Brand history. Jaguar: History of the brand This is where the legend begins

1920s

The history of Jaguar is the history of a great brand, which began in 1922 with the founding of the Swallow Sidecar manufacturing company by two partners - William Lyons and William Walmsley. By 1926, Swallow had become the leading manufacturer of motorcycle sidecars in Britain, selling several hundred units a month.
Despite the Wall Street Crash of 1929, Swallow's fresh, colorful designs were a huge success.

1930s

An important stage in the development of the business was Swallow's partnership with Standard Motor, which began supplying engines and chassis. Expansion of the model range required a new image and new names. That's why the company became known as S.S. Cars, and the cars produced are S.S.I and S.S.II. In 1934, William Walmsley retired from business, switching to the production of trailers. William Lyons bought out his share and became the sole owner of the company.

1940s

In 1945 the company became known as Jaguar Cars. In 1949, the XK120 was first presented at the British Motor Show. The name XK120 signified the engine model and the maximum speed (in miles per hour). However, during races on the Belgian Ostend-Jabbeke highway, the car was able to reach a speed of 132 mph (212 km/h), gaining fame as “the fastest production car in the world.”

1950s

1951 saw the triumph of the Jaguar crew of Peter Walker and Peter Whitehead at Le Mans. This achievement further contributed to Jaguar's fame. In 1954, the successor to the C‑Type was the D‑Type, the brainchild of designer Malcolm Sayer. The D-Type design was so aerodynamically efficient that it maximum speed increased to 170 mph (270 km/h), and in test runs before the Le Mans race in 1954, he beat the previous year's lap record by 5 seconds.

1960s

The great achievement of these years was the appearance of the new E‑Type sports car in 1961.
On July 11, 1966, at the Great Eastern Hotel in London, Sir William Lyons and Sir George Harriman made a joint statement on the merger of British Motor Corporation Ltd. and Jaguar Cars Ltd. and the formation of British Motor Holdings.
1968 was the year of birth legendary series XJ. The XJ6 sedan, designed by Sir Lyons, became his longest-lived creation: over the next 24 years, more than 400 thousand units were sold.

1970s

In 1972, serious personnel changes occurred. William Lyons resigned. The post of Chairman of the Board of Directors and general director Jaguar Cars was taken over by Frank "Lofty" England.
In 1975, the E‑Type was replaced by the XJ-S. Model XJ-S, created by Malcolm Sayer as a replacement for the iconic E-Type, inherited the sporting spirit of Jaguar in a uniquely luxurious and elegant embodiment.

1980s

In 1980, the famous entrepreneur John Egan took the helm of the company, whose candidacy was supported by Sir William Lyons and who managed to preserve the great traditions of Jaguar. Margaret Thatcher's government privatized Jaguar Cars in 1984, retaining a "golden share" that protected Jaguar Cars from takeover until 1990.
Jaguar's great founder, William Lyons, died in 1985.

1990s

January 1, 1990 Ford officially became the owner of Jaguar Cars. One of the main results of Ford's arrival was the introduction at Jaguar enterprises of a constantly improving system of management and coordination between various divisions of the company.
In 1996, the XK8 model was born, embodying the best features of the brand. The XK8 exceeded all expectations and became the fastest selling sports car in Jaguar history.

2000s

In 2008, Tata Motors completed the acquisition of Jaguar and Land Rover from Ford Motor Company. Another striking new product was the XF supersedan, which captivated fans of the brand with its classic Jaguar combination of power, comfort and ease of control. This model, like all new cars of the brand, was created under the leadership of chief designer Ian Callum.
In 2012, the premiere of “the sportiest Jaguar car in the last 50 years” took place - F‑TYPE. With a five-liter V8 engine producing 495 hp. The convertible can accelerate to a maximum of 300 km/h. It takes just 4.3 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h, and from 80 to 120 km/h in 2.5 seconds.

This man was called Mister Jaguar, a nickname that remained with him even after his death. We are talking about the founder of "Jaguar Cars Limited", however, this automobile giant began to be called that after the Second World War, and then, in the early 1920s, it all started with the small company "Swallow Sidecar Company", which was founded by two friends, two William , one is William Lyons, the other is William Walmsley.

William Lyons was born in 1901 in Blackpool, England, into a family of music store owners. Despite the abundance of music that surrounded him since childhood, William matured and became passionate about motorcycles. Among his friends was a certain William Walmsley, his neighbor, who was also fond of motorcycles and repaired them. After leaving school, Lyons went to study at Crossley Motors in Manchester, where he began an engineering education, but never completed his studies, starting to work in a car dealership in Blackpool.

By that time, Walmsley had already begun to try to make his own sidecars for motorcycles, and one day Lyons, who had bought a sidecar from him and was delighted with the idea, offered him a partnership. So, the friends decided to start a business and, with the support and blessing of their fathers, they took out a £500 loan from the bank and founded the Swallow Sidecars company.

It was just wonderful - the friends found a sales manager and enthusiastically began producing motorcycle strollers from a completely revolutionary material at that time - aluminum. The strollers sold just fine, and by the end of the 1920s, friends had already designed a car body - it was a body for "Austin".

Soon Lyons and Walmsley already owned a very serious enterprise for the production of bodies, and the demand for their products continued to grow, and then thoughts began to develop their own brand of car, and not just the production of bodies.

On the wave of success, the friends moved production to Coventry, and it was there that a new enterprise, the Standard Motors Company, was formed in 1931. The first own models were named “SS-I” and “SS-II”, but the real triumph was still ahead.

The famous "Jaguar" was first revealed to the world in 1935; it was the jaguar, this strong, fast and graceful animal, that Lyons chose as the company logo.

Later there was a war,

There were military orders (these were again mainly motorcycles and sidecars), and the last pre-war development was the Jaguar in the back of 1938.

It was only in 1948 that Lyons and Walmsley introduced the new Jaguar to the world of car enthusiasts, which was soon recognized as the best sports car.

By the way, in original name The company had the letters "SS" - from "Swallow Sidecars", but later Lyons decided that people strongly associated them with the Nazis and renamed the company "Jaguar Cars Limited".

For many years, Wilm served as the managing director of the company, and those who worked under him said that he was a powerful man, very self-willed, who did not allow any liberties among his employees. However, the company was doing excellently.

By the 1960s British cars"Jaguar" conquered the American market; these cars were not cheap, but were famous for their quality, reliability and speed.

In 1956, Lyons, then known by many as Mr. Jaguar, was knighted for his services to

and before the British industry, and he retired from business in 1967, by which time his company had already merged with the British Motor Corporation, forming British Motor Holdings, which was subsequently absorbed by British Leyland.

Be that as it may, Jaguar cars continued to be famous and be the standard of the British automotive industry. These were cars for celebrities and stars - luxurious, expensive, prestigious. Politicians and even crowned heads bought them.

It is known that Lyons had to fight a lot with the new management; he especially zealously defended the interests of the technical department of his brainchild.

In the early 1970s, he completely withdrew from the department - he began to relax more, became interested in golf and travel, and also began raising sheep and gardening.

William Lyons died in 1985 at his home in Warwickshire. His wife, Lady Greta Lyons, whom he married in 1924, survived him by only a year. They had three children - a son and two daughters.

Besides Jaguar, there are still very few car brands have such a rich tradition and simply amazing characteristics, both externally and technically. But no matter how ideal production cars and even their limited versions are, many owners still want their car to be created only for them and with all the necessary changes for themselves. Our company offers an individual version or Jaguar tuning.

Jaguar tuning can include only a single job or a whole range of services. Experienced tuners will help you choose for your Jaguar everything you see fit. So you can choose one of many aerodynamic body kits or create your own custom-designed body kit. We offer interior tuning services, changing color solutions For appearance or inside, as well as an increase in power and a comprehensive increase in technical characteristics.

Ready-made solutions from tuning studios Hamann, Wald, Prior Design, Startech and others are available for order.

Our company is known for being famous quality work and a large assortment of tuning accessories not only for Jaguar cars. Tuning of these cars is specific, because the possibility of extensive use of attachments is almost excluded. The main work is aimed at refining the engine, improving brake system and interior improvements. But we also offer the largest selection of wheels for Jaguar cars of various models in our country.

Of the main things we offer for Jaguar tuning, it is worth noting the following:

Startech kits.

Tuning using Startech accessories has a special design. There are offers for tuning Jaguar models F-Type, XJ, XK and XK-R.

Wald International

Car enthusiasts from Japan especially appreciate cars of this brand. For this reason, Wald International's change packages are always surprising. Their body kits are massive, the wheels are chic, and the power after modifications is off the charts.

German sophistication and love of sports – this is what is offered from Prior Design. Prior Design body kits for Jaguar XK and XK-R are available for order today. Also pay attention to the body kit called PD VERUS.

From the Hamann tuning studio you can get a special and sensational design tuning kit for the Jaguar F-Pace, including an aggressive body kit, unsurpassed Anniversary Evo II wheels and increased power for petrol and diesel versions.

Every year our craftsmen improve their professionalism and allow the company to win more and more new clients. After all, we offer exclusivity for cars in everything. If you want to get an individual car, then you are on the right site.

History of the Jaguar company "Jaguar Cars Ltd." begins in the 20s of the last century. In 1922, Sir Lyons William and his partner Sir William Walmsley founded the Swallow Sidecar (SS) company in the northern seaside town of Blackpool, which initially specialized in the production of sidecars for motorcycles. Very stylish aluminum strollers Swallow immediately attracted the attention of car enthusiasts. Deciding not to stop there, the talented and enterprising William Lyons decides to try himself in a new direction - the production of Swallow car bodies.

The company's first achievement in this area was the development of the Austin 7 car body, thanks to which William Lyons' company received an order for the production of 500 similar bodies. The funds received and the increased reputation allowed the Swallow Sidecar company to establish itself in the body design market, subsequently making them for Fiat, Morris, Swift, Standard and Wolseley models.

In 1931, due to increased production, the company moved from Blackpool to more spacious premises. production premises in Coventry. William Lyons begins designing his own cars, with a passion for two-seater sports models, which brings the company another success at the London motor show. The SS 1, whose chassis and body design were entirely designed by Lyons, was considered the sportiest of all Swallow models. From a whole list of bird and animal names that personified speed and power combined with beauty and grace, Lyons chose Jaguar for his firstborn. The SS 1 later 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, automobile production at Swallow was suspended due to the outbreak of World War II. All automobile manufacturers, including the Swallow Sidecar company, took an active part in the execution of military government orders.

1948 marked the restart automotive production. Swallow Sidecar changes its name to Jaguar Cars Ltd. 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 the company was expected new success at the London Motor Show, where all the eyes of car enthusiasts were attracted by the first presented Jaguar XK120. Equipped with a 105 hp Heynes engine, this car easily reached a speed of 126 km/h and was recognized as the fastest production car.

In the 50s, Jaguar XK Mark V, Mark VII., and Jaguar XK140 cars were produced.
From 1950 to 1960, the company conquered the American market, where the Jaguar XK150 and XK150 Roadster models, with engines from 2.4 to 3.8 liters and power up to 220 hp. are enjoying great success. The demand for Jaguar cars was so great that it became necessary to open another Jaguar car production plant in Browns Lane.

The fifties were marked by a series of sporting victories for Jaguar. The C-Type and D-Type models, equipped with adapted XK engines, won the Le Mans sports race for seven years. The success of the Jaguar team and winning the Grand Prix at 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 Automotive Designer. He was also awarded the title of royal knight for his great contribution to the development of the country's automobile production.

In 1961, the Jaguar design team began work on creating a successor to the D-Type. The predatory curves of this racing car have been transformed into the stylish, sensual lines of the legendary E-Type, powered by a 3.8-litre XK engine and all-wheel drive. new system rear suspension. Jaguar E-type One of the most beloved cars in Jaguar history, it is considered one of the leading exponents of innovative thinking, style and cutting-edge technology of its time.

The 1961 Jaguar XK E-Type caused a sensational success at the Geneva exhibition. In 1962, the Jaguar Mark X was expected to be a success in the American automobile market.

In 1968 appeared new sedan Jaguar XJ6 (six-cylinder engine), which won numerous awards, including Car of the Year. A little later, in 1971, the Jaguar XJ 12 appeared with a 12-cylinder engine producing 311 hp, which for many years was the most powerful version Jaguar engine.

In 1975, the Jaguar XJ-S appeared, equipped with E-Type suspension, a modern four-seater interior and a powerful 12-cylinder engine. He continued the Jaguar sporting tradition by winning the World Championship in 1977 and 1978.

In 1986, the XJ6 was introduced with an improved 24-valve aluminum AJ-6 engine and a more modern electronic system management, including on-board computer. Continuous work to improve the quality of Jaguar cars has led to the revival of the traditions of the 6-cylinder Jaguar sports car.

The real sensation of the British motor show in 1988 was the Jaguar XJ220. The first version of this car was created by Cliff Rudell, and was then further developed 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 to this day is the cherished dream of many car collectors around the world. Also in 1988, the Jaguar Sport division was opened, developing sports prototypes based on production Jaguar cars of the XJ 220 family.

The years 1991-94 became the period of development of the new Jaguar model range. In 1993, the Brown's Lane plant, which dates back to the 1950s, was quickly renovated to produce the new XJ series. New engine The V12 with a volume of 6.0 liters has become more powerful, modern and economical compared to its ancestor, the Daimler Double Six.

In March 1996, the Jaguar XK8/XKR sports model 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 car enthusiasts.

On October 21, 1998, it was presented at the motor show in Birmingham (Birmingham). new model decades - the Jaguar S-type business class sedan. This one is completely new car combines modern design solutions with the individual features of the Jaguar style. The basis for the body design of this car was the Jaguar Mark II, popular in the early 60s.

In November 2000, the company's management officially announced the development of a new "most remarkable model in Jaguar history" - the all-wheel drive Jaguar X-Type. The appearance of this car symbolized a completely new future for the company, which was first given the opportunity thanks to model range of 4 cars, fight for leadership on equal terms with other luxury brand manufacturers.

In 2002, at the September motor show in Paris, the presentation of the new Jaguar XJ model took place. This seventeenth model from the XJ series, thanks to its all-aluminum body, is 200 kg lighter than its predecessors and even classmates. The new Jaguar XJ embodies traditional Jaguar style while combining sophisticated design and luxurious interior trim with the latest automotive technology innovations.

William Lyons was born in 1901 in Blackpool, England, into a family of music store owners. Despite the abundance of music that surrounded him since childhood, William matured and became passionate about motorcycles. Among his friends was a certain William Walmsley, his neighbor, who was also fond of motorcycles and repaired them. After leaving school, Lyons went to study at Crossley Motors in Manchester, where he began an engineering education, but never completed his studies, starting to work in a car dealership in Blackpool.

By that time, Walmsley had already begun to try to make his own sidecars for motorcycles, and one day Lyons, who had bought a sidecar from him and was delighted with the idea, offered him a partnership. So, the friends decided to start a business and, with the support and blessing of their fathers, they took out a £500 loan from the bank and founded the Swallow Sidecars company.

The beginning was simply wonderful - the friends found a sales manager and enthusiastically began producing motorcycle strollers from a completely revolutionary material at that time - aluminum. The strollers sold just fine, and by the end of the 1920s, friends had already designed a car body - it was a body for "Austin".

Soon Lyons and Walmsley already owned a very serious enterprise for the production of bodies, and the demand for their products continued to grow, and then thoughts began to develop their own brand of car, and not just the production of bodies.

On the wave of success, the friends moved production to Coventry, and it was there that a new enterprise, the Standard Motors Company, was formed in 1931. The first own models were named “SS-I” and “SS-II”, but the real triumph was still ahead.

The famous "Jaguar" was first revealed to the world in 1935; it was the jaguar, this strong, fast and graceful animal, that Lyons chose as the company logo.

Later there was a war, military orders came in (again, these were mainly motorcycles and sidecars), and the last pre-war development was the Jaguar in the 1938 body.

It was only in 1948 that Lyons and Walmsley introduced the new Jaguar to the world of car enthusiasts, which was soon recognized as the best sports car.

Best of the day

By the way, the original name of the company contained the letters “SS” - from “Swallow Sidecars”, but later Lyons decided that people strongly associated them with the Nazis and renamed the company “Jaguar Cars Limited”.

For many years, Wilm served as the managing director of the company, and those who worked under him said that he was a powerful man, very self-willed, who did not allow any liberties among his employees. However, the company was doing excellently.

By the 1960s, British Jaguars had conquered the American market; these cars were not cheap, but were renowned for their quality, reliability and speed.

In 1956, Lyons, then known by many as Mr. Jaguar, was knighted for services to British industry, and he retired in 1967, by which time his company had already merged with the British Motor Corporation, forming British Motor Holdings, which was subsequently absorbed by British Leyland.

Be that as it may, Jaguar cars continued to be famous and be the standard of the British automotive industry. These were cars for celebrities and stars - luxurious, expensive, prestigious. Politicians and even crowned heads bought them.

It is known that Lyons had to fight a lot with the new management; he especially zealously defended the interests of the technical department of his brainchild.

In the early 1970s, he completely withdrew from the department - he began to relax more, became interested in golf and travel, and also began raising sheep and gardening.

William Lyons died in 1985 at his home in Warwickshire. His wife, Lady Greta Lyons, whom he married in 1924, survived him by only a year. They had three children - a son and two daughters.