The Complete Book of Jaguar: Every Model Since 1935, Thorley Nigel

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 worlds most celebrated automakers. In Englands 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.