Jaguar Through the Years

Jaguar is one of the most prestigious car-makers in the world, but did you know that the company began as the Swallow Sidecar Company and it wasn’t until after the Second World War that the company closed, moved and renamed itself as Jaguar and legend was born?

Think of Jaguar and you think of the E-Type, the D-Type race car that won Le Mans 24-hour race and of course the Mark 2 – used by Inspector Morse in the ITV crime series. The heritage is rich with Jaguars making appearances in the James Bond franchise and of course, it had its very own Formula One team when the maker was owned by Ford. Now owned by Indian firm Tata, Jaguar is going from strength to strength and cars are flying off the shelves.

How Jaguar Started

On October 19th, 1955, Jaguar began production of the Mark 1 at the Earls Court Motor Show, marking its entry into the small car luxury market. This model was a strategic move as saloon vehicles were highly popular in the fifties. The Mark 1 offered engine options of 2.5 litres and 3.4 litres, which made it appealing to many drivers.

Two trims were available for the Mark 2 range: Standard and Special Equipment. Priced from £1,269 and £1,298 respectively, the Special Equipment model was the best-seller. The 3.4-litre engine was particularly successful in the USA, offering 210bhp, making it suitable for the American market where powerful engines were in demand.

The Jaguar E-Type, introduced with a 3.8-litre engine later increased to 4.2 litres in 1964, became a significant model in Jaguar’s history. Its design and performance made it highly regarded. The modern F-Type continues this legacy, combining traditional looks with contemporary engineering, ensuring Jaguar’s ongoing relevance in the sports car market.

In 1966, the 420 model was introduced, first unveiled at the London Motor Show at Earls Court. This model was a face-lifted version of the Mark 2, featuring a 4.2-litre petrol engine from the XK. The 420 maintained the Mark 2’s theme but established itself as a distinct model in Jaguar's line-up.

By 1968, Jaguar was taken over by British Leyland Motor Company, leading to the introduction of the XJ Series 1. This model was significant for Jaguar, remaining in production until 1992. The XJ was noted for its design and performance, making it a lasting favourite. It evolved through Series II and Series III, retaining much of the original design.

Recent History

In the past decade, Jaguar has continued to innovate and expand its range. The XE and XF saloons introduced in the mid-2010s brought a fresh, contemporary feel to Jaguar’s lineup, blending advanced technology with classic styling. The introduction of the F-PACE and E-PACE SUVs marked Jaguar's successful entry into the competitive luxury SUV market, combining sportiness with practicality.

Jaguar has also made strides in sustainability and modernisation. The launch of the XE SV Project 8 in 2017 showcased Jaguar's commitment to high performance and engineering excellence, with the model being the most powerful road-legal Jaguar in history. This period has seen Jaguar reinforcing its brand identity while embracing new technological advancements.

The New Era of Jaguar

Jaguar's commitment to innovation is evident in its recent models. The all-electric I-PACE, launched in 2018, showcases Jaguar's dedication to sustainability without compromising on performance. With a range of 298 miles and a 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds, the I-PACE is a testament to Jaguar's forward-thinking approach.

Looking ahead, Jaguar plans to expand its electric vehicle lineup significantly. By 2025, the brand aims to transform into an all-electric luxury brand, introducing new models that leverage advanced battery technology and autonomous driving capabilities. This bold move aligns with global trends towards sustainability and reflects Jaguar's adaptability to changing market demands.

Jaguar is also investing in infrastructure to support its electric vehicle ecosystem, including charging stations and service networks. Collaborations with tech companies are expected to enhance the connectivity and smart features of upcoming models, ensuring that Jaguar remains at the cutting edge of automotive innovation.

 


Image credit: Jaguar