SS 100 100 3,5 Litre Roadster 1938

The story of Jaguar begins with a company initially named Swallow Sidecar Company (SS), which originated in the early 1920s as a manufacturer of sidecars for motorcycles.

Swallow Sidecar Company (SS):
Founding Years: Founded by William Lyons and William Walmsley in 1922, SS primarily focused on creating stylish and luxurious sidecars for motorcycles. Their designs quickly gained popularity due to their elegance and quality.
Expansion into Automobiles: In the mid-1930s, SS ventured into car manufacturing, creating the SS Jaguar in 1935, which was initially well-received for its sleek design and performance.
Significant SS Models:
SS Jaguar 100 (1936-1940): A notable sports car, the SS Jaguar 100 featured a powerful engine, advanced for its time, and became an icon in pre-World War II automotive history.
SS Jaguar Saloons (1935-1940): SS produced a range of saloon cars known for their luxurious interiors and powerful engines, catering to the personal luxury car segment.
Transition to Jaguar:
Post-World War II Challenges: After World War II, the term "SS" carried negative connotations due to its association with Nazi Germany's Schutzstaffel (SS). This prompted the company to consider a rebranding.
Jaguar Name Adoption: In 1945, the company officially changed its name to Jaguar Cars Ltd. The decision to adopt the "Jaguar" name derived from its successful SS Jaguar models, hoping to distance itself from the negative wartime associations.
Post-Name Change and Iconic Models:
Jaguar XK120 (1948-1954): One of Jaguar's most iconic models, the XK120, was a high-performance sports car that set speed records and garnered significant acclaim for its styling and speed.
Jaguar Mark series (1948-1961): The Mark series, including the Mark V, VII, VIII, IX, and X, were luxury saloons known for their opulent interiors, refined engineering, and advanced features.
Technological Advancements and Legacy:
Jaguar continued to innovate, introducing groundbreaking models such as the E-Type (1961-1975), known for its beauty and performance, and the XJ series (1968-present), setting standards in luxury saloons.

Legacy:
Jaguar, under its new name, grew into a marque celebrated for its iconic sports cars and luxurious saloons. The brand's dedication to craftsmanship, innovation, and elegant design elevated Jaguar to become synonymous with British automotive excellence, leaving an enduring legacy in the automotive industry.