Part 5
It was well known at Jaguar that Sir William always had the final say in
any production detail. But, what may come as a surprise to some was that
prior to any launch, Lyons always had the prototype delivered to
Wappenbury Hall so he could get a final opinion from his wife, Greta.
1972 was the year that marked the end of an era. The end of the Lyons
era, for in March of that year, Sir William Lyons officially retired. It
was 50 years ago that he and Walmsley founded the company that would
become Jaguar and now, the company that was so much a part of him would
have to continue on without Lyons at the head.
Lyons' influence was still very much felt even after his departure as
his opinions were constantly sought and respected. One of his personal
goals had yet to be achieved. Lyons longed to produce a coupe version of
the XJ and even though his "dream coupe" was introduced 2 years after his
retirement, it was in every way, his creation and he spent many hours
after his retirement to make sure everything was right.
In 1970 a group headed up by Knight began work on a new sport touring
car to take the replace the aging "E-type". The XJS, with heavy styling
influence by Malcom Sayer was to be the first new Jaguar produced in the
"post Lyons" era. And although it was a Jaguar in every sense, it also
seemed to lack that certain look, that unmistakable Jaguar look that the
Lyons' cars always had. Such was the influence of the man that was
Jaguar.
In retirement, William Lyons and his wife enjoyed the country life and
tended sheep and cattle on their estate at Wappenbury. But his heart was
always with Jaguar and being only a half hours drive away from the
factory, he would motor over to the styling workshop where his opinions
were always welcomed and sought.
The 70's era under the British Leyland conglomerate will always be
remembered as Jaguar's darkest days. What, with labour troubles,
strikes, supplier problems, and a general lack of quality control, Jaguar
was lucky just to survive into the 80's.
When interviewed in 1980 by Andrew Whyte, these were some of Lyons'
reflective thoughts: "I've been retired officially for over eight years
now, of course, but I do like to take an interest," Sir William admits.
"It's been my whole life after all. Many of the people who worked for
me are still there. They know the standards that must be set to remain
successful in the motor industry. I think there are enough determined
people there, still, to keep the essential Jaguar character in the cars,
yet satisfy tomorrow's legislation worldwide. Our aim from the very
start was to give the motorist pleasure. Now, more than ever, I feel
that motoring should be a joy and not a chore. I still enjoy it. . . .My
favorite car? Well, that's not too difficult to answer. I was
determined that the XJ specification should be right. I believe it was.
I don't think I would have changed anything much if I'd been starting
again, certainly not the overall appearance-a few details here and there,
maybe-but I really do feel we established something universally pleasing.
It does seem to be standing the test of time, doesn't it?"
Five years later, in 1985 Sir William Lyons passed away and left behind
a lasting legacy. Many will remember him for being a shrewd businessman
or an autocratic boss that called everyone by their sir name. Others
will remember him for his thriftiness and still others for his personal
attention to detail. But mostly we remember him for his unique sense of
design and style and the subtle way he included a little of character
into every car he built. So while it may say Jaguar on the boot lid,
we'll know . . . it's really a Lyons car.
Bibliography
Bibliography
"Sir William; A fresh look at Jaguar's background" by Andrew Whyte;
Automobile Quarterly vol. 18 no. 4, 1980 pp. 374-387.
Jaguar: An Illustrated History of the World's Most Elegant Car by Roger
Hicks; 1989. Crescent Books.
Jaguar: History of a Classic Marque by Philip Porter;
1988. Tiger Books Intl.
Jaguar Saloon Cars by Paul Skilleter;
1988. Haynes Publ.
The Jaguar Scrapbook by Philip Porter;
1989. Haynes Publ.
Top