Friday 20th May 1927

The first Austin Swallow was completed, becoming the first direct lineal ancestor of what would become known as the Jaguar marque. Decidedly more sporting in appearance than Herbert Austin’s original, it attracted immediate attention. The seats were upholstered in leather, the instruments (such as they were) were mounted in a polished mahogany dashboard, and a choice of hard- or soft-tops was offered. A Swallow conversion virtually doubled the price of a bare Seven chassis, from £99 to £190.