Description
By James Taylor, Hardbound, 173 Pages, ISBN: 9781852239893, 1st Edition, 1996
- second hand copy in excellent condition
The Jaguar S-type and later 420 model marked the first real evolution of the company into the world famous manufacturer of luxury saloons that it is today. Launched in 1963, the S-type followed the big Mk X saloon of 1961, and was further confirmation that luxury and refinement were becoming more important to Jaguar than sporting qualities. The carefully developed sporting image derived from over three decades of SS and Jaguar sports cars was gradually being replaced in their new saloon models.
The changes in attitude at Jaguar and in the expectations of the buying public would most obviously be demonstrated in the new model range of the early 1960s, so the S-type was a natural combination of luxury and fine handling in a saloon. Remarkably, though it was still produced and sold at the same excellent value for money that all Jaguars traditionally were, a considerable achievement that other manufacturers could not match. And yet the styling of the S-type was not immediately seen as a success, in part because it fell mid-way between the curvaceous Mk 2s and the almost angular look of the big Mk X. The later 420 model, however, was more of a success in creating a common style for the. mid-range saloons.
Experienced motoring historian James Taylor charts the complete design and production history of these cars in this fascinating book. As well as detailing the company background of Jaguar and the varied social influences affecting their designs in the 1960s, the author describes the full development process that led to the S-type — its basis of the Mk 2 monocoque bodyshell and the decision to use only 3.4 and 3.8 litre versions of the trusted XK engine. The story is also completed with the companion 420 and Daimler Sovereign models, as well as details of the cars' history in America.
With superb specially commissioned and archive photography, special feature panels on key personalities in Jaguar history and full data specifications for each model, this is essential reading for all fans of these important classic Jaguars.
