Does anyone knows of a good Jaguar History book with pics? Any recommendations? I have seeing several online but I was wondering if anyone owns one that they can recommend. Thank you.

 

Not full history at all but try some of the tech guides on Gus's site - they start with some background and are free
JagRepair.com - Jaguar Repair Information Resource

 

Hello Liza,

this is a highly appraised book about the history of Jaguar. At least, depending on the edition, up until 2006 or 2008.

Jaguar the Complete Story

by Heiner Stertkamp

Publisher: Mbi Publishing Company
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0760334471
ISBN-13: 978-0760334478
Size: 27,3 x 4 x 27,3 cm

However, sadly, it's not in print anymore so that you'll probably only find used copies.

 

Not much use if you are looking for a coffee table decoration, but there's a film on Youtube - link posted somewhere here, Off topic perhaps? It gives an interesting history. I think it is about an hour long.

Edit: I *think* this is it, but the link takes you to a youtube notice that it is not available:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/o...ag-fans-72960/

Also stumbled across this one while looking:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/o...lesson-106101/

and finally, a real book!

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/o...gn-icon-56812/

 

Hi Liza,
Jaguar a complete illustrated history by Phillip Porter is a decent history. Has a lot of rare photos in it. I think it is still being published.

 

There are two books by Paul Skilleter, a well-known Jaguar aficionado and journalist, who writes today in the Jaguar Enthusiasts Club magazine.

One is about the sports cars, the other about the saloons. Of course it was the saloons that made the money. Published by Haynes, but out of print, I think.

Jaguar Saloon Cars. With competition chapters by Andrew Whyte by SKILLETER, Paul: Sparkford, First published - Librería Salambó

Jaguar Sports Cars by Skilleter, Paul: Haynes Publishing Group, Chatsworth, CA 9780854291663 Hardcover - DISCOUNT BOOKS

 

Take a look at our library section on our website. We have a few books that you may be interested in. Especially the Philip Porter - Jaguar Scrap Book and plenty of other more model specific great books.


www.sngbarratt.com/MerchandiseItems.aspx?category=7&items=10&page=1




10% off also applies to all books to forum members.

 

Hi Liza. What a great question, and greetings from down under.

Is this a personal interest, quest for a gift; or for research?

There will be plenty who may disagree but, for me, Jaguar's history falls fairly easily into two periods - from foundation into the 1930s thru the next 40yrs; and then everything thereafter. To me and many,those early years are more about the man Sir William Lyons and the talented people he drew around him, than just a dry technical story of his magnificent cars.

Just reading today of the 1956 fire that gutted their entire works is a tale of heartache, as the entire production line went up in smoke and the company was reduced to near bankruptcy ... of incredible bravery as staff rescued the race cars being readied for Le Mans ... and how, phoenix like, they rebuilt from the ashes in record time.

Unfortunately the two books I was ready to recommend are no longer in print, nor available ... But two others in my library certainly are ... details as follows:

1. "Sir William Lyons: The Official Biography" by Philip Porter & Paul Skilleter (soft cover, 336 pages, in print, about $20);

2. "Jaguar: The Complete Illustrated History" by Philip Porter (hard cover, 160-175 pages depending on Edition, not in print but 50 copies listed by AbeBooks.co.uk from sellers in UK and USA at about $5 - $30 according to condition).

I hope this helps.

 

A vote from me too for both these titles.

"Sir William Lyons: The Official Biography" by Philip Porter & Paul Skilleter was also printed in hard cover.

ISBN 1 85960 840 X

Copies occasionally available from specialist UK used book sellers.

Graham

 

Its a personal interest, research, everything! Would you mind sharing the titles of the books that are not longer available? Thank you!

 

Hi Liza;

I hope this doesn't sound like I am selling out - but I am amidst packing for a move from farm into our new home in town, so I don;t have either book to hand and will have them now in storage for a couple of months.

Perhaps GGG or other gurus can chime in to support me -

The first was titled "Jaguar" and it may have have an appended sub-title, published I would guess in the 70s because I believe it included up to but ended at the BLMC "merger". Thickish; hard covered; but neither the author nor publisher come to mind. I do recall the Foreword was written by Lord Montagu of Beaulieu - he spoke with love of what I remember as his many dozens of Jaguars - one each of most models.

I recall that the frontispiece picture is an imposing Sir William Lyons, who contributed much to the story, as did his daughter. This book underlines the early history of Walmsley and Lyons but quickly, and for much of the narrative, examines Lyons' uncanny eye for style which he never relinquished. It traces the history of the company, the people, and all the cars - often in and around the original Swallow and later, Browns Lane works.

The second book appeared to be company sponsored - being both authored and published from within Browns Lane. Very limited circulation outside the company, I purchased mine during a company visit many, many years ago. I regret that later management did not see fit to reprint it and I have not even found it cataloged in British libraries.

You are too discreet to ask, but I must add that. as a book hoarder (especially Jaguar) and with a family also nutty about the marque, I could never consider selling them.

Best wishes Liza, and let me congratulate you once again for asking such a great question. You have provoked me to think about all the books recommended here as potential gifts for friends who have admired our cars -and seem primed ready for further infection ...

Best wishes,
Ken

 

That sounds like a book I read in the probably early seventies when I started my first flirtation with Jags, sorry can't help with the author.

 

Thank you so much Ken for the information. I absolutely love these cars and want to lean more about the history and the man behind it.