The legendary XJ series Jaguars and Daimler Sovereigns. This is a highly accessible, readable and informative guide to one of the most successful series of British luxury cars.

Jaguars epitomize the very best in traditional British automobiles, and the XJ series is one of the most popular and well regarded models. Original Jaguar XJ is the ultimate companion to these cars. For the restorer, collector, or enthusiast interested in the correctness and originality of a classic XJ, this book is essential. The major and minor design changes, production details, mechanics, accessories, and more are explained in meticulous detail.

Updated Paperback Edition

In 1935, when a small company in Coventry, England, launched a sporting saloon (i.e., sedan) called the Jaguar SS, it set in motion an inexorable process that would lead to Britain’s most beloved line of high-performance automobiles. The Complete Book of Jaguar covers the SS and all of the Jaguar's subsequent production models, from the original SS Jaguar to today’s F-Type sports cars, F-Pace SUV, X-Type sedans, as well as concept cars. As with other books in the Complete Book Series, author Nigel Thorley organizes the content chronologically with entries for each year. Narratives for each discuss the cars and technology, while spec tables highlight key technical and performance specifications. Originally begun by a couple of motorcycle enthusiasts—William Lyons and William Walmsley—as a firm called the Swallow Sidecar Company, Jaguar would become one of the world's most celebrated automakers. In England’s bleak postwar years, Jaguar became a shining star—first with its XK120, followed by the XK140 and XK150. Sporting sedans like the Mark 2 and Mark X set the bar for luxury four-door transport in the '50s and '60s. Then Jaguar stunned the world with the achingly beautiful E-Type in 1961, a genuine 150 mph super sports car. Along the way, the company competed on road courses around the world, going head to head with greats like Ferrari and Aston Martin. Though Jaguar lost its way periodically in the modern era, it has bounded back stronger than ever in the twenty-first century with a strong lineup, including the new F-Type sports car and F-Pace SUV. The Complete Book of Jaguar is the essential guide to this important chapter in the history of sports and luxury automobiles.

James Taylor remembers very well the disappointment among his petrol-head friends when the XJ-S was announced in 1975. It was not a replacement for the legendary E-type; its colours were uninspired; and its interior was drab. All credit, then, to those people at Jaguar who truly believed in the car and, over a period of nearly 20 years, turned the ugly duckling into a swan. From the moment the XJ-S HE arrived in 1981, there seemed to be renewed hope, and from then on, the car went from strength to strength to become the much-admired grand tourer it always should have been. The book contains a timeline of the key events in the history of the XJ-S and an overview of the evolution of the XJ-S from the XJ27 prototype. Packed with details it gives UK showroom prices through the year and sales in the US by year. Of great interest to all motoring and Jaguar enthusiasts, it is superbly illustrated with 192 colour and black & white photos. James Taylor has been writing professionally about road transport since the late 1970s, his primary interest is in those models that made the British motor industry great.

With hundreds of gloriously detailed photographs, this handsome book is a must have for anyone that appreciates the timeless elegance of a Jaguar.

The XJ-S was Jaguar's most controversial car. Despite offering a superb blend of performance and refinement it was a radical departure in style from the elegant E-type. It appeared at a time when fuel-thirsty luxury cars were unfashionable. However, Jaguar stuck with the car and the result is a twenty-one year production history and a firm place in the classic jaguar list.