Have you ever wondered where Jaguars were made or how long it takes for one to make it along the production line? We thought it was about time we answered those niggling questions you may have about our favourite car brand.
Manager Graham and Assistant Manager James took the floor to answer your questions:
Which Jaguar has the fastest production speed?
As always with anything Jaguar, this is not a straight forward question to answer. Depending on your point of view it will either be the recently crowned F-Type SVR capable of over 200MPH or the 1990’s supercar, the XJ220 standing at 213 MPH. So why the debate? Simple: the F-Type is all Jaguar, built in house using their very sexy sounding SVO (Special Vehicle Operations) unit. The XJ220 was a collaboration between Jaguar and TWR (Tom Walkinshaw Racing), so not technically 100% Jaguar. In other words, we will leave you to decide on what is the best answer!
How many Jaguar models have been made?
Since Jaguar started production there have been 40 models produced. If you include the models produced before the name changed to Jaguar in 1945, then it becomes 44. The longest serving name has been the XJ, first brought into being in 1968, which has gone through 9 incarnations since then.
Has Jaguar ever scrapped a design?
Yes, more than once. They have been close to producing a number of cars before deciding against it. Recent examples include the R-D6, a diesel powered compact coupe, but more disappointingly, the C-X75. This car had a concept that blew the motor world away with its engineering and styling, even starring in the latest James Bond “Spectre”. However, after announcing it would be made, the model quietly disappeared into the background and left a production hole for all us Jaguar fans.
What is the most expensive Jaguar?
The most expensive production Jaguar was the XJ220 which was initially marketed at £403,000.
What is the XJ13?
The XJ13 is a one off, mid 1960’s prototype race car. It was designed by Jaguars Malcolm Sayer to challenge for the Le Mans 24 hour race. It has been referred to as one of the most beautiful race cars ever designed. Sadly, as Jaguar was being merged with the British Motor Corporation in 1966, the project was shelved.
A small team, including Norman Dewis, really believed in the car and were keen to test it. However Sir William Lyons got wind of these plans and told them that on no account must the car be driven, not even around the factory.
However to Norman and Mike Kimberley, the temptation to try the car was too great to resist. One Sunday, 3-4 weeks later, they “discreetly” took it to MIRA for a mornings testing. Unfortunately they weren’t discreet enough and Sir William called Norman to his office and where he received a severe verbal punishment. Norman used the excuse that he thought the ban was only for a week! Just before dismissing Norman from his office he said: “Well Dewis – how did it go?”
Despite suspension issues Norman said he managed 155mph, which was quicker than the D-type. Norman asked Sir William if he could carry on testing it. He was not allowed. But as a bonus, Sir William added that if he tested it on Sunday it wouldn’t interfere with his work as much…
Where are Jaguars made?
Jaguar cars were historically built in the Coventry area of the UK. However in recent years, this operation has expanded after major investment from Tata. Jaguars are now built mainly in the UK at four sites; Castle Bromwich, Solihull, Halewood and Wolverhampton. Other plants are due to come online in China, Brazil and Slovakia.
How long does it take a Jaguar to go through the production line?
Currently Jaguar can produce a car every 45 seconds, 24 hours per day!
Celebrity owners?
David Beckham, Dita Von Teese, Harry Styles (One direction), Andy Murray, Chris Froome, Jay Leno (not sure what he doesn’t own), Clint Eastwood, Kate Moss, Steve McQueen, Elton John
Famous Jaguars?
To an enthusiast the only answer is all of them!
Over the years those cars that did well in motorsport became the most acknowledged. The XK120 reg NUB 120 won three Alpine Rallies, (with no penalties), in the hands of Ian Appleyard, and was immortalised in Jaguar history. The Le Mans winning D-types are icons. The XJ13 is loved for its beauty and what might have been. The Morse Mark 2, the 2nd E-type made, 77 RW, for its famous run to Geneva in 1961, The Queen Mothers Mark Vll, 464 HYV. The XJ220 is famous for being the car to spawn the supercar trend.
The first Jaguar to sell for more than £10,000,000 will be the next star
How many parts make an E-Type/MK2/XK150?
No idea!!
Do you have a burning question for us at the JEC? We can’t guarantee we’ll know the answer but we’ll certainly do our best to answer! Head to our Facebook or Twitter and post a question on our page.
