In 1935, when a small company in Coventry, England, launched a sporting saloon (i.e., sedan) called the Jaguar SS, it set in motion an inexorable process that would lead to Britain's most beloved line of high-performance automobiles. The Complete Book of Jaguar covers the SS and all of the Jaguar's subsequent production models, from the original SS Jaguar to today's F-Type sports cars, F-Pace SUV, X-Type sedans, as well as concept cars.
As with other books in the Complete Book Series, author Nigel Thorley organizes the content chronologically with entries for each year. Narratives for each discuss the cars and technology, while spec tables highlight key technical and performance specifications.
Originally begun by a couple of motorcycle enthusiasts-William Lyons and William Walmsley-as a firm called the Swallow Sidecar Company, Jaguar would become one of the world's most celebrated automakers. In England's bleak postwar years, Jaguar became a shining star-first with its XK120, followed by the XK140 and XK150. Sporting sedans like the Mark 2 and Mark X set the bar for luxury four-door transport in the '50s and '60s. Then Jaguar stunned the world with the achingly beautiful E-Type in 1961, a genuine 150 mph super sports car.
Along the way, the company competed on road courses around the world, going head to head with greats like Ferrari and Aston Martin. Though Jaguar lost its way periodically in the modern era, it has bounded back stronger than ever in the twenty-first century with a strong lineup, including the new F-Type sports car and F-Pace SUV.
The Complete Book of Jaguar is the essential guide to this important chapter in the history of sports and luxury automobiles.
By:
Nigel Thorley
Imprint: Motorbooks
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions:
Height: 305mm,
Width: 248mm,
ISBN: 9780760363904
ISBN 10: 0760363900
Series: Complete Book Series
Pages: 256
Publication Date: 01 October 2019
Audience:
General/trade
,
ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active
Preface Introduction: What's in a Name? Chapter One: Model to Marque The Early Pushrods Chapter Two: The Postwar Pushrod Years Chapter Three: The Straight-Six XKs Chapter Four: The Flagship Saloons Mark VII to 420G Chapter Five: Mass Market Compacts Mark 1, Mark 2, S-Type, and 420 Chapter Six: The Iconic British Sports Car E-Type Chapter Seven: One-Model Policy The XJ Series Chapter Eight: Grand Tourer: XJ-S A Cat of Nine Lives Chapter Nine: Big Saloon Development XJ40 to X-308 Chapter Ten: The Return of the XK X-100 to X-150 Chapter Eleven: New Markets in the Millennium Chapter Twelve: The Modern Jaguars Index
Nigel Thorley has been involved with Jaguars all his life, having owned seventy-five at the time of writing. His first Jaguar came at the age of eighteen, and he has owned most models over the years (currently a 5.0-liter XK Portfolio convertible, an XJ saloon, and a Mark X). Nigel has written more than twenty titles on the marque. He is a founder member and director of the Jaguar Enthusiasts Club and has edited its magazine, Jaguar Enthusiast, since 1984. He has also written about Jaguar for many other forms of media.
Reviews for The Complete Book of Jaguar: Every Model Since 1935
"""Highly recommended. This wonderful, photo-packed and informative book will appeal to any car enthusiast who has ever admired a Jaguar."" * A View From the Windshield *"
