The Jaguar Heritage Trust has created an excellent virtual journey through the life and work of one of Britain’s greatest carmakers and designers, Sir William Lyons the man who made Jaguar.

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Sir William Lyons, a visionary entrepreneur and automotive pioneer, is best known for his instrumental role in founding and shaping the iconic British luxury car brand, Jaguar. Born in 1901 in Blackpool, England, Lyons displayed a remarkable passion for automobiles from a young age. In 1922, he co-founded the Swallow Sidecar Company with his friend William Walmsley, which initially produced stylish sidecars for motorcycles. The company later transitioned into manufacturing automobiles, rebranding as SS Cars Limited. Lyons' acute sense of design and engineering excellence led to the creation of a series of elegant and performance-driven vehicles.

Below: William Walmsley on SS80 Brough Superior motorcycle, and William Lyons in Swallow side car. King Edward Avenue, Blackpool 1923.

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As the company evolved Lyons adopted the Jaguar name, a decision that would cement his legacy in the automotive world. Under his leadership, Jaguar became synonymous with luxury, sophistication, and speed. One of the most iconic vehicles he introduced was the Jaguar E-Type in 1961, celebrated for its aerodynamic design and impressive performance. Lyons' commitment to innovation extended beyond design aesthetics, as he focused on enhancing driving experiences through advanced engineering and cutting-edge technologies. His dedication to excellence and unwavering pursuit of automotive perfection established Jaguar as a global benchmark for luxury and performance, a legacy that continues to captivate car enthusiasts to this day.

Below: Sir William Lyons introduces the Jaguar E-type in 1961

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Sir William Lyons' contributions to the automotive industry, particularly through his founding of Jaguar, have left an indelible mark on the world of luxury and high-performance cars. His visionary approach to design, engineering, and driving experiences has not only defined an iconic brand but has also shaped the very essence of British automotive elegance and innovation.

The Jaguar Heritage Trust is a revered institution dedicated to safeguarding the illustrious history of the Jaguar brand. With a vast collection of iconic vehicles, historical artifacts, and archival materials, the trust serves as a living chronicle of Jaguar's journey from its inception to the present day. This treasure trove of automotive history not only pays homage to the brand's engineering prowess, elegant designs, and racing achievements but also provides a source of inspiration for enthusiasts, researchers, and the broader public, fostering a deep appreciation for Jaguar's significant contributions to the world of motoring.

Below: Cars of the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust

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Below Watch: MotorWeek Retro Review 2011 Jaguar XJ X351...

We are often complimented on how well our cars are presented and asked what our secrets are, the answer is quite simple. First you have to start with a good car, second you need the right product and third you need time, patience and an eye for detail. This X-Type took 4 days to prepare. Head to our online store to see the range of car care products that we use on our cars.

Below Watch: Guthry's Garage Episode 3: Detailing a Jaguar X-Type...

Below Watch: The Daimler 250 V8 Is A Subtle Muscle Car With British Luxury, Classics World Review...

When Jaguar boss, William Lyons confirmed the purchase of Daimler, some questioned the decision, but it turned out to be an ideal pairing; Daimler’s 2.5-litre aluminium V8 was paired with the Jaguar Mk2 saloon to create the 250 V8, a gentleman's car with a lovely V8 burble and the luxury and comfort associated with a Jaguar. Upmarket interior trimmings and subtle styling tweaks in the form of the iconic fluted grille and number plate plinth created an entirely new flavour for the much-loved Jag. What’s it like to drive this rare British muscle car today? Phil found out!

Below Watch: Promotional video produced by Jaguar for the launch of the face lifted 2012 Jaguar XF X250.

Below Watch: In period review of the 2004 Jaguar XJ8 X350. These luxurious saloons were the first of the modern aluminium bodied Jaguars. The interiors are supurb with beautiful wood and sumptuous leather. Features Include: 4.2 litre V8, alloy wheels, sunroof, premium 12 speaker sound system, CATS suspension (it leans into corners), satellite navigation with multifunction touch screen, keyless entry, alarm with tow away protection and motion sensor, premium leather and much more.

Below Watch: The supercharged S-Type R joined the lineup in 2002 t compete with BMW's M5 and the Mercedes E55 AMG. The R was powered by the newly revised hand-built 4.2-Litre V8 with an Eaton M112 supercharger, producing 400 bhp and could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. The top speed was limited to 155 mph. It included 18-inch alloy wheels, wire-mesh grille, and monochromatic paint. The R also has a rear apron, side-skirts, and front apron with built-in fog-lamps, a rear spoiler, a brace located near the rear subframe, and R badging on the boot lid and both front fenders wings.

Below Watch: Jaguar promotional video following production of the all new 1961 full size Mark 10...

Below Watch: Jeremy Clarkson reviews the 1995 Jaguar X300 XJR 4L Supercharged for old Top Gear...

Below Watch: Dennis Foy reviews the 1994 Jaguar XJR X300 4L Supercharged for Performance Portfolio...