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Top Line Jag Repair 571-336-7701 Blog Archive

The History of the Jaguar

jag (courtesy of Mark B-Flickr.com)In 1922, the company that produces the highly respected vehicular machine known as Jaguar was just starting. Originally, they manufactured motorcycle side-cars only, and only later did they venture into the market for passenger cars. The original name for Jaguar was the Swallow Sidecar Company, and it was founded by Sir William Lyons. Because the name was often abbreviated as SS Company, after World War II the company officially re-branded themselves as Jaguar to exclude any acronyms that were associated with the unfavorable connotation with War-Time pains. This is their story.

The Early Years

In 1935, the name ‘Jaguar’ first appeared on a 2.5 litre Saloon sports models which included the SS 90, and the SS 100. These vehicles were the first that Jaguar produced by way of the passenger car. The company was started by two motorcycle enthusiasts who were attempting to make a name for themselves that included more than

In 1966, the company sold to the British Motor Corporation, which later became known as British Motor Holdings. In 1968, BMH merged with Leyland Motor Corporation and became British Leyland. They became nationalized in 1975.

Sports Car Success

Jaguar made a name for itself by selling a series of sports cars. These cars included the XK 120 of 1949, which then later developed into XK 140 and XK 150 as well as the E-Type of 1961. All of these were very successful and they perfectly embodied Lyons mantra “Value for Money. Jaguar’s sales slogan for many years was “Grace, Space, Pace.” This mantra was epitomized by the record sales of the MK series, and later the XJ6.

At that time, a company by the name of Pressed Steel Company Limited made all Jaguar’s bodies, leaving the installation and design of the engine and its parts up to Jaguar.

Things weren’t always smooth sailing for the young entrepreneur. Lyons drive for proper value for the money, and the current economic troubles of the time didn’t fit well together. One startling development forced Lyon to sell his company to British Motor Holdings, although he broke out from them and experienced a brief period of independence after that.

Under New Management

After the installation of a new chairman, whose name was Sir. John Egan, the prices for Jaguars went up. This chairman tackled problems like poor quality control, lagging delivery schedules, and poor productivity. He laid off one third of the 10,000 employees they had for the sake of cutting costs, and raised the general prices of the Jaguars being sold. However, this price increase was masked by the relative success American’s were experiencing on their side of the world.

Eventually, Jaguar became so successful that Ford offered to buy their shares in November of 1989. Under Ford’s management, Jaguar expanded its product line and improved their vehicles year after year. Since then, Jaguar has been a hallmark of Class A vehicles that only Jaguar can produce, and only certified Jaguar Repair Specialists can repair.

(Photo courtesy of Mark B-Flickr.com)

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Winterizing Your Car

snowcarIt’s that time of year again, and everything in your world is about to become just a bit nippier, colder, and icier! Before winter even officially started, many parts of the country have experienced biting frost, ice, and snow. Although this isn’t necessarily uncommon, it’s important to note that every year, people all over the country aren’t fully equipped to handle icy conditions, and in the long run, don’t know much about how to prepare themselves, or their car for the icy winter roads. There are, however, methods that help keep you out of danger, and because of these methods you can rest easier knowing that your chances of braving the snow and ice this winter are now leaning more in your favor.

What You Need In Your Vehicle

As far as what your vehicle holds in it, here are some things you’d do well to keep with you at all times, if possible.

Water

An Enclosed container of water in the back of your vehicle can be a good safety net for ice. Having water with you can help melt ice off of doors, tires, and handles. This can be an important factor to getting to work on time.

Ice Scrapper

Keep an ice scrapper in your car. It’s a requirement to living in icy conditions. Really, they aren’t that expensive, and they won’t take up much room at all. An ice scraper not only keeps you from danger, but you can use it to help others in need of it as well.

Lighters

With a couple lighters, you can protect yourself from the cold if there are ever any extenuating circumstances that require you to light a fire. They’re also just really handy to have.

Kitty Litter

Yes, the rumors are true. If you can keep a small bag of the stuff with you, you can use it as traction when getting yourself out of a ditch. Pretty useful stuff.

Check Your Tires

Speaking of traction, the most pivotal part of your ability to even have traction in the first place is in the condition of your tires. Be sure those four big rubber things at the corners of your vehicle have at least half a penny’s length worth of traction on them. For larger vehicles, you may need even more. It all depends on the weight distribution of the vehicle you drive. Either way, checking your tires is crucial to being at peace about any upcoming snow-driving you may be doing later in the year.

Check Your Brakes

Make sure those brakes are in good condition too! Your ABS brakes are pivotal in snowy and icy weather, and your brake pads should be in relatively new condition to handle the extra strain of stopping on a road that doesn’t grip your tires. To keep you and your family safe, those brakes have to be good BEFORE and ice storm approaches. Give reputable Jaguar professionals a call to get your brakes, tires, and fluid levels checked before the weather gets too bad this winter!

(Photo courtesy-of-Hey-Paul-Flickr)

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