10 Fascinating Facts About Jaguar Motor Company
What is it about a Jaguar that captures the imagination of automobile enthusiasts more than any other marque? A dedication to classic design styling doesn’t hurt. It has made almost every Jaguar model as appealing today as it was when first introduced.
But looks aren’t everything and Jaguar has backed up its timeless styling with an enviable history of performance, both on and off the track.
Whatever the reason, or combination of reasons, Jagaur cars have fascinated drivers throughout their history. And here are ten fascinating facts to help you gain a greater appreciation for what may be the most famous automotive marque in the world.
The company that became Jaguar started operations in 1922 as the Swallow Sidecar Company, making motorcycle sidecars before getting into automobile manufacturing.
The name Jaguar first appeared in 1935 on three models of the SS Jaguar, a 2.5 litre Saloon and two sports models, the SS 90 and the SS 100.
In 1945, the company’s shareholders agreed to change the company name to Jaguar Cars Limited. The image of the SS initials, which came from “Swallow Sidecar”, had been sullied by the Nazi SS of World War II.
In 1948 Jaguar solidified its place in automotive design and performance history with the introduction of the first in the XK series, the XK120.
“Grace, Space, Pace” – Jaguar’s advertising slogan for many decades after it first appeared in the 1950s.
Jaguar was owned by Ford Motor Company of Detroit from 1990 to 2008.
Jaguar has won the 24 Hours of Lemans, the world’s oldest sports car endurance race, seven times. The first time in 1951 and the last time in 1990.
Steve McQueen earned two driving bans behind the wheel of his Jaguar XKSS, one of only 16 built. The car is now in Jay Leno’s automobile collection.
Jaguar’s iconic emblem and former hood ornament is known as The Leaper. The face-on chrome embossed emblem is known as The Grinner.
On Monday, November 14, 2016, Jaguar rolled out its first all-electric model, the I-PACE, at the Los Angeles motor Show.
Regardless of all the facts, the most fascinating thing about Jaguars is driving one.