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This web site was last updated on 25 January 2011

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Jaguar History

When the Jaguar company was founded by Sir William Lyons on 4 September 1922, it was known as Swallows Sidecars, and produced motorcycle sidecars. It was quite some years before the abbreviated "SS" appeared on the first cars produced this company, but it was not long before the name "SS" became the guarantee of a well engineered, high performance motorcar - particularly the famous "SS100" 3 1/2 which gave a genuine 100 mph as far back as 1937.

The Jaguar name was first introduced in 1935, but not until the late forties did we see the introduction of the incredible XK twin overhead cam engine. This outstanding motor has seen numerous minor modifications over the years, but the XK engine was only finally replaced by the new multi-valved AJ6 engine in late 1986. A remarkable achievement!

From 1950 to the mid-60s Jaguars were competing and dominating most major events worldwide, with MKI and MKII saloons faring exceptionally well in the majority events entered from 1956 to 1965. The "C" and "D" types must surely be the most memorable, with their incredible Le Mans record between 1951 and 1957 when they scored five wins and three 2nd places. Jaguars continued competing very successfully. In 1988 the XJR9 - V12 engine won 1st, 3rd and 16th places at Le Mans, and Jaguar also won the World Sports Car Championship in 1987 and 1988. Today they are active in Formula 1 and 3

Grace, Space and Pace

That is a tribute paid to every "SS" or Jaguar car ever built - as any owner will tell you. Most models become collectors' items immediately their production ceases.

Unfortunately, production of Jaguars in South Africa ceased in 1979 and importation of cars from the UK became prohibitive. It therefore became imperative that Jaguar Clubs in this country took a lead to preserve the proud heritage of these world famous cars in South Africa and it was with this in mind that The Cape Jaguar Drivers Club was founded in the same year.

Most Jaguar afficionado's would like to forget Jaguar's "grey" period from 1966, when they merged with the British Motor Corporation until Jaguar Cars Limited its independence in 1984. In 1991 Jaguar came under the control of Ford and despite many reservations at the time about the takeover, Jaguar prospered under Ford control, build quality improved and major investments in new assembly lines have increased production capacity. The continuing development of completely new models looks set to guarantee the future of the Jaguar marque.