
Following the “S-Type,” in 2002, the “X-Type” saw the light, expanding Jaguar’s model range to 4 cars. The all-wheel-drive sports sedan was intended for young fans of the brand who found standard Jaguars not sporty enough.
One way or another, the “XJ” was to set the tone for the brand’s activities. In 2003, an updated “XJ” appeared with an aluminum body.
More than half of the cars sold by Jaguar since its founding were “XJ” models. The interior combined the familiar leather and wood, giving a sense of luxury. But the car stood out primarily for its speed (especially the supercharged version).
Purists of the brand assure that this car is worthy of the Jaguar name.
Jaguar Cars has come a long way, spanning 80 years since its founding by a 20-year-old. Although William Lyons is no longer with us, his legacy lives on in the brand he created, in the Jaguars of today and, hopefully, tomorrow. Jaguar has left an indelible mark on the automotive landscape.
