The History Of The Jaguar

1 Pages 315 Words

What is the history of the jaguar?

The Jaguar story is one of “rags to riches”. It was for 50 years, the story of one man who

created one of the world’s greatest automotive names, a company renowned for style,

performance and quality. A young man by the name of William Lyons started a small

company called Swallow Sidecars, which originated in the northern seaside town of

Blackpool. Here, as a young motorcycle enthusiast, he met William Walmsley, who was

building sidecars for motorcycles. The stylish sidecars caught the attention of young

Lyons. He felt that there was great potential if the activity could be organized along

business lines and the production increased to make the operation viable.After several

years the restless Lyons saw a better opportunity for his Swallow Sidecar Company. The

company did special bodywork for a car called the Austin Seven, and in 1927 created a

most stylish, two-seater for the little car. Soon, Swallow bodies followed for larger

companies like Morris Cowley and Fiat. Lyons was not content with just building bodies

for other car companies. In 1931 he came out with his own line of SS cars, the SS I and

the SS II coupes. These cars caused a great sensation at the London Motor show. The

body was sleek and low to the ground, and they were a good value for the price.In 1935,

William Lyons needed a unique name for his cars. He did not select Jaguar at first.

Sunbeam Motor Co. was for sale and he made arrangements for the company to be

bought and a new line of vehicles called Sunbeams were to be produced. Fortunately for

us, the Rootes brothers, a rival car company, stole the name. Lyons advertising agency

then provided a list of animal names suggesting a new image for the cars. Jaguar was

selected and the name has stuck with them ever since....