Jaguar
Jaguar
Founded
1933
Founders
Carlo Abarth
Country
United Kingdom
Headquarters
Whitley, England, United Kingdom
Jaguar
Founded
1933
Founders
William Lyons
Country
United Kingdom
Headquarters
Whitley, England, United Kingdom
About this brand
Discover the history
Jaguar Cars, founded in 1922 by William Lyons and his business partner William Walmsley, originally operated as the Swallow Sidecar Company, focusing on producing motorcycle sidecars. In 1935, the company shifted its focus to automobiles, rebranding as Jaguar Cars. The first car to carry the Jaguar name was the 1935 SS Jaguar 2.5-Litre Saloon, a model that showcased the brand’s commitment to style and performance.Â
Jaguar’s reputation for elegance and engineering prowess quickly grew, particularly with the introduction of the Jaguar XK120 in 1948. This model was notable for its speed and innovative features, setting new standards for performance and design in the post-war automotive world. The XK120 also marked Jaguar’s debut in racing, where its impressive performance helped establish the brand’s credentials in motorsport.Â
The 1950s and 1960s were a golden era for Jaguar, marked by significant achievements on both the road and the racetrack. The brand made a major impact in motorsport with the introduction of the Jaguar C-Type and D-Type. The C-Type won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1951 and 1953, while the D-Type followed suit with victories in 1955, 1956, and 1957. These successes were pivotal in establishing Jaguar as a serious competitor in endurance racing.Â
Jaguar’s influence extended into the luxury car market with the introduction of models such as the Jaguar Mk II and the iconic Jaguar E-Type. The E-Type, launched in 1961, was renowned for its striking design and performance, becoming one of the most famous sports cars of its time. Its combination of beauty and speed garnered widespread acclaim and solidified Jaguar’s reputation as a manufacturer of both luxury and high-performance vehicles.Â
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Jaguar continued to innovate with models like the XJ6 and the XJ-S, which emphasized comfort and refinement. Despite facing financial challenges and changes in ownership, including its acquisition by British Leyland and later Ford, Jaguar maintained its commitment to producing high-quality cars. The brand’s performance heritage was reflected in models like the Jaguar XJR and the XJ220, which showcased Jaguar’s ongoing dedication to engineering excellence.Â
The 1990s and 2000s saw Jaguar navigating significant changes, including its acquisition by Ford and later by Tata Motors. During this period, the brand introduced models such as the Jaguar XK and the Jaguar XF, which blended modern technology with traditional Jaguar qualities. In motorsport, Jaguar made a notable return to Formula One in the early 2000s with the Jaguar Racing team, though the team’s success was limited, leading to its eventual sale.Â
In recent years, Jaguar has continued to evolve, embracing modern technology and sustainability. The introduction of the Jaguar I-PACE in 2018 marked the brand’s entry into the electric vehicle market, reflecting Jaguar’s commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility. The I-PACE has been well-received, highlighting Jaguar’s ability to adapt to changing market demands while staying true to its heritage.Â
Today, Jaguar is celebrated for its blend of luxury, performance, and design. The brand’s rich history in motorsport and automotive excellence continues to resonate with enthusiasts and collectors, ensuring that Jaguar remains a prominent name in the global automotive industry.Â
