Jaguar's 75th Anniversary
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Jaguar name, and 75 year of looking forward, designing and building cars that represent the very best of technical innovation, design leadership and sporting success.
Sir William Lyons founded Swallow Sidecars in 1922, and went on to create a range of 'SS' branded motorcylce sidecars and automobiles in the 1920s and early 30's. When it came to the launch of the all-new SS 100 in 1935, Sir William wanted a new and evocative name for his company. After asking his advertising agency for suggestions, Sir William chose 'Jaguar', and the SS 100 model became the world's first Jaguar.
The Jaguar name was the ideal choice - it represented the feline grace and elegance, power and agility that set his cars apart. Sir William once said that a car "was the closest thing we can create to something that is alive", a sentiment that has stood the test of time. The new brand name captured the essence of all the cars created from that point forward.
Over the years Jaguar has built some of the world's most iconic cars; the XK120, introduced in the late 1940's was an instant sensation and the most glamorous sports car of the period, and the C and D type race cars that followed, dominated motor racing in the 1950's.
Just a few years ago we set out to re-make Jaguar and to revitalize the model range. We started in 2008 with the introduction of the all-new award winning XF. This four door, five seat car has the looks of the coupe and the heart of a sports car. In 2009 we re-engineered the XK coupe and convertible, and in the process created one of the world's great grand tourers. This year Jaguar will begin sale of the ground-breaking XJ, which incorporates all the virtues that make a Jaguar.
