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.
Reviews (29)
European heritage
This is a large Coffee-table size book that is designed and produced very nicely. Lots of very good photographs. However, after a careful review the following items resulted in disappointment: Most, if not all references and descriptions & photos are exclusive to European specs ( ie: right-hand drive) Minimal descriptions & photos utilize left-hand drives ( the left- drive production of many models( was significantly higher than the right-drive models) (export compared to domestic / home market (England) and other right-drive markets. In many areas throughout the book it appears that most left-hand drive exports & markets received minimal reference and or acknowledgement (Historical notes clearly reveal that the E-Type was designed primarily for the export market (ie US - North America and other right-drive markets) nonetheless minimal reference is attributed to this fact) The entire text of the book is based on the English / European grammar, not the typical North American ( United States) grammar. This, in itself is neither a positive or negative. Nonetheless many of the terms, phrases & spelling are of European heritage, and not from the United States. (again, not wrong just not what I expected) Some of the specifications listed for specific models / years do not align with the specifications provided by the factory (Jaguar Cars). This results in significant concerns of accuracy & integrity. All Jaguar cars from 1935 to present. Present is relative. Publication date is 2019, therefore anything after "present" ends at 2019. Clearly this is a well-crafted English book by an English author with English text and grammar. This will be well received by European readers as well as many others.
A beautiful book on Jaguars
Having owned an XK150 55 years ago (wish I had kept it) and restored a series one E type roadster some years ago, I can say that this is the most beautiful book on Jaguars I’ve ever owned. I highly recommend it.
An excellent book, and a surprising value for the money.
I've spent much more for books of far lessor value. The photographs are great, and the information provided is very informative, and clearly stated.
Great gift
Bought as a present, he really liked it. Good quality book with great information and pictures.
Great gift for a Jaguar lover.
Bought this for my dad as a Christmas gift. He’s always loved Jaguars and this seemed like the perfect book. He LOVED it!! Great quality - nice sturdy pages. Recommended!!
It had all the information I was looking for.
I am thinking of purchasing an older Jaguar and couldn’t figure out how far back I had to go to get a manual transmission. I now know what my options are.
Great picture.
Good summary. Excelent pictures. Very satisfied.
Be proud
What ah great book all Style
Great Book
Awesome Photos.
A great book for Jaguar owners
My brother in law loved it. He's a jaguar owner.
European heritage
This is a large Coffee-table size book that is designed and produced very nicely. Lots of very good photographs. However, after a careful review the following items resulted in disappointment: Most, if not all references and descriptions & photos are exclusive to European specs ( ie: right-hand drive) Minimal descriptions & photos utilize left-hand drives ( the left- drive production of many models( was significantly higher than the right-drive models) (export compared to domestic / home market (England) and other right-drive markets. In many areas throughout the book it appears that most left-hand drive exports & markets received minimal reference and or acknowledgement (Historical notes clearly reveal that the E-Type was designed primarily for the export market (ie US - North America and other right-drive markets) nonetheless minimal reference is attributed to this fact) The entire text of the book is based on the English / European grammar, not the typical North American ( United States) grammar. This, in itself is neither a positive or negative. Nonetheless many of the terms, phrases & spelling are of European heritage, and not from the United States. (again, not wrong just not what I expected) Some of the specifications listed for specific models / years do not align with the specifications provided by the factory (Jaguar Cars). This results in significant concerns of accuracy & integrity. All Jaguar cars from 1935 to present. Present is relative. Publication date is 2019, therefore anything after "present" ends at 2019. Clearly this is a well-crafted English book by an English author with English text and grammar. This will be well received by European readers as well as many others.
A beautiful book on Jaguars
Having owned an XK150 55 years ago (wish I had kept it) and restored a series one E type roadster some years ago, I can say that this is the most beautiful book on Jaguars I’ve ever owned. I highly recommend it.
An excellent book, and a surprising value for the money.
I've spent much more for books of far lessor value. The photographs are great, and the information provided is very informative, and clearly stated.
Great gift
Bought as a present, he really liked it. Good quality book with great information and pictures.
Great gift for a Jaguar lover.
Bought this for my dad as a Christmas gift. He’s always loved Jaguars and this seemed like the perfect book. He LOVED it!! Great quality - nice sturdy pages. Recommended!!
It had all the information I was looking for.
I am thinking of purchasing an older Jaguar and couldn’t figure out how far back I had to go to get a manual transmission. I now know what my options are.
Great picture.
Good summary. Excelent pictures. Very satisfied.
Be proud
What ah great book all Style
Great Book
Awesome Photos.
A great book for Jaguar owners
My brother in law loved it. He's a jaguar owner.
I was a bit disappointed
It's a pity this book did not include one of jaguars most important model the XJ 220
What a Book!
My first impression is how magnificent a presentation; well designed with quality of product. The paper stock, the binding and cover, the photographs and information are well placed and represented. Now, the content, the book is a full guide to the advancement of the Jaguar name and reputation. It’s a “know all” perfect for the Jaguar brand lover. With the knowledge presented you are bound to find out everything you didn’t know about the company. It is a perfect aid for becoming a Concours D’Elegance or IJF Judge! The 256 pages are choked full of pertinent information helpful in identifying and the restoration of all Jaguar models. You can even see some export models are equipped with white sidewall tires! If you wish to compare the specifications of the different models, they are all there. After critiquing “The Complete Book of Jaguar” I must say, “What is going to be my next Jag?”
Awesome Book
great images, great descriptions of he different year jags.
Great hook
Bought this for my grandfather, and he absolutely loves it. He has poor vision, but the pictures are nice and big for him to see. Very pleased
quick ship.
brand new
Buy Jaguar The Art of the Automobile instead
Not as good or as complete as 'Jaguar: The Art of the Automobile'. And a personal thing: I prefer British not American English and spelling.
A great and interesting read, a book for keeps.
This was a birthday present for my partner. He was really pleased with the book, especially as he drives 6year old Jag. He said the book was interesting, informative and a great read, definitely a book to keep.
For all Jag fans
Bought as a present for avid Jag fan, he is so very pleased with the book.
Good content excellent reading
Bought as a gift he is pleased with the quality of the book and has enjoyed reading it very much.
