Jaguar car books - history and models (3/5)

Jaguar in Coventry : Building the Legend

Jaguar is one of the most iconic car manufacturers in Britain, with a history dating back to 1928. This illustrated book provides a detailed look at both the company and the city of Coventry, where it has been a key part of life. It covers the changing fortunes of the company at its Browns Lane factory and offers an in-depth exploration of how car production techniques have developed over time.
Additionally, the book provides a personal view of the local community that has relied on Jaguar for their livelihoods across generations.

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Jaguar from the shop floor : Foleshill Road and Browns Lane 1949 to 1978

In this book, Brian Martin shares his personal experiences as a long-time employee at Jaguar, offering a firsthand account of the development and production processes at the factory. The author provides insights into the highs and lows of factory life, seen through the eyes of someone who was there from the beginning.

Part autobiography, part history, Martin reflects on his childhood in a working-class family during the Depression era. He describes his career, starting at Jaguar in 1949, his national service in the RAF, and his return to Jaguar after his time in the military. Though he left briefly in 1972 for other work, he returned to Jaguar in the mid-1970s.

The book delves into the Jaguar production process and covers the development of key models such as the XK120, Mk V, Mk VII, MK X, Mark 1 and 2 saloons, XKSS, E1A, E2A, lightweight E-types, XJ6, XJ12, and XJS, providing a rare insider's perspective on the brand's iconic cars.

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A Life in Car Design - Jaguar, Lotus, TVR

This book offers a unique perspective on automotive design and project development, covering nearly 50 years of industry experience with companies such as Jaguar, Lotus, TVR, and General Motors.

The author shares insights into the evolution of car design, from the shift to metric measurements to the increasing role of computers in improving precision and quality. The book explores the challenges of meeting project goals, the obstacles that can arise, and untold stories from within the industry. Illustrated with historical engineering drawings and photographs, it provides valuable information for automotive enthusiasts and aims to inspire future designers.

Key topics include:
- A firsthand look at car design from within the industry
- The author's work with industry leaders like Sir William Lyons (Jaguar), Colin Chapman (Lotus), and Martin Lilley (TVR)
- Observing design processes at ItalDesign, Turin, under Giorgetto Giugiaro
- Collaborating with Chinese companies to develop cultural understanding in automotive design
- Creating new designs under strict time and budget constraints
- Developing project processes for low-volume cars at GM USA
- Working with Toyota Japan and learning from their industry approach
- Extensive experience in car safety and airbag development

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