Book Reviews

Title: Jaguar the Enduring Legend Author: Edited by John Phillips Publisher: Smithmark Publishers, New York, 1991 ISBN: 0 831751274 Format: Extra Oversize, color, 160 pages, 150 photos Reviewed by: M. Frank One of my favorite coffee table books. This is a history of the Jaguar marque, from the Austin Swallow to the XJ40. The history, by the author's own admission, is lightweight, meant more for entertainment that documentary value. The real charm of this book are the amazing photographs....detailed, large format, full color pictures of most Jaguar and SS models. The photos are largely schoolboy-dream exterior shots, with a few detailed engine bay shots. If you only own one Jag book, this is probably not it, but it is a book sure to entertain and please the serious collector.

Title: Jaguar Author: Paul Skilleter Publisher: Grange Books, London, 1993 ISBN: 1 85627 24 6 Format: Oversize, color, 70 pages, about 80 photos Reviewed by: M. Frank Another coffee table book. A brief history of the company, from inception thru the 1990's. No surprises in the text. Many fine exterior photos, a few engine bays....a familiar format. Not recommeded.

Title: Refining the Sports Car: Jaguar's E-Type Author: Museum of Modern Art, New York Publisher: Museum of Modern Art, New York, 1996 ISBN: None Format: Pamphlet, color, 16 pages, 13 photos Reviewed by: M. Frank This is the handout from the Museum's induction of the E-Type into the permanent collection. It is a loving little biography of everyone's favorite car. The few photos are really well chosen, including half-tone styling studies, prototype cars, and pages from Malcom Sayer's journal. Also a few shots of the Museum's perfect show car. This will be a rarity, so if you can get to the Museum, get a copy. If you can't, write them and see if they will mail you a copy. Well worth having.

Title: Announcing the Official Precision Replica of the Ultimate Jaguar Classic. Author: Franklin Mint, Philadelphia Publisher: Franklin Mint, Philadelphia, 1996 ISBN: None Format: Flyer, color, 6 pages, 9 photos Reviewed by: M. Frank This is the advertising flyer for the Franklin Mint's E-Type Coupe model. It contains a brief history of the car and technical specifications. The photos are close ups of the Franklin mint model, which look almost like the real thing. If you are near one of the Franklin Mint mall stores, you can get this one for free, and it is a nice to have.

Title: Original Jaguar E-Type Author: Phillip Porter ISBN:1 870979 12 5 Publisher: Bay View Boooks LTD Bideford, Devon, England, 1994 Format: Oversize, color, 95 pages, about 110 photos Reviewed by: M. Frank This attempts to provide detailed photographic documentation for the restorer. While it has many beautiful and detailed photos, it falls short of being a comprehensive restoration reference. This is especially disappointing since the author is perhaps the foremost authority in the world on this subject. The text concentrates on documenting the 'correct' appearance of original E's of all three and a half vintages. But it leaves much ambiguity and confusion. For example, in the section on Series 1 front suspension, the text reads "The dampers were finished in Girling blue." The photo of the "original" suspension directly opposite has Koni red dampers. The photos are beautiful, but IMHO, these cars are all over-restored, and not reference examples. Information on production changes, manufactured quantities, and technical specs. A good book to have, but not the first to put on the shelf.

Title: Jaguar: The Complete Works Author: Nigel Thoreley Publisher: Bay View Books, LTD, Bideford, Devon, England, 1996 ISBN: 1 870979 69 9 Format: Slightly oversize, color, 160 pages, About 210 photos Reviewed by: M. Frank This book is a serious history of Jaguar and SS. It has a chapter devoted to each of the major models, with details of history, manufacturing, and specification. Many excellent photos, including some shots of the assembly line, and a photo of the aftermath of the 1957 fire. Shouldn't be your only book, but it works on the coffee table.

Title: Jaguar 6 Cylinder Engine Overhaul Author: Jaguar World Publisher: Kelsey Publishing LTD, Beckenham, Kent, England, 1995 ISBN: 1 873098 32 4 Format: Oversize, soft cover, color, 86 pages, about 250 photos Reviewed by: M. Frank This is a how-to-do-it book. It is a compendium of Jaguar World serialized articles on the subject. Step by step we are led thru the removal, strip down and rebuilding of the XK engine. Operations are photgraphically documented in excruciating detail. Also covered are the independent rear suspension unit, and SU carburetors. A must have book, if you plan to do it yourself.

Title: E-Type Jaguar Restoration Author: Pracical Classics Publisher: Kelsey Publishing LTD, Beckenham, Kent, England, 1991 ISBN: 1873098 03 0 Format: Oversize, softcover, color, 106 pages, about 300 photos Reviewed by: M. Frank Another do-it-yourself book from Kelsey. This time, an awful E-Type is restored to near perfection. The book attempts to follow the ground up every step of the way, but the task is so huge, that many details are missed. For example, carpets and trim are glossed over, yet an excruciatingly detailed description is given of how a cracked engine block was repaired. I would bet that many of us have replaced all or part of an interior, but not one of us has attempted to weld a block. Still, a must have book, if you are seriously into restoring it on your own.

Title: Jaguar 4.2 Litre 'E' Type Series 2 Operating, Maintenance and Service Handbook Author: Jaguar Cars Publisher: Jaguar Cars LTD Coventry, England (reproduced 1995) ISBN: none Format: pamphlet, black and white, 80 pages, about 120 drawings and photos Reviewed by: M. Frank The handbook that came with the car. All the obvious stuff. The Repro edition comes with two handy wall charts: a complete electrical schematic, and a lubrication guide. If you have the car, of course you should have a copy. Repros are sold thru all the major Jag dealers.

Title: SU Carburetters Tuning Tips & Techniques Author: G R Wade Publisher: Brooklands Books, LTD, Cobham, Surrey, England 1994 ISBN: 1 85520 2557 Format: Regular size, softcover, black and white, 190 pages, about 150 line drawings Reviewed by: M. Frank Detailed information on SU Carburettors. This includes, history, design, tuning, rebuilding and trouble shooting. Tables of needle applications and piston spring specs. The definitive reference book on the subject. How to select a needle, rebuild your carbs, etc. Bonus: similar information on SU fuel pumps. If you have an SU, you need this book. Stromberg owners may also find the general discussion of constant-depression carbs useful.

Title: Jaguar Driver's Book Author: James Ruppert Publisher: Haynes Publications, Inc New York 1990 ISBN: 0 85429 626 3 Format: Standard size, hardcover, black and white, 60 pages, about 200 photos Reviewed by: M. Frank This is an odd book, written by a British journalist. It is a little bit of history, a little bit of anecdote, some statistics, and other stuff.... The other stuff includes Jaguar crossword puzzles, riddles, and jokes. A fair number of pages are devoted to 'specials': one off Jags by the factory, stretch limos, styling exercises by some of the best coachbuilders. Chapters of Jag stories, how-to-buy, factory photos, and celebrity Jags round out this unusual book. Summary: summarize the best of Jag-lovers, add some excellent, one of a kind, black and white photos, and you have this book. Very diverting. Excerpt: "In 1964.....recieved an interesting present form his Mexican suppliers. They were grateful for his orders over the years, and had noticed that he always showed interest in their Mark 2......" " ....Flight 888 had its usual cargo of fresh fruit, and its unusual cargo of a very well used Mark 2 Jaguar. But the Dakota aircraft was starting to have trouble......Of course, the Jaguar was one of the first things out the cargo door....." "....1974, a party of scientists....came across a curious sight...in the middle of a tropical rain forest. An almost perfectly restored Mark 2 Jaguar. It had been placed on a raised platform and was surrounded by fruit and orchids...." "....an interpreter discovered that the Jaguar was a focal point of worship. The real jaguar had always been respected by the Indians, and they recognized the mascot on the bonnet. And anyway when it had arrived in the forest, so had a bumper crop of fresh fruit which meant it brought good luck......" ".....denseness of the trees broke the Jaguar's fall....Indians were excellent craftsmen...repairing and panel beating the damaged areas wasn't a problem..." ".....The American team left the Jaguar where it was. However, this ad appeared in a British newspaper recently....." "Jaguar Mk2 Stored in S.America for 20 years. Ex cond, w/w, fsh worshipped, offers.."

Title: Jaguar XK-E 1961-1975 Author: Walter Zeichner Publisher: Schiffer Publishing, West Chester, Pennsylvania, 1990 ISBN: 0-88740-247 x Note: Also available in German, ISBN 3-922617-42-5, HandelsGmbH, Munchen Format: Standard size, edge bound, 92 pages, 100 photos. Some color photos Reviewed by: M. Frank This is not a book as much as a collection. The text is only a couple of pages long. The balance of the book consists of reproductions of original advertising literature, magazine articles, and press photos. Included are most of the advertising brochures for the E-Type. The original 1961 brochure is reproduced in full color. A handy book for the E-lover.

Title:Jaguar: The Definitive History of a Great British Car Author: Andrew Whyte Publisher: Patrick Stephens Ltd (Haynes), Sparkford, Nr Yeovil, Somerset, England 1994 ISBN: 1 85260 474 3 Format: Standard size, black and white, 290 pages, about 200 photos Reviewed by: M. Frank This book should be familiar to every Jag lover. Whyte had a long association with Jaguar, and was on the scene for many of the important turning points in the company history. This well written book is the story Jaguar and the people behind the company, told as only an insider can tell it. Especially detailed are the sections describing the origins and early years of SS production....a wonderful book, worth a place on your bookshelf. The book includes two forwards by William Lyons, and one by Paul Skilleter. Many unique black and white photos, especially of prewar Jags, and factory shots.

Title: The Jaguar E-Type, A Collectors Guide Author: Paul Skilleter Publisher: Paul Skilleter and Motor Racing Publicactions, Ltd, Croydon, England 1986 ISBN: 0 947981 15 2 Format: Standard size, edge bound, 128 pages, about 150 B&W photos Reviewed by: M. Frank A little history of the E-Type, including origins, development, and racing history. Tips on buying and maintenance. Specifications. Photos are excellent, including construction details, engine bays, and racing scenes. Not the best or most complete book on the subject, but certainly adequate and accurate.

Reviewed by: Gordon Johnson Collectors guide to all types of E's. Background, design history, tech specs, competition history (with a chapter dedicated to the lightweight E-Types, all 12 of them), and buying tips. Skilleter uses a concise, spare, well-organized chronology rather than a narrative of personal recollections. He makes a good effort to document the important changes to the production line without getting into minutiae. He includes five appendices, the most useful of which is "Engineering changes - by model, date and number" broken down for fhd, ots, 2p2, rhd, and lhd. Though it's one of the smallest, his is the book I reach for first whenever a question comes up about "What year did Jaguar...."

Title: Jaguar E-Type Author: Matthew L. Stone Publisher: Motorbooks International Osceola, WI, USA, 1995 ISBN: 0 7603 0071 2 Format: Somewhat oversize, Paperback, full color, 128 pages, about 140 photos Reviewed by: M. Frank An XKE-lover tells the story of the car he loves. This is not the most comprehensive history, nor will you find any inside information. Instead, this book is a credible and accurate history of the car and it's development. A few first-hand driving impressions are thrown in. The real value of this book is the photography. Many new color photos are mixed in with period pictures. Perhaps the most interesting photo in the book is a full page color photo of the E-Type assembly line taken in 1966! Summary: a decent history, great photos.

Title: Jaguar E-Type 3.8 & 4.2 6-cylinder;5.3 V12 Author: Denis Jenkinson Publisher: Osprey Publishing LTD, London 1982 ISBN: 0 85045 437 9 Format: Standard size, hardcover, black and white, 134 pages, 100 photos Reviewed by: M. Frank Jenkinson as a motor sport journalist in the 50's and 60's. He himself drove a sucession of classic sports cars, and during the 60's became the quintisential Jag nut. His first car was a Series I coupe, which he eventually replaced with a Series II OTS. This little book is a semi-autobiographical discussion of his experience with these cars. If you ever wondered what it was like to buy an E, and drive it fresh out of the dealer's. Or to drive it on Continental roadways with no speed limits. Or to take an E-type thru the Alps, this is the book for you. It should be titled 'two hundred thousand miles in an E-Type.' One unusual phot sequence shows the custom-made tonneau cover he had made up for the OTS. I am not aware of any other photos of a tonneau.

Title: The Import Book Author: Larry Smith Publisher: Larry Smith Associates, Los Gatos, CA, USA, 1985 ISBN: 0 931741 00 9 Format: Slightly oversize, paperback, 101 pages Reviewed by: M. Frank The United States has some of the world's toughest restrictions on automobile. Importing a car means meeting these strict requirements. For a while during the 1980's, there was a substantial premium charged by automobile companies importing to the states. Inevitably, a 'grey market' developed, where people were importing automobiles themselves and modifying them to comply to US regulations. While the economics has killed the grey market, some of us are car shopping overseas, and may still be considering importing. This book is a how-to book of automobile importing. It enumerates all the rules and regs, and gives samples of completed forms. I don't know if it is still available, or if it has been updated, but if you are considering importing, you need this book. If I may summarize the book in a sentence: Importing a car built before safety and emissions regulations is easy, otherwise, prepare for pain.

Title: Jaguar The Complete Illustrated History Autor: Philip Porter Publisher: GT Foulis, Sparkford, near Yeovil, Somerset, England, 1995 ISBN: 0 85429 962 9 Format: Slightly oversize, hardcover, 190 pages, 350 photos Reviewed by: M. Frank This is Philip Porter's first book, and a fine first effort it is. A comprehensive history of Jaguar from Swallow to XJ220. Forword by William Lyons. One large chapter is devoted to Jaguar's racing history, which is treated in some depth. There is also a chapter on styling. Among the illustrations is a color section which includes period color photos of a number of SS cars! If you only have room on the shelf for one Jaguar history, this is it.

Title: Jaguar E-Type Gold Portfolio 1961-1971 Author: RM Clarke Publisher: Brooklands, SSurrey, Kent, England 1995 Format: Slightly oversize, paperback, 180 pages, 300 b&w photos Reviewed by: M. Frank This is a collection of contemporary reviews of the E-Type. The fifty+ articles are boringly consistent in praising the car, except for the Moss box or a comment here and there about brakes. If you check out your favorite newsstand, the odds are that this month, some magazine, somewhere is reviewing the E-Type. Now as then, the writer will praise the car, condemn the transmission, and remark on it's crumpet catching potential. It's hard to find anything new to say, but every writer who drives the car has to say it.

Title: Illustrated Jaguar Buyers Guide. Author: Michael L Cook Publisher: Motorbooks Int'l, Osceola, Wi, USA, 1996 ISBN: 0 7603 0179 7 Format: Slightly oversize, paper back, 160 pages, about 140 B&W photos Reviewed by: M. Frank This book is really just another history of Jaguar cars, from the beginnings to XK8. The emphasis is on collector value, and most of the text is oriented towards model identification. Production statistics are included for all cars. The chapters are devoted to various vehicle families: E-Types, XJS's, XJ6's, etc. The chapters are preceded with a 'investment' rating, on a scale from 1 to 5. This is a very subjective rating, and I take exception to many of the ratings. For example, E-Type 2+2's are rated 1 or 2, depending on equipment options. This suggests that they have less collector value than, say, '61 DeSotos. A rating of 1, in fact, means no collector value. I will spare XJ6 owners the trauma of revealing the rating on these cars... Look, you know what the car you are driving means to you, and that's all that counts. If you are looking for a guide to what to drive, just join Jag-lovers, and solicit a few appropriately biased comments. No thank you, Mr. Cook. Really!

" Great Marques - Jaguar" Chris Harvey, Author Foreword by Sterling Moss First published in 1982 by Octopus Books Limited, 59 Grosvenor Street, London, W1 ISBN 0 7064 1687 2 The book has 80 pages with 78 colour photos, including a beautiful 1939 SS100 . Recounts history from Swallow to Jaguar XJ-S and includes a chapter on the "Glory Years" of racing. Cheers Roy Crick, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

From: southern@sol.cgd.ucar.EDU (Lawrence Buja) Date: Mon, 16 Dec 1996 11:03:52 -0700 (MST) Subject: Review: Jaguar Driver Technical Tips. An essential book for Jaguar mechanics. Below is a review of Jaguar Driver Technical Tips by Bob Bate. It's been a real mystery to me why this book has never been mentioned in Jag-lovers. It's an _unbelieveable_ gold-mine of Jaguar information. If anyone is cataloging the book reviews, please add it to the list with a * indicating that it is a "must have" /\ Lawrence Buja http://www.cgd.ucar.edu/cms/southern/ \_][ southern@ncar.ucar.edu National Center for Atmospheric Research \_________________________Boulder,_Colorado___80307-3000__________ Jaguar Driver Technical Tips Bob Bate Technical Tips is a huge collection of tech articles published in the Jaguar Driver Club magazine by a professional Jaguar mechanic. It is about 500 pages long and covers an immense range of topics all related to the real-world operation, diagnosis and repair of Jaguar automobiles. Basically, this book is an incredible gold-mine of Jaguar information. I won't even attempt to catalog the hundreds of topics which are covered. From Jaguar engines, drivetrains and suspensions, thru the cooling, brake, and electrical systems, to the complexities of the modern (pub 1990) climate control setup, just about anything you need to know about your Jaguar is explained and dissected plainly and clearly. The focus is primarily on the 60's thru 80's years, but the information applies to almost the entire range of the postwar Jaguars. Sometimes an item is simply explained, other times it's introduced as a mystery: Our customer drove her Jaguar into the shop with the following symptoms. This is how we diagnosed the problem (sometimes going down the wrong path) and this is how we fixed it. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Anyone considering working on their own Jag MUST have this book. Anyone who doesn't want to get ripped off by a high-priced mechanic should get this book. Written in a down-home style very similar to the posts on Jag-lovers, it adds whole other dimension to the dry and all too often static descriptions given in regular Jaguar repair manuals. Unfortunately, I received the book as a gift and I don't know of a US publisher for this book. If anyone has a lead on it, please post it. I'm sure you could order it thru the Jaguar Driver's Club (I think they've got a web page). This is the publishing information in the front cover: Jaguar Driver Technical Tips Bob Bate (1990) R.G.Bate Publishing, 501 Cleveland St, Birkenhead, Merseyside England

Title: Jaguar E-Type The Definitive History Author: Philip Porter (forword by Briggs Cunningham) Publisher: Automobile Quarterly (USA), Haynes (England) 1989 ISBN: 0 91503875 7 Format: Oversize, hardcover, 708 pages, about 1000 b&w photos, 100 color Reviewed by: M. Frank This is the book. It is big, well written, fanatically researched, and well illustrated. The book is what the title says: definitive. The story of the E's development, from the C-type and D-type to early prototypes to the Geneva introduction is presented first. This section includes many interesting quotes and anecdotes from Jaguar luminaries. The text includes interesting results from early proving ground testing. From this beginning, Porter continues with a good history of early E-Type racing efforts, including the design and development of the lightweights. The story continues with the evolution of the Type II and Type III cars, and more racing anecdotes. Some interesting observations about the 2+2's development are included. Rare quotes add insight to the story. The book concludes with a huge appendix, which includes specifications, production figures, exports by country, and racing results. The photos are truly comprehensive. Not only the familiar exterior shots, but racing photos, factory styling studies, photos of Sayer's wind tunnel tests, factory shots, and cutawway views are included. If you have an E-Type, long for an E-Type, or even if you are just a general car buff, this book is a must have. There is no other source so complete, authoritative, or well illustrated as this! Pricey, but well worth it (still 9 shopping days left!).

Title: Jaguar in America Author: John Dugdale Publisher: Britbooks Otego, NY 1993 ISBN: 0 9635618 0 4 Format: Slightly oversize, hardcover, 270 pages, about 300 photos, some in color Reviewed by: M. Frank There are many books which discuss Jaguar history. There are many that talk about mechanics. There are even some that talk about Jaguar personalities. This is the only book I know of which discusses Jaguar from a marketing perspective, especially focusing on North America. The author began his career as a journalist with The Autocar. In 1950 he came to America as part of the marketing team for Rootes, eventually joining Jaguar (1954) and rising to a prominent position in the Jaguar Cars American operation. He talks about what it was like to market British cars in the late 40's and 50's, and gives many rare insights into the ways that American demand influenced Jaguars designs. He discusses how Jaguar's racing efforts were intertwined with sales strategies. How products were planned, advertised, and sold. This is also the only authoritative reference I have found on Jaguar in Mexico. The photos include many standard shots of cars and factories. But there are many, many unusual pics, including advertising literature, pictures of American Jaguar executives, pictures of automobile show booths, and celebrity owners. Graphs and charts illustrating the birth, glory years, and twilight of Britcar sales in the US. A gem.

Title: Jaguar E-Type Six Cylinder Restoration and Originality Guide Author: Dr. Thomas F. Haddock Publisher: Motorbooks International, Osceola, WI, USA 1991 Format: Slightly oversize, paperback, 224 pages, about 400 b&w photos Reviewed by: M. Frank This is an exhaustive examination of E-Type minutiae, for the serious restorer. All Six cylinder cars are addressed. System by system, in meticulous detail, the 'correct' characteristics of each component are described, and photographically recorded, if possible. This is the best source of detailing information I have seen for a_n_y car. The cars photographed are clearly untouched originals, and a bit of grunginess is tolerated in the interest of accuracy. This book is what Porter's 'Original Jaguar E-Type' wants to be, but isn't. A must have book for any E-type restorer.

Title: Jaguar Author: Lord Montagu of Beaulieu Publisher: Quiller Press, London 1990 ISBN: 1 870948 46 7 Format: Oversize, hardcover, 267 pages, about 300 b&w photos, about 20 color photos Reviewed by: M. Frank General history of Jaguar form SS to XJ220. This is a very comprehensive text. It is especially detailed with regard to Jaguar racing history. For example, how many remember that an XJS piloted by Dave Heinz and Dave Yarborough won the 1979 Cannonball Run? (A totally illegal cross country race here in the US- the objective being to drive coast-to-coast in minimal time, on ordinary roads, with no police cooperation). It's all in here. The author is a world-class automotive enthusiast, being the sponsor of the Montagu Motor Museum. His Oxford education is evident: the book is exceptionally well written, and a genuine pleasure to read. He is the hobbyist we all long to be, and I think we should offer him an honorary membership in jag-lovers (after all-it costs nothing). The photos include the usual documentary shots, but especially interesting is the rich collection of racing photos. I am convinced that many of these were shot by the author himself, as I don't recall seeing them published elsewhere. Expensive, but a classic on the subject.

Title: The Jaguar Scrapbook Author: Philip Porter Publisher: Haynes Publications, Inc (Foulis), Newbury Park CA 91320, 1989 ISBN: 0-85429-744-8 Format: Slightly oversize, hardcover, 168 Pages, About 250 Photos, some in color Reviewed by: M. Frank Philip Porter is one of the greatest living experts on Jaguar history. He has published at least five or six outstanding books on the subject. In the process of writing all of those books, he has evidently amassed quite a bit of Jaguar material and trivia which has, up until this book, found no home. This book is a collection of the odd bits and pieces of Philip Porter's research. Transcripts of interviews with works drivers, machinists, upholsterers, and accountants. Copies of Bill Lyon's interoffice memos. Malcolm Sayer's abortive plans for a GP racer. Sales literature for the C, D, and XKSS cars. You find all of these odds and ends in here. One illustration which I found particularly amusing was a 1958 ad from a Jag dealer in Manchester. He advertised a "D Type 3.4 Litre. Brand New Nearly L1,000 under list. List price L3,879. OUR PRICE L2,995. This colossal reduction is possible because the car has been on showroom exhibition. NEVER BEEN RACED OR USED. ....... A chance of a lifetime to acquire a magnificentsports-racing car in British racing green at -remember- nearly L1,000 under list." Highly Recommended.

Title: Jaguar Sports Racing Cars Author: Philip Porter Publisher: Bayview Books, Bideford, Devon, UK, 1995 ISBN: 1 870979 67 2 Format: Oversize, hardcover, 176 pages, about 300 photos, some color. Reviewed by: M. Frank Philip Porter's comprehensive history of Jaguar's post-WW2 racing history. from XK 120 to XJ13, the story of Jaguar's works cars is related. Interesting quotes, great racing photos, and eyewitness accounts bring home the excitement of the evolving legend. The exposition for each of the major works cars is broken down into design and development, followed by a complete description of the engineering details, and finishing with racing history. There are few books on this subject as comprehensive and well written.

Title: Jaguar V-12 E-Type Guide to Authenticity Author: Richard T. Russ Publisher: Spirit Press & Publications, Del City, OK, USA 1991 ISBN: 0 9629958 0 0 Format: Oversize, hardcover, 187 pages, about 250 photos, most in color. Reviewed by: M. Frank Not too long ago, good V12 E-Types were going for megabucks. (I suppose they are still expensive). This book was written for the collector in pursuit of the perfect Jaguar. The cars used to illustrate the text are low mileage originals. Low miles is an understatement. At 2800 miles, 698 miles, and 90 miles, I would say that these are, essentially, new cars. With such a good base to start from, the author describes in detail the varius components of the car. Each description is accompanied by high resolution close up photos of these incredibly original cars. This comprises the first section of the book. The next section includes restoration tips, and a list of suppliers. Jag-lovers is probably a better source for this info, at least it will be more current. The next section includes engineering drawings of most of the key components and subassemblies. The book concludes with a color section illustrating all the correct decals. You can't get better documentation than this if you are restoring a V-12 E. The only criticism I have is that the book focuses on 'topside' areas of the car. If you are interested in seeing what an original IRS rear looks like, or a transmission, or exhaust system, the book is no help.

Title: Jaguar Catalog Raisonne Author: Ian Norris Publisher: Automobilia, Societa per la Storia E l'Immagine dell'Automobile, Milano 1991 ISBN: 88 85880 42 5 Format: Oversize, Two volume, hardcover, presentation slipcover, 445 pages, about 700 photos, some color Reviewed by: M. Frank This is a history of Jaguar in two volumes. Although the bulk would suggest that reams of new material are included, in fact, this is not the case. The book is printed in English, French and Italian. So it is only about 1/3 the size it appears to be. The first volume addresses company history and racing history. The is nothing in this section that you won't find in Porter. The second volume is the catalog raisonne itself. This is, in effect, a catalog of every Jaguar model ever made. Complete descriptions, photos, and technical pecifications are presented in chronological sequence. If you are an Italian or French speaker, there is probably a dearth of Jaguar literature in your language. This book adresses that need, and is a whole Jaguar library in one two-volume set. For English speakers, this book is an expensive ($$$) addition to your bookshelf, which should already include similar, more comprehensive, and more affordable books by Porter, Whyte, or Skilleter.

Title: Complete Official Jaguar "E" Author: Robert Bentley (Henry Fuller) ISBN: 0-8376-0136-3 Publisher: 1974, Robert Bentley, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA Format: Oversize, bound sidewise, soft cover, 413 pages, about 350 b&w drawings Reviewed by: Michael Frank Note: My copy is very old, there are several more recent revisions. Bentley's, as this book is known, is a required volume on the bookshelf of anyone who owns a 6-cylinder E-Type. It reprints, in one volume, the Driver's Handbook, Workshop Manual, and the Special Tuning Manual. Every mechanical system is described in detail, with official Jaguar repair and maintenance procedures. Technical bulletins covering the 4.2 engine and Series II upgrades are included. If you don't have the money, time, or patience to assemble all the relevant factory literature for your car, or if you just dont want to grease up your valuable originals, get this book.

Title: E Type End of and Era Author: Chris Harvey ISBN:0 902280 42 2 Publisher: 1983, Oxford Illustrated Press Sparkford, Yeovil, Somerset, UK Format: Slightly oversize, hardcover, 236 pages, about 200 photos, some in color Reviewed by: Michael Frank This is a one-book introduction to the E-Type. Development, production, racing history, and mechanics all in one book. Chris Harvey is an avid collector/driver, and this book offers his knowledge and expertise to like minded individuals. When I was looking for a car, I found the two chapters on strengths and weaknesses to be particularly helpful. He even includes photos of rusty cars to illustrate what you DON'T want in the car you buy. There is a handy set of technical drawings, reproduced from the factory parts book. If you are thinking about getting into the hobby, an important source of fuel for the decision process.

Title: Jaguar E-Type The Complete Story Author: Jonathan Wood ISBN: 1 85223 338 9 Publisher: 1993, The Crowood Press, LTD, Ramsbury, Marlborough, Wiltshire, UK Format: Slightly oversize, Hardcover, 207 pages, about 250 photos, many in color Reviewed by: Michael Frank 'Complete' is an overstatement, especially when compared to Porter's Definitive E-Type, but this book does a credible job of relating the history of the E-Type. While Porter relies heavily on original source material, this book is a totally original work. In organization and content, it is similar to Chris Harvey's E-Type End of an Era. Like Harvey, there are useful hints for people interested in entering the hobby, including photos of typical rust patterns, and photos of cars undergoing restoration. Summary: Porter is a more complete history, Harvey has better advice for the novice, but this is still a good book for the shelf.

Title:Jaguar D-Type & XKSS Super Profile Author: Andrew Whyte ISBN: 0 85429 371 2 Publisher: 1983, Haynes Publishing Group, Foulis Motoring Books, Sparkford, Yeovil, Somerset, England Format: Oversize, 56 pages, about 60 photos, some in color Reviewed by: M. Frank This little book is a collection of information for the prospective D or XKSS buyer, as if any of us could afford one today. The text proper is a brief overview of history and development, followed by a what-to-look-for guide. It includes a description of specifications, and a list of original chassis numbers. There are also comments from owners and restorers. This is followed by reprints of original road tests...remember that these were production cars. The final section is a photo gallery, featuring many unique shots of D's and XKSS's in competition and street use. Also several close up shots of mechanical components.

Title: Cars in Profile Collection 2 Author: Edited by Anthony Harding (Jaguar section by John Appleton) ISBN: 0 385 09673 9 Publisher: 1974, Doubleday & Company, Garden City, New York Simultaneously published by: Profile Publications LTD, Berkshire, England Format: Slightly oversize, 286 pages, articles on several cars, Jaguar section 22 pages, about 35 photos. Reviewed by: M Frank This is part of a series of well illustrated books about classic and sports cars. This volume covers several classics, including the Bentley 4.5, Rolls Phantom II, and Facel Vega. Of particular interest, each car is illustrated with a set of scale engineering elevations in full color, in addition to ample photographic material. The chapter of interest covers the Jaguar D type. The racing history of the D, and production history, including the XKSS, is competently related in the text. Many interesting racing photos, and a nice shot of the D assembly line just prior to the fire.

Title: Jaguar E-Type 3.8 & 4.2 Owners Workshop Manual Author: JH Haynes and Bill Harper ISBN: 0 85696 140 X Publisher: 1987, Haynes Publishing Group Newbury Park, California, USA Format: Oversize, 280 pages, about 400 illustrations, including line drawings and photos. Color insert section. Reviewed by: M Frank Your basic how to book on six cylinder E-Type Repair. Invaluable to the do-it-yourselfer, this book complements, rather than replaces, the factory shop manual. The illustrations are far better than the FSM, with some helpful series photos of various components being torn down and rebuilt. Some of the procedures, based on actual experience, are easier to follow than the factory recommendations. But remember that the text was written in the early 70's, when the idea was to keep the old Jag on the road. Today, the emphasis should probably be more towards sensitive restoral than simple fix-up. For example, the well illustrated color insert covers the proper way to make a Bondo repair. All in all, a must have book for the home Jag mechanic.

Title: The Jaguar XK's: A Collectors Guide Author: P. Skilleter. (1981) Publisher: Motor Racing Publications Ltd. Croydon, UK. ISBN 0900549491. ISBN: 0900549491 Format: Hardback Reviewed by: John Spence Comments: Good, Hardback. Much useful, historical, pictorial information, some technical. Gives miles per UK gallon (should be about 17 US mpg) for all models and production changes etc.

Title: Jaguar XK Series. The Complete Story Author: J. Boyce Publisher: (1996) Crowood Press Ltd. Ramsbury, UK. ISBN: 1852239344 Format: Hardback Reviewed by: John Spence Comments: Useful hardback - definitely in print!!. Similar to Skilleter

Title: XK Jaguars Author: Chris Harvey Publisher: The Oxford Illustrated Press (1978) ISBN: 0 902280 57 0 Format: Hardback, 246 pages Reviewed by: Dick White Many B&W photos and 23 color photos. Includes two chapters on XK's strengths and weaknesses followed by a chapter on restoring the XK. A short chapter on interchangeability of spare parts and a chapter on specifications of each model. A very good and informative book.

Title: Jaguar XK Le Grand Livre Author: B.F. Viart Publisher: (1993) EPA Editions., France ISBN: 2-85120-424-6 Format: Reviewed by: John Spence Comments: Probably the most comprehensive and complete book on the XKs. Big, expensive, detailed, amazing archival period photos, and all in perfect french !

Title: Essential Jaguar XK Author: Mike Lawrence Publisher: (1995) Bay View Books, Bideford, UK ISBN: 1870979613 Format: Paperback Reviewed by: John Spence Comments: Inexpensive paperback. Buy it for the pictures. Historical hype.

Title: Original Jaguar XK Author: Philip Porter Publisher: (1988) Bay View Books, Bideford.UK ISBN: 1870979052 Format: Hardback picturebook Reviewed by: John Spence Best pictures of "correct" cars, but beware of errors and trust the Jaguar Spare Parts Catalog (or ask John Elmgreen) if in doubt. Corrected edition soon.

Title: Jaguar XK Author: Duncan Wherrett Publisher: (1993) Osprey, London, UK ISBN: 1855323788 Format: Paperback picture book Reviewed by: John Spence Comments: Useful pictures of empty engine bay, trunk etc.for restorers.

Title: Jaguar XK120, 140, 150 Gold Portfolio Author: R. Clarke Publisher: Brooklands Books (Undated) Cobham, UK ISBN: 1870642414 Format: Reviewed by: John Spence Fascinating contemporary magazine reviews and road reports. Spitlers's article is most useful on tuning under USA conditions. Lots of 50's hype. As it really was for Clark Gable in the fastest sports car in the world !

Title: Jaguar XK Author: Publisher: ISBN: Format: Reviewed by: John Spence A series of technical booklets, one for each model, produced by the Jaguar Clubs of North America, based on technical seminars held by the club. Much useful technical information. Write to: JCNA, 555 MacArthur Blvd. Mahwah, NJ 07430. USA.

Title: XK 120,140,150, Mk 7,8,9 Owners Workshop Manual Author: Kenneth Ball Publisher: (1979) Autobooks, Golden Lane, Brighton, BN1 2QJ, UK ISBN: 0851479413 Format: Reviewed by: John Spence Comments: Useful because it provides reasonably modern maintenance information and is the only comparative source of information I've found covering all models. The closest thing to a "Haynes" manual. Not everything is copied straight from the Jaguar Service manual, but most is.

Title: Practical Classics on XK Jaguar Restoration Author: collective Publisher: (1991) Kelsey Publishing Ltd.UK ISBN: 1873098219 Format: Reviewed by: John Spence Collected magazine articles. Grubby photos and too-brief text gloss over the hard bits, but some useful technical info, including characteristic failure points.

Title: Jaguar World "Jaguar 6 Cylinder Engine Overhaul" Author: Publisher: (1948-86) Kelsey Publishing, UK. (Motorbooks USA) 1995 ISBN: Format: Reviewed by: John Spence Magazine series. Better pictures than "Practical Classics on XK Jaguar Restoration", some color. Ultra-brief text. Shows engine components disasembled. Valuable chart compared specs of all XK engines to 1986

Title: VHS Video on SU Carburettor Rebuilding Author: Publisher: Moss Motors ISBN: Format: Reviewed by: Moss Motors, 440 Rutherford St. P.O. Box 847, Goleta, Ca 93116. 1-800-235-6954. Sell excellent VHS video on SU carburettor rebuilding.

Title: SU carburettor Parts Catalog and Repair Manuals Author: Publisher: Burlen Fuel Systems Ltd ISBN: Format: Reviewed by: Burlen Fuel Systems Ltd. Spitfire House, Castle Rd. Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP1 3SA. Supply all SU carburettor parts, new. Catalog and repair manuals.

Title: Spare Parts Catalog for Jaguar XK Author: W. Lyons et al. Publisher: (1956, etc) Jaguar Cars Ltd. ISBN: Format: Reviewed by: John Spence Reprinted and available from XK's Unlimited, 850 Fiero Lane, San Luis Obispo, Ca 93401, USA , 1-800-444-5247 (amongst other places). Because this official Jaguar book (and the hardback Jaguar XK Service Manual, and the Driver's Handbook) contain DRAWINGS, photos and part numbers of most components, they are the only really authoritative guide to originality. Buy them before you buy the car ! Look in the Spare Parts Book to see how it should be, before fitting Ford parts and blaming British Engineering etc. if it wont work ! Essential for every owner. Much more useful than any of the above. In english !

Title: Fantastiques Jaguar Author: Bernard F. Viart, Xavier De Nombel ISBN: 2-85120-412-2 Publisher: 1992 Editions E/P/A Paris Format: Oversize, edge bound, hardcover, slipcase, 208 pages, 250 incrediblecolor photos. Reviewed by: M Frank It is unfortunate that my French is so poor, for this is a truly amazing book. It is a marvelous history and photo essay of the very best Jaguars from every generation. Beginning with the SS1, and ending with the XJ220, the author has sought out the best of the best, primarily in European collections. Here you will find Knobbly Listers, one offs by Farina, the well known Pirhana show car, and custom bodied Jags from every era. The text tells the story of each car in some detail, alas exceeding my command of French technical vocabulary. But the photos transcend language and culture. High definition color photos of these marvelous cars, including close ups and action shots. I would give anything to see a translation of this book.

Title: Jaguar E Type Author: Marc Makaus, Giovanni Ramponi ISBN: 88-7911-027-6 Publisher: 1991 Giorgio Nada Editore, Vimdrone (Milano) Format: Somewhat oversize, Softcover, 95 Pages, 150 Photos, some in color Reviewed by: Michael Frank An Italian laguage history of the E Type. History, development, racing, restoring and coloecting are all covered. The book is similar in style and content to Johnathan Wood's English language book of the same name. There are unique photos of Jaguars in Italy. To me, these reveal two oddities of Italian Jaguariana: - Many Italian coupes have the radio antenna mounted in the center of the roof, just behind the windshield! There are enough photos of cars with this arrangement to make me wonder whether Jaguar, or local Jaguar dealers, fit them up this way. - Several front shots of E-Types reveal a new (to me) approach to the front license plate issue. These Italian cars have front plates which are about 1/4 the height of standard plates. These are mounted with a chrome frame to the lower lip of the bonnet opening. A section on Jaguar Automobilia has copies of Italian language ads, which I have never seen before. The copy appears to have been produced locally, rather than translated. (La Vettura di Classe Per Persone Di Classe: JAGUAR), and Italian language comic strips which featured E-Types. A photo of a wrecked E-Type is followed by a paragraph admonishing drivers to keep focused on the road at high speed. A nice book on a favorite subject, and a bit different from the home-language fare.

Title: Great Marques Poster Book: Jaguar Author: Chris Harvey ISBN: 0 8300 0308 8 Publisher: 1985 Octopus Boooks, London Format: Oversize, softcover, 48 pages, 24 color photos. Reviewed by: M Frank I don't think this book is currently in print, which is unfortunate. This is a group of two dozen 8.5x11 photos of various Jaguars. On the reverse side of each photo is a nice write up on the car. The idea is that you tear out and frame your favorite photos, but I could never break up such a nifty little book.

Title: The Jaguar Story Author: Joseph H. Wherry Publisher: 1967 Chilton Book Company, Phaladelphia, PA USA Library of Congress Number: 67-22996 Format: Standard size, 240 pages, about 150 B&W photos Reviewed by: M Frank Not long ago, auto history books were aimed at teenagers. These books were easy reading, and broke no new ground from a technical or historic perspective. This is a great example of such a book. It is a reasonable history of the Jaguar marque, from the beginnings to the middle of the E-Type Era. The material is covered in greater depth, and better perspective, in any number of current books. If you have an opportunity to pick up a copy, ok, but no need to seek this out.

Title: Archie and the Listers Author: Robert Edwards Publisher: 1995, Patrick Stephans, LTD, division of Haynes Publications, Sommerset, UK ISBN: 1 85260 469 7 Format: Standard size, 248 pages, about 75 B&W photos Reviewed by: M Frank Hard to believe, but not long ago drivers like Moss, Hawthorne, and Fangio battled it out wheel to wheel, nose to tail. Racing fans had no end of excitement. Yet against this exhalted company, one driver dared to challenge. The man was Archie Scott Brown, who drove primarily for Lister. He was often identified by the press, and his peers, as one of the finest drivers of the day. The rest of the story is that Archie was paraplegic, missing one hand and having severly deformed legs from childbirth. Adversity, triumph, love, greed, and above all speed are generously represented in this well written biography. Highly recommended, racing fans.

Title: Jaguar a Pictorial History Author: Lynda Springate Publisher: 1996, The Crowood Press LTD, Ramsbury, Marlborough, Witlshire, UK ISBN: 1 86126 009 1 Format: Oversize, 128 pages, about 100 B&W photos, 75 Color photos Reviewed by: M Frank A photo essay of the Jaguar Marque, from the first sidecars to the XJ220. A nice selection of photographs old and new, including a few unusual racing shots. Annotations provide a synopsis of Jaguar history. Hard to say more than that. You can always use a few more photos...

Title: Jaguar XJ 220 Author: Philip Porter, with Photography by Peter Burn Publisher: 1994, Osprey, London ISBN: 1 85532 397 4 Format: Oversize, 286 pages, about 350 photos, many in color Reviewed by: M Frank If you are familiar with Philip Porter's "Definitive E-Type", you know how detail oriented he can be. Imagine how much more detail he could have supplied if he had been closer to the design team. With the XJ220, he has had the benefit of being close, both in time and space, to the designers. This is an incredible tribute to one of the most amazing cars ever to come from Jaguar. Details of design, construction, and performance are well related in extreme detail. Interviews with designers, executives, engineers, drivers. The photos illustrate everything, from design concept to racing scenes. Exquisite photos of engine, suspension, and body components are included. This book is everything you could want to know about the XJ220. Now if I save my pennies, perhaps in six or seven hundred years....

Title: Jaguar MkII Author: Duncan Wherrett Publisher: ISBN: Format: 8"x9" 128 pgs. Softbound. Reviewed by: Mike Eck Virtually no text, but lots of beautiful color pictures with short explanatory captions. You could live without this book, but it's the best one for the coffee table.

Title: The Jaguar Mark I & II: The Complete Companion Author: Nigel Thorley Publisher: ISBN: Format: 8"x 10.5" 166 pgs. Hardbound. Reviewed by: Mike Eck Lots of text, lots of specs, lots of small monochrome pictures. More of an encyclopedia than a reading book, and considering its content it could benefit from an index. Reviewed by: Lachlan Story The complete companion has more detail than "The Original Mk I/II" by Thorley, but the pictures aren't as explicit in relation to what is and isnt original. If you can afford it I would go for both these.

Title: Original Jaguar Mk I/II Author: Nigel Thorley Publisher: 1994, Osprey, London ISBN: Format: 9"x12" 95 pgs. Hardbound. Reviewed by: Mike Eck A cross between "Jaguar MkII", by Duncan Wherrett and "The Jaguar Mark I & II: The Complete Companion", by Nigel Thorley. Lots of pretty color pictures, with close-ups of things that a restorer would need. The text documents the evolution and production changes of these cars. Reviewed by: Lachlan Story The original Mk 1 & 2 is very good from an originality point of view and I used it extensivly with preparing my Mk 1 for Con course.

Title: On Jaguar XK120 Restoration Author J. Patten Publisher Kelsey Books, UK. 1996 ISBN: 1 873098 38 1 Format: Big paperback,130 pgs. Reviewed by: John Spence. Collected articles from "Jaguar Enthusiast" magazine. Many good color pictures of subassemblies during resoration of an XK120. E.g close-ups of how the timing gears go together,suspension, gearbox internals etc. Car is restored for use, not concours. Sketchy text won't answer your detailed questions, but definitely worth it for the pictures.

Title: Jaguar Cars Author: C.L.Vandiest Publisher: Arco Publishing (N.Y., USA) 1961 or C. A. Pearson (U.K.) Library of Congress Card No. 62-13143 Format: 5" x 8" hardback, 260 pgs. Reviewed by: John Spence. This is a superb technical book covering all the Jag models made between 1949 and 1961. Exclusively technical, it makes an excellent supplement to the Jag maintenance manuals, and gives detailed instructions for dissasembly and re-building. Unlike most such books, it does not just reprint the Jag manuals, and contains a fresh approach. Although out of print, I had no trouble finding a copy through the out-of-print book search services on the web.(eg, try abrabks@abrabks.com, or Falconwood (FAX UK-0181 303 8291), or T. Warth, Automotive books, Lumberyard Shops, Marine on St Croix, Minn USA 55047).

Title: The Last Open Road Author: Burt S. Levy Publisher: Think Fast Ink July 1994 ISBN:0964210703 Format: Hardcover Reviewed by: Klaus Nielsen Unless I have missed something, most bookstore shelves are not replete with good "reads" about sports cars and racing. For example,Montagu's tome on Jaguars is certainly superb for history, but scarcely ranks as one for the hammock on a lazy summer afternoon. For that try " The last Open Road" by Burt S.Levy, published by Think Fast Ink, 1010 Lake St, Oak Park Ill. 60301 Described through the observant eyes of a young mechanic's apprentice Levy weaves a rollicking good story around open road sports car racing in the early fifties in USA.

Title: 50 Years of Road & Track, The Art of the Automobile Author: William Motta Publisher: Motorbooks International, June 1, 1997 ISBN: 0760303983 Format: Hardcover, 294 pages, 12.31 x 9.42 x .98 inches Reviewed by: Dick Rowley

Improve your Jag-lovers experience with the Mozilla FireFox Browser!

View the latest posts from our Forums via an RSS Feed!

�Jag-lovers^TM Ltd / JagWEB^TM 1993 - 2024
All rights reserved. Jag-lovers is supported by JagWEB^TM
For Terms of Use and General Rules see our Disclaimer
Use of the Jag-lovers logo or trademark name on sites other than Jag-lovers itself in a manner implying endorsement of commercial activities whatsoever is prohibited. Sections of this Web Site may publish members and visitors comments, opinion and photographs/images - Jag-lovers Ltd does not assume or have any responsibility or any liability for members comments or opinions, nor does it claim ownership or copyright of any material that belongs to the original poster including images. The word 'Jaguar' and the leaping cat device, whether used separately or in combination, are registered trademarks and are the property of Jaguar Cars, England. Some images may also be � Jaguar Cars. Mirroring or downloading of this site or the publication of material or any extracts therefrom in original or altered form from these pages onto other sites (including reproduction by any other Jaguar enthusiast sites) without express permission violates Jag-lovers Ltd copyright and is prohibited

Jaguar Book Reviews