This 224-page paperback book by John Gunnell is useful if you need specific product information or annual sales data, organized by year. Nestled amidst the full-color photos and data are short bursts of analysis.
Standard Catalog of Jaguar, 1946-2005
- John Gunnell; 2007
- KP Books, Iola, WI
“The British Daily Herald explained that the XK-120 was ‘the fastest ever tourer, yet as docile in heavy traffic as the most expensive and biggest saloon.’ Country Life noted that the car ‘reaches a standard of functional beauty never before achieved by a British manufacturer.’ At the time, the XK’s engine was the most powerful production unit available in Europe.” (p. 22)
“In December 1974, an investigation team began compiling an assessment of the British Leyland. In April 1975 the team made some important recommendations that included the disbanding of Jaguar’s management team and eliminating the position of chief executive of Jaguar. This provoked the immediate resignation of managing director Geoffrey Robinson, who fundamentally disagreed with Sir Don Ryder’s conclusions. Robinson felt, correctly, that such moves would destroy much of Jaguar’s individuality and identity. The managers of British-Leyland did not realize Jaguar’s sales potential and the need to preserve its individuality.” (p. 106)
(1997) “Jaguar kept production of its two new cars, the S-Type and the ‘Baby Jag’ (X400), in England. The British government committed to giving Ford $70.1 million to produce the X400 at Ford’s Halewood plant. Building the 2001 S-Type in England meant retaining 2,900 jobs there.” (p. 181)
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