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Jaguar Cars: Illustrated History Books & Guides (1/2)

Explore the best illustrated books on Jaguar automobiles. Discover the history, models and evolution of Jaguar cars (1/2). Perfect for enthousiasts, collectors, and anyone passionate about Jaguar..

Jaguar : The Art of the Automobile

"Jaguar: The Art of the Automobile" is a comprehensive book celebrating the legendary cars of Jaguar, created in collaboration with the brand. This book takes readers on a journey through 100 years of Jaguar's automotive history, from its earliest models to its most recent designs.

With exclusive access to the Jaguar archives, the book provides a detailed history of the marque's cars, showcasing iconic models and presenting stunning, previously unseen images. It includes technical information, as well as stories about the creation of Jaguar's most famous vehicles.

Key Features:
- Detailed entries on Jaguar's greatest models
- Stunning photography, including never-before-seen images
- In-depth technical details
- The full history of the creation of legendary models
- Exclusive treasures from the Jaguar archives

Product details

Author:Zef Enault, Nicolas Heidet
Details:240 pages, 12.2 x 10 x 0.12 in (31 x 25.5 x 0.3 cm), hardback
Illustrations:200 b&w and color photos
Language:English
Publisher:Octopus Publishing Group (GB, 2019)
ISBN:9781784726171
Book cover: Jaguar : The Art of the Automobile | Octopus

Jaguar : The Art of the Automobile

Language: English

SS & Jaguar Cars - 1 ½ Litre, 2 ½ Litre, 3 ½ Litre, SS 100 & Mark V, 1936-1951

In this book, following his work on the S.S.I and S.S.II cars, Allan Crouch examines the models that followed them, including the 1 ½ and 2 ½ Litre (1936-37), the SS 100 sports car, the 1 1/2, 2 1/2, and 3 ½ Litre (1938-48), and the Mark V (1948-51).
All these models, except the 1 ½ Litre, shared a six-cylinder engine designed by Harry Weslake, based on a Standard sidevalve unit. The engine featured an overhead-valve cylinder head, offering impressive power outputs.

Starting with the 1936 2 ½ Litre, these engines gave the cars performance comparable to much more expensive vehicles, like Bentleys and Lagondas of the time. Coupled with stylish bodywork by William Lyons, the cars were both attractive and affordable.

The author, a volunteer researcher at the Jaguar Heritage Archive, has spent years compiling a complete history of these cars. This definitive work delves into their development, features, and competition history, along with production numbers, chassis numbers, sales, exports, and rally entries. It also includes over 250 colour photographs of exceptional surviving examples and images from the archives, making it the most comprehensive study ever published of this period of Jaguar cars.

Product details

Author:Allan Crouch
Details:176 pages, 10.6 x 8.25 in (27 x 21 cm), hardback
Illustrations:250+ b&w and color photos
Language:English
Publisher:Herridge & Sons Ltd (GB, 2013)
ISBN:9781906133498
Book cover: SS & Jaguar Cars - 1 ½ Litre, 2 ½ Litre, 3 ½ Litre, SS 100 & Mark V, 1936-1951 | Herridge & Sons

SS & Jaguar Cars - 1 ½ Litre, 2 ½ Litre, 3 ½ Litre, SS 100 & Mark V, 1936-1951

Language: English

British Leyland - The Cars, 1968-1986

In 1968, British Leyland was formed by merging most of Britain's car manufacturers to create a strong, unified group capable of competing with major European companies. However, this goal was not achieved.

Many books have explored the politics and business aspects of British Leyland, but "British Leyland - The Cars, 1968-1986" focuses specifically on the vehicles produced by the company. It covers both inherited models and those developed under its management.

During its 18 years, British Leyland produced a wide range of vehicles, often leading to confusion about their origins. This book clarifies which models were made, by whom, and when.

The book stops at 1986, the year British Leyland ceased to exist. What remained of its car and light commercial vehicle division was renamed the Rover Group.

Pages of the book British Leyland: The Cars, 1968-1986 (1)

Pages of the book "British Leyland - The Cars, 1968-1986"

Product details

Author:James Taylor
Details:192 pages, 11 x 8.5 x 0.79 in (28 x 21.5 x 2 cm), hardback
Illustrations:63 b&w and 173 color photos
Language:English
Publisher:The Crowood Press Ltd (GB, 2018)
ISBN:9781785003912
Book cover: British Leyland - The Cars, 1968-1986 | Crowood

British Leyland - The Cars, 1968-1986

Language: English

Jaguar Century : 100 Years of Automotive Excellence

Founded in 1922 by William Lyons and William Walmsley, the Swallow Sidecar Company evolved into one of the most respected brands in the auto industry, known for performance and luxury.
"Jaguar Century" tells the story of this iconic company and its exceptional cars, from the 1935 Jaguar SS saloon to the modern F-Type sports cars, F-Pace SUV, and X-Type sedans. This book is filled with images, historical insights, and detailed analyses of the cars Jaguar has built over the years.

Automotive historian Giles Chapman explores how Jaguar's founders developed the brand through difficult economic times leading up to World War II, and then revitalized it in postwar England with the XK120, XK140, and XK150. The Mark 2 and Mark X sedans set new standards in luxury, while the 1961 E-Type became a symbol of automotive design and speed.
Chapman also covers Jaguar's motorsport achievements, including Formula 1 and Le Mans racing.

Product details

Author:Giles Chapman
Details:224 pages, 12.8 x 10.4 x 1.42 in (32.5 x 26.5 x 3.6 cm), hardback
Illustrations:250 b&w and color photos
Language:English
Publisher:Motorbooks International (USA, 2021)
ISBN:9780760368664
Book cover: Jaguar Century : 100 Years of Automotive Excellence | Motorbooks

Jaguar Century : 100 Years of Automotive Excellence

Language: English

Jaguar from the shop floor : Foleshill Road and Browns Lane 1949 to 1978

In this book, Brian Martin shares his personal experiences as a long-time employee at Jaguar, offering a firsthand account of the development and production processes at the factory. The author provides insights into the highs and lows of factory life, seen through the eyes of someone who was there from the beginning.

Part autobiography, part history, Martin reflects on his childhood in a working-class family during the Depression era. He describes his career, starting at Jaguar in 1949, his national service in the RAF, and his return to Jaguar after his time in the military. Though he left briefly in 1972 for other work, he returned to Jaguar in the mid-1970s.

Pages of the book Jaguar from the shop floor (1)

Pages of the book "Jaguar from the shop floor : Foleshill Road and Browns Lane 1949 to 1978"

The book delves into the Jaguar production process and covers the development of key models such as the XK120, Mk V, Mk VII, MK X, Mark 1 and 2 saloons, XKSS, E1A, E2A, lightweight E-types, XJ6, XJ12, and XJS, providing a rare insider's perspective on the brand's iconic cars.

Pages of the book Jaguar from the shop floor (2)

Product details

Author:Brain James Martin
Details:176 pages, 9.1 x 6.1 in (23 x 15.5 cm), hardback
Illustrations:99 b&w and color photos
Language:English
Publisher:Veloce Publishing Ltd (GB, 2018)
ISBN:9781787112797
Book cover: Jaguar from the shop floor : Foleshill Road and Browns Lane 1949 to 1978 | Veloce

Jaguar from the shop floor : Foleshill Road and Browns Lane 1949 to 1978

Language: English

Jaguar in Coventry : Building the Legend

Jaguar is one of the most iconic car manufacturers in Britain, with a history dating back to 1928. This illustrated book provides a detailed look at both the company and the city of Coventry, where it has been a key part of life. It covers the changing fortunes of the company at its Browns Lane factory and offers an in-depth exploration of how car production techniques have developed over time.
Additionally, the book provides a personal view of the local community that has relied on Jaguar for their livelihoods across generations.

Product details

Author:Nigel Thorley
Details:192 pages, 9.1 x 6.3 x 0.55 in (23 x 16 x 1.4 cm), paperback
Illustrations:illustrated
Language:English
Publisher:DB Publishing (GB, 2013)
ISBN:9781780913315
Book cover: Jaguar in Coventry : Building the Legend | DB

Jaguar in Coventry : Building the Legend

Language: English

SS I and SS II Cars - The Birth of the Jaguar Legend

This book is the first in-depth study of Sir William Lyons' company, S.S. Cars, where he began his automotive career. Based on original research, it delves into this crucial phase in Jaguar's history, covering all aspects of the cars' development, production, and sales.
Detailed descriptions of all S.S. I and S.S. II models are included, along with information on specifications, equipment, performance, and press reactions.

The text is complemented by approximately 200 color photographs of surviving cars, as well as 50 black-and-white illustrations from the JDHT Archives. This book offers a comprehensive look at the early history of Jaguar and its founder's first steps in the automotive world.

Product details

Author:Allan Crouch
Details:200 pages, 11 x 8.7 x 0.79 in (28 x 22 x 2 cm), hardback
Illustrations:50 b&w and 200 color photos
Language:English
Publisher:Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust (GB, 2006)
ISBN:9780954103927
Book cover: SS I and SS II Cars - The Birth of the Jaguar Legend | Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust

SS I and SS II Cars - The Birth of the Jaguar Legend

Language: English

The Complete Book of Jaguar : Every Model Since 1935

This book covers the history of Jaguar, starting from its origins as the Swallow Sidecar Company, founded by motorcycle enthusiasts William Lyons and William Walmsley.
Jaguar grew to become one of the world's most renowned carmakers. In postwar England, the company first captured attention with its XK120, followed by the XK140 and XK150. In the 1950s and 1960s, the Mark 2 and Mark X sedans set new standards for luxury. Jaguar's 1961 E-Type, a 150 mph super sports car, stunned the automotive world.

Throughout its history, Jaguar competed against major brands like Ferrari and Aston Martin. Despite some struggles in the modern era, Jaguar has bounced back with strong models like the F-Type sports car and F-Pace SUV.

This book is a comprehensive guide to Jaguar's history, covering all models from the SS to the present-day F-Type, F-Pace, X-Type sedans, and concept cars. Author Nigel Thorley organizes the content chronologically, providing detailed narratives for each model along with technical specifications and performance data.

Product details

Author:Nigel Thorley
Details:256 pages, 12.4 x 10.25 x 1.14 in (31.5 x 26 x 2.9 cm), hardback
Illustrations:350 b&w and color photos
Language:English
Publisher:Motorbooks International (USA, 2019)
ISBN:9780760363904
Book cover: The Complete Book of Jaguar : Every Model Since 1935 | Motorbooks

The Complete Book of Jaguar : Every Model Since 1935

Language: English

The Jaguar Book

Marking the 60th anniversary of the E-Type, renowned photographer René Staud captures the elegance and luxury of Jaguar in this visually stunning book. It showcases the brand's most iconic models, highlights from its racing legacy, famous film appearances, and exclusive glimpses into celebrity garages.

Founded in 1922 as Swallow Sidecars by William Lyons and William Walmsley, Jaguar has remained a symbol of style and innovation for over a century. This book presents legendary models such as the E-Type, XK 140, SS 90, and the sleek Mark 2, as well as the modern I-Pace, Jaguar's first electric car.

Featuring breathtaking photography by Staud, this book offers a journey through Jaguar's history. Accompanied by text from Jürgen Lewandowski, it includes stories of racing triumphs and cinematic moments in films like "James Bond" and "Harold and Maude."

A must-have for car enthusiasts and photography lovers, this book celebrates 99 years of Jaguar's influence on automotive culture with striking images and captivating storytelling.

Product details

Author:René Staud, Jürgen Lewandowski
Details:272 pages, 13.75 x 11.2 x 1.1 in (35 x 28.5 x 2.8 cm), hardback
Illustrations:29 b&w and 146 color photos
Language:English
Publisher:teNeues Verlag GmbH + Co KG (D, 2021)
ISBN:9783961713592
Book cover: The Jaguar Book | teNeues

The Jaguar Book

Language: English

A Concise History of Jaguar

NEW

Jaguar, first introduced by William Lyons in 1935, quickly gained worldwide recognition for its saloons and sports cars. After World War II, the company established itself as a leading maker of high-performance vehicles.
Landmark models included the XK engine and XK120 sports car in 1948, the iconic 1960s E-Type, and the XJ6, Jaguar's flagship for over twenty years.

Despite changes in ownership and industrial challenges, Jaguar maintained its reputation for speed, style, and innovation. The 1980s saw independent management under Sir John Egan, followed by Ford's acquisition and the introduction of the S-Type and X-Type models.
In 2008, Tata Motors took ownership, expanding the range with the F-Pace SUV and the i-Pace, Jaguar's first electric car.

Drawing on decades of experience and industry insight, award-winning journalist Ray Hutton presents this book as a definitive guide to Britain's most celebrated manufacturer of sporting luxury cars.

Product details

Author:Ray Hutton
Details:96 pages, 9.25 x 6.5 x 0.31 in (23.5 x 16.5 x 0.8 cm), paperback
Illustrations:b&w and color photos
Language:English
Publisher:Amberley Publishing (GB, 2025)
ISBN:9781398124691
Book cover: A Concise History of Jaguar | Amberley

A Concise History of Jaguar

Language: English

A Life in Car Design - Jaguar, Lotus, TVR

This book offers a unique perspective on automotive design and project development, covering nearly 50 years of industry experience with companies such as Jaguar, Lotus, TVR, and General Motors.

The author shares insights into the evolution of car design, from the shift to metric measurements to the increasing role of computers in improving precision and quality. The book explores the challenges of meeting project goals, the obstacles that can arise, and untold stories from within the industry. Illustrated with historical engineering drawings and photographs, it provides valuable information for automotive enthusiasts and aims to inspire future designers.

Key topics include:
- A firsthand look at car design from within the industry
- The author's work with industry leaders like Sir William Lyons (Jaguar), Colin Chapman (Lotus), and Martin Lilley (TVR)
- Observing design processes at ItalDesign, Turin, under Giorgetto Giugiaro
- Collaborating with Chinese companies to develop cultural understanding in automotive design
- Creating new designs under strict time and budget constraints
- Developing project processes for low-volume cars at GM USA
- Working with Toyota Japan and learning from their industry approach
- Extensive experience in car safety and airbag development

Product details

Author:Oliver Winterbottom
Details:160 pages, 10.25 x 8.7 x 0.75 in (26 x 22 x 1.9 cm), hardback
Illustrations:200 b&w and color photos
Language:English
Publisher:Veloce Publishing Ltd (GB, 2017)
ISBN:9781787110359
Book cover: A Life in Car Design - Jaguar, Lotus, TVR | Veloce

A Life in Car Design - Jaguar, Lotus, TVR

Language: English

Jaguar - All the Cars (Updated Paperback Edition)

This updated paperback edition provides a complete and detailed account of every Jaguar model from 1931 to 2023. It is the only publication covering the entire range with precise details, including a revised engine section, updates on existing models, and new chapters on the latest Jaguar cars.

Designed for both dedicated Jaguar enthusiasts and general automotive fans, this book is illustrated throughout with color photographs. It presents a comprehensive overview of Jaguar's production history, featuring a brief history of each model range, exterior and interior differences, production numbers, specifications, color options, and factory accessories.

Pages of the book Jaguar - All the Cars (Updated Paperback Edition) (1)

Pages of the book "Jaguar - All the Cars (Updated Paperback Edition)"

Key features:
- The only complete reference guide to all SS and Jaguar models
- Covers every production vehicle from 1931 to the present
- Includes specifications, details, and images for each model
- Updated with the latest Jaguar cars and revised technical information
- A detailed and fully illustrated spotter's guide
- Essential for anyone interested in Jaguar's rich automotive history

This is the most comprehensive Jaguar model encyclopedia available, offering an in-depth look at the brand's development and evolution over the decades.

Product details

Author:Nigel Thorley
Details:408 pages, 9.25 x 6.9 x 1.06 in (23.5 x 17.5 x 2.7 cm), paperback
Illustrations:982 b&w and color photos
Language:English
Publisher:Veloce Publishing Ltd (GB, 2024)
ISBN:9781787119314
Book cover: Jaguar - All the Cars (Updated Paperback Edition) | Veloce

Jaguar - All the Cars (Updated Paperback Edition)

Language: English

Jaguar Cars 1946 to 2008

This illustrated reference book provides clear, structured information on all Jaguar models from 1922 to 2008. Presented in chronological order, it includes general model overviews, technical data, production details, and images for each car.

The book covers Jaguar's history from its beginnings and includes every model range up to the late 2000s. It is designed to help owners and enthusiasts identify vehicles accurately and check for authenticity.
Each model is described in detail, with technical specifications, differences in body and interior styling, colour options, standard and optional equipment, and production changes.

The book also includes drawings and photographs of dashboard layouts, along with available production numbers. It is illustrated with hundreds of colour and black-and-white photographs, collected by the author through years of involvement with the Jaguar Drivers Club and Jaguar Enthusiasts Club, as well as from Jaguar Heritage archives.
This is a useful guide for Jaguar owners, collectors, restorers, and fans of the marque.

Pages of the book Jaguar Cars 1946 to 2008 (1)

Pages of the book "Jaguar Cars 1946 to 2008"

Product details

Author:Nigel Thorley
Details:160 pages, 8.1 x 5.5 x 0.51 in (20.5 x 14 x 1.3 cm), paperback
Illustrations:387 b&w and color photos
Language:English
Publisher:Veloce Publishing Ltd (GB, 2024)
ISBN:9781787117761
Book cover: Jaguar Cars 1946 to 2008 | Veloce

Jaguar Cars 1946 to 2008

Language: English

The Jaguar Story

The Jaguar brand is known for style, power, performance, luxury, and a distinct British character. It is hard to imagine its modest beginnings in Blackpool as the Swallow Sidecar Company.
Jaguar Cars was founded in 1945, marking the start of its transformation. The company went on to produce outstanding engines, stunning designs, major racing successes, and thrilling sports saloons. Over time, it has grown into a legendary name in the automotive world.

In this book, Giles Chapman tells the remarkable story of Jaguar with a selection of beautiful images, showcasing the brand's journey and achievements.

Product details

Author:Giles Chapman
Details:128 pages, 5.1 x 7.5 x 0.55 in (13 x 19 x 1.4 cm), hardback
Illustrations:100 b&w and color photos
Language:English
Publisher:The History Press Ltd (GB, 2019)
ISBN:9780750989244
Book cover: The Jaguar Story | The History Press

The Jaguar Story

Language: English

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Book cover: Jaguar | Collection Prestige

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Book cover: Jaguar - Tous les modèles depuis 1935

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Jaguar - Modèles d'exception

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Book cover: Jaguar, l'âge classique | Autofocus

Jaguar, l'âge classique

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Book cover: Jaguar, le mythe anglais

Jaguar, le mythe anglais

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Book cover: Jaguar - 100 Jahre Sport & Eleganz

Jaguar - 100 Jahre Sport & Eleganz

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Book cover: Jaguar - Alle Modelle

Jaguar - Alle Modelle

Nigel Thorley | German | hardback | 400 p. | 2018