A Brief History of Jaguar

September 21st, 2016 by

Green Jaguar XKSS
Many Jaguar enthusiasts are well aware of the solid reputation for striking design, opulent comfort, and commanding performance that has brought Jaguar to its elite position in the industry. The history of Jaguar stretches back over 80 years, and at Jaguar Annapolis, we carry this British automaker’s legacy with us every day. Find out more about the celebrated history of Jaguar.

The Early Years

Jaguar made a resounding first impression in the auto industry when it introduced its first model for British drivers with the 1935 Jaguar 2.5i Saloon, set up under William Lyons and William Walmsley. This pristine model had one of the most distinct and catching designs of the pre-WWII period. By 1948, Jaguar had made a serious entry in the sport-racing segment with Lyons’s Jaguar XK120, and just three years later Jaguar introduced the coveted and aerodynamic Jaguar C-Type. Finally, the 1959 Jaguar Mark II demonstrated Lyons’s ongoing prowess with a major evolution in the sporting saloon segment.

Ongoing Innovation

Continuing in the legacy of the Jaguar XK120, the Jaguar E-Type was brought to the Geneva Auto Show in 1961, perfectly molding aesthetic design, high-level performance, and functionality with a lightweight aluminum frame and a straight-six 3.8L engine. In 1968, Lyon fulfilled his final design with the iconic Jaguar XJ6, which would go on to be the longest running Jaguar model ever in production. By 1975, the Jaguar E-Type was replaced by the Jaguar XJ-S, an even more aerodynamic production that came with a straight-six or V12 engine. In 1996, Jaguar brought its first V8-powered model into production with the Jaguar XK8

Looking to the Future

2006 brought the first Jaguar of the 21st century under Ian Callum with the Jaguar XK, a stylish and luxurious creation that echoed the Jaguar E-Type. 2006’s rendition of the Jaguar XJ marked a return to daring style and performance for this iconic model that was reminiscent of the 1960s. In 2014, the Jaguar XE made it clear that the manufacturer remains fully committed to the mantra of form following function with a model that delivers inimitable style and striking performance. In 2016, Jaguar marked a whole new age with the Jaguar F-PACE, its very first performance SUV.

Find Out More About Jaguar’s Legacy

The team at Jaguar Annapolis is happy to teach you more about the exciting and proud legacy of the Jaguar mark. Contact us online, or stop in and see us at 101 Ferguson Road in Annapolis, MD.

Posted in Jaguar History