The 8 Most Influential Jaguar Models of All-Time

The Most Influential Jaguars of All Time

What started out as a small company in England that would produce motorcycle sidecars would soon become one of the most influential car manufacturers of all-time. Jaguar can trace their roots as a brand to 1922 when they were known as the Swallow Sidecar Company. This would then turn into to S.S. Cars before the brand changed its name again to Jaguar in 1945. Jaguar has certainly had their ups and downs as a brand, and while many of their cars are notoriously known for their reliability issues, they are still a favorite among many today. The company has produced a great range of incredible vehicle over the years, and of their extensive portfolio, a few models in particular stand out as some of the best. We are going to take a look at 8 of the most influential Jaguar models of all-time, all of which are exceptional vehicles. So, which one’s are your favorite?

Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for Jaguar

Jaguar XKSS

8. The XKSS

In the 1950’s Jaguar created the D-Type which was a race car that quickly dominated the racing scene. The vehicle saw immense levels of success, so Jaguar decided to make a street-legal version in 1957 that is known as the XKSS. With it’s great looks and the vehicles desirable DOHC inline six-cylinder engine, the car was an immediate hit. The XKSS was essentially and instant classic, and it remains to be one of the most loved Jaguars to date. Steve McQueen also personally drove one, so that’s pretty cool too.

Photo from Marty B/Flickr 

Jaguar Mark IV

7. The Mark IV

Before World War II and when Jaguar was known as S.S. Cars, they produced a series of iconic saloon cars. After the war and when they changed their name to Jaguar, they continued to produce these cars, this time branded as the Mark IV. The Mark IV came in a variety of different configurations, offering 1.5 to 3.5-liter engines. It was with these cars that Jaguar were able to position themselves as a higher-end, luxury automobile manufacturer and the Mark IV remains as one of the most iconic Jaguars ever.

Photo from Steve Glover/Flickr

jaguar xj x350

6. The XJ (X350)

Jaguar’s XJ line is extensive and it contains some of their best vehicles, however the XJ really came into its own with the X350 version that was released in 2003. The vehicle is a large, four-door luxury vehicle that came with either a V6 or a V8 engine. It aimed to offer the “complete” package (looks, features, performance), and it was an all-around great car. It’s still one of the most popular Jags, and even though production ceased in 2006, you will still see many of the X350’s on the road today.

Photo from nakhon100/Flickr

Jaguar  XJ220

5. The XJ220

Believe it or not, Jaguar actually dabbled into the world of supercars. Despite the brand being known for their luxury saloon cars and coupes, in 1992 they created the XJ220. Jaguar wanted to create a vehicle that was reminiscent of their Le Mans days, so they came up with this car. With it’s 3.5-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 engine and it’s cool looks, the XJ220 was certainly an attractive car. When it came out in 1992, it actually was the fastest production car of all-time as it was able to achieve speeds of 213 mph. No one saw that coming.

Photo from Jaguar

Jaguar D-tpe

4. The D-Type

Produced from 1954 to 1957, the Jaguar D-Type was a sports racing car that the brand developed. With it’s unique body at their XK straight-six engine, the D-Type was a formidable racing car at the time. Jaguar produced around 18 of these vehicles for racing teams, and it has remained to be their most successful race car to this day. The D-Type managed to secure a variety of wins for Jaguar, including the overall victory at the 1955, 1956, and 1957 24 Hours of Le Mans. In the 1957 race, the D-Type was used by the top four drivers overall. So yeah, it was a pretty great car.

Photo from Brian Snelson/Flickr

Jaguar XJ6

3. The XJ6

Also known as the XJ Series 1, the XJ6 was the first vehicle produced by Jaguar in their iconic XJ line. The vehicle initially came out in 1968, and it set the standard for large, luxury saloon cars. Considered by many to be one of the best cars from Jaguar, the XJ6 was the car that popularized Jaguar’s flagship vehicle. The XJ6 lives on today in the current XJ model, but this was the car that started it all.

Photo from pyntofmyld/Flickr

Jaguar F-Type R

2. The F-Type R

In 2013, Jaguar wanted to return to the world of 2-seater sports cars, so they created the F-Type. Since then they have made a few different versions with the current F-Type R being the best one yet. With it’s supercharged V8 engine that delivers 550 hp, this is currently the fastest, highest-performing Jaguar that you can buy. 0 to 60 mph is achieved in 3.9 seconds, and with a top speed of 186 mph, the F-Type R is objectively a great vehicle. It also looks really good as well.

Photo from Jaguar 

jaguar e-type

1. The E-Type

Were you honestly expecting anything else at the number one spot? Of course we have the E-Type ranked as the most influential Jaguar. First released in 1961, the E-Type is a two-seater sports car that quickly became the most loved Jaguar model of all-time. Consider by many to be the most beautiful car ever made, the E-Type is certainly a great vehicle. Sure it had issues and it needed repairs often, however no other Jaguar is as famous or iconic as the E-Type.

Photo by Oli Scarff/Getty Images

Written by Sebastian Hensiek

From Philadelphia, Sebastian is a fan of music, writing, art, and entertainment.