September 4, 1922 represents a significant date in Jaguar history. First, it was the coming of age of a visionary young gentleman named William Lyons. Second, it was the date on which he founded the Swallow Sidecar Company together with his partner William Walmley, laying the foundations which would evolve into Jaguar.
From humble beginnings producing aluminum sidecars for motorcycles, the company has grown to become a manufacturer of luxury and sporting cars that are sold throughout the world. Along the way, the history books contain an astonishing array of iconic products, motorsport successes, design and technical innovations. From the SS100 to the E-type, Mark V to XJ, Le Mans to Daytona, monocoque construction to disc brakes – all these achievements have something in common: they were made possible by the vision and drive of one man – William Lyons.
To celebrate the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Swallow Sidecar Company, the forerunner of today’s Jaguar Cars Limited, Jaguar Heritage will host the 90th Anniversary Swallow to Jaguar Tour from September 2-9, 2012. Starting in Coventry the tour will circle round through Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Yorkshire and the Lake District before ending in Blackpool where a number of special events and activities are planned.
The Tour will accommodate 90 vehicles and is open to owners of Swallow, SS, Jaguar, Daimler or Lanchester cars of any age. If you would like to participate, please visit www.jaguarheritage.org.
