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Jaguar Collectibles - Reviews
Jaguar World Vol. 10 No. 7 (Review by Paul Skilleter)
This book has been eagerly awaited by many and boy, has it been worth it! Ian Cooling has done a remarkable job in pulling together all the many threads of the Jaguar automobilia and collectibles hobby - brochures and other factory literature, press material, books, photographs, race programmes, magazines, mascots, artefacts, models and so on - and explaining their significance to the Swallow, SS and Jaguar story, and their rarity. Even the factory's own gems are included, such as the magnificent Le Mans trophies garnered over the years. 'Profusely illustrated' is an overworked phrase but is fully applicable here: photographer James Mann has done a great job in recording these items, many of which have come from Ian's own collection, others from specialist collectors around the world - for this is an international hobby. The book's design is interesting and clear, and the quality is as we expect from Bay View - extremely high, with the 500-odd photographs excellently reproduced.
For anyone interested in collecting Jaguar bits and pieces, this 192-page book is essential. But the net can be spread wider: everyone will learn a lot more about Jaguar if they read it!
Jaguar Enthusiast (Review by Nigel Thorley)
What a refreshing change to review a book on a rather more unusual Jaguar subject. After the vast array of new Jaguar titles over the last couple of years, it is amazing that it has taken so long for someone to write a worthwhile book on the world of Jaguar Automobilia. No other person than Ian Cooling could have done the job so well, with his intimate knowledge and thirty years' collecting experience.
Everything about the book is just right. There are plenty of illustrations, all in colour, and it is a nice coffee table size, written in a style that makes it easy to read and a constant good browse. Neither is the book expensive, at only £24.95 for 192 pages and 500 colour photographs.
This publication covers the whole world of collectibility for Jaguar lovers. Everything, that is, except the real cars. From an incredible array of brochures and posters on the marque, through books and magazines, models, mascots, to Jaguar car badges - all are covered. Ian talks with great authority and has obviously gone to great pains to capture as much detail as possible in his text and photographs via collections from all over the world.
I particularly like the reference to the many photographs of rare paintings produced for Jaguar over the years, and the chapter on the Crown Jewels covers a wide range of very special and priceless examples of Jaguar art and trophies amassed by the Company in its seventy-five years.
So much is covered that it is inevitable that some detail has to be lost. Yes, there are loads of pictures on Jaguar models, for example, however, not every single one can be covered either in photographic form or in the accompanying text - but this is a very general guide to the world of collecting Jaguar memorabilia, so it can be forgiven. Even though I have been collecting myself for many years, there was still plenty I could learn from the book. There were also a few items I had that were not covered, but that is acceptable, with such a wide subject to capture in just 192 pages. I am sure, with Ian's knowledge and the fact that more will be revealed about Jaguar memorabilia in future, that he could write several volumes, each one covering a specific aspect of this fascinating subject.
I found the book compelling and absolutely fascinating, and I cannot recommend it too strongly to anyone with any interest in the Jaguar marque. This is one of those books which you should pick up from time to time, just to browse and ponder over the tremendous range of different items produced around the Jaguar name for over three quarters of a century.
Jaguar Driver (Review by Philip Porter)
A Completely Different Book
In the last couple of years I have got to know Ian Cooling well and we have become good friends. His speciality is Jaguar automobilia and he has been building up his vast collection for many years. In doing so, he has amassed an immense depth of knowledge of his subject and readers may recall that I mentioned a month or so ago attending a fascinating talk given by Cooling to the Midlands Area. His enthusiasm is infectious and comes through in all that he does.
Formerly an army man and a career diplomat, he started Jaguar Automobilia Collector, his subscriber publication, some while ago and has built up a fine following world-wide. He also conducts regular (Jaguar Automobilia) postal auctions, which I have an unfortunate weakness for. Sadly I know of no cure.
Now we are very fortunate that Ian has put pen to paper and produced a superb book on the subject. Aided greatly by fine photography by James Mann and excellent design by Bruce Aitken, it is an extremely attractive book. Indeed the subject could be a little dry without illustration but this volume has copious illustrations and brings the whole subject alive. It is comprehensive without being heavy. Rather than tedious long lists, every page has spreads of colour photos that make the book so good-looking as well as informative. It will undoubtedly appeal equally to the relative expert or to those entirely new to the subject. You can dip into it for five minutes, or read it from cover to cover. You will, however, be strong-willed if you can put it down after five minutes.
Subjects covered in individual chapters include badges, mascots, books and magazines, racing automobilia, memorabilia, the crown jewels (the real gems!) posters and advertising, models and a hefty 40 pages on brochures from the Swallow days to the current era, and even includes a sampling of foreign language versions.
In parallel with looking at the detail of everything covered, it is fascinating to see how the Jaguar story has evolved from the aspects that are peripheral to the actual cars themselves. So many books just regurgitate the same old facts again and again, probably having borrowed these facts from another book, and add little or nothing to our knowledge of the subject in question. No so this book. I thoroughly recommend it as an important addition to a Jaguar library and congratulate all concerned on a very fine book.
Jaguar Monthly (Review by Gordon Wright)
Just how vast is the subject of Jaguar automobilia is brought home to me by this book. There seems to be almost no end to the richness and variety of what can be collected on a Jaguar theme.
No wonder the author, Ian Cooling, in his articles in Jaguar Monthly recommends specialisation in a particular area. Any attempt to collect everything would be bound to be met with failure, or at the very least result in a watered-down collection of little significance (just like someone attempting to collect 'world stamps').
While the hardware of cups, trophies, mascots, models and badges is fascinating, to me the area of greatest interest is in old photos and literature. Here I was soon brought to realise the importance of starting by collecting the things of today. Looking at the beautiful period covers of the magazines of the '50s and '60s made me all the more aware that only by saving magazines of the '80s and '90s will there be any around to represent our own period in 20 to 30 years time.
I would estimate that anyone who feels compelled to be drawn into the hobby is going to need to devote at least one room in their house to it, or possibly even the whole house! Be warned - this book could damage your living space!
Lavish and magnificent, much of the content of the book was supplied from Ian Cooling's personal collection, and the photography - by James Mann - is excellent. The text is more in the form of 'chatty' but informative captions.
This is the definitive work on the subject, and it will no doubt remain so for many years to come until, hopefully, Ian will delight us with an updated version.
Classic Jaguar Association - News and Technical Bulletin
CJA member Ian Cooling in England has written and compiled a most remarkable book on Jaguar memorabilia and collectibles. JAGUAR COLLECTIBLES will astonish you with its variety and color and range: paintings, racing memorabilia, sales brochures, mascots and models, emblems, books and posters, badges and toys and trophies.
The text is very well done and the photos brilliant: 191 pages with over 500 color illustrations. A splendid encyclopaedic book; every Jaguar lover should have a copy in his library.
The very best, shiniest way to by the book would be to take your vacation in England and get a signed copy from Ian directly. The next best is a signed copy direct from Ian at an airmail post paid price of $38.95 or $30.95 surface. Credit card orders can be faxed to Ian on 011 1233 813601.
Australian Jaguar (Review by Les Hughes)
There are many aspects to Jaguar ownership: the cars, individual models, accessories or rare memorabilia. Ian Cooling is the doyen of authorities when it comes to Jaguar memorabilia… Now he has written the ultimate guide to all facets, and his book 'The Complete Guide to Jaguar Collectables' is an astonishing work. This large format high quality production is a manual on thousands of items be they factory owned, or those in the hands of private owners around the world.
Prices are not discussed, and are quite pointless in a book like this which would date quickly and are quite arbitrary. Instead, what is discussed in detail are the histories and rareness of many facets, their origins and peculiarities which will keep the reader engrossed for many weeks.
The first subject discussed is 'The Crown Jewels' meaning the objects retained by Jaguar through its Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust, and includes paintings such as the Roy Nockolds works, its Le Mans and other racing trophies, coachbuilding medallions, original paintings used in historic brochures, sculptures, company seals, documents and photographs.
Brochures are treated as a separate item and they cover everything from the earliest Swallow Sidecars, to the various Swallow bodied models, SS Cars, Jaguars and many more. The photographs are superb and hundreds of brochures, many not seen before by us, are displayed.
Racing Automobilia is another subject and covers all eras from pre-war onwards. Programmes, sales items, brochures, stickers, magazines, books, characterisations and photographs are all there, and even includes the 'Tribute to Jaguar' at Amaroo in 1984. Racing models are also discussed and photographed, while Books and Magazines have a long chapter, which includes Operating Maintenance and Service Handbooks.
Posters and Advertising is yet another chapter. Models have a place of their own, as do Mascots, Badges and 'Memorabilia'.
This is contained in almost 200 pages of riveting reading, and can be ordered directly from the author who will sign copies.
Society of Automotive Historian's Journal No. 176 (Review by Sam Fiorani)
Mr Cooling states that automotive collectibles "appeal strongly to that collector's instinct which is latent in us all". I am a firm believer in this. While Jaguars have been a fascination to me ever since I first saw an E-Type, my budget has never allowed the purchase of a full-scale vehicle. Thus, I turned to smaller, less-expensive artefacts.
My collection includes a Maisto 1/18th scale Mark II sedan (page 136), a 1/18th scale Burago E-type roadster (page 137), Matchbox "Originals" XK120 (page 133), Hot Wheels XJ220 (page 143), and 1/43rd (page 143), 1/24th (page 136) and 1/18th (page 136) scale Maisto XJ220s. This collection also includes a number of magazines featuring Jags (pages 103-107) and books including Lord Montagu of Beaulieu's Jaguar: Britain's Fastest Export.
This book demonstrates the vast array of collectibles dedicated to one marque. Some pieces date back to the beginning of Jaguar and even back to the beginning of SS cars. It truly elicits awe to see how much stuff has been produced to honor this one brand of car.
Not only are books and models covered, but nearly everything associated with the "Jaguar" name. Entire chapters are dedicated to "Racing Automobilia", "Posters & Advertising", "Mascots", and "Badges". Artwork, trophies and engine parts whet the Jaguar fanatic's appetite. I personally would love to have any of the actual XJ220 pieces, from valve covers to connecting rods, shown in this book.
For the Jaguar lover or collector of things automotive, this is definitely a book to have. While the author does miss a few things (including my 1/43rd scale Brumm D-Type, 1/63rd scale Maisto XJ220 and a book on early V12s), what is included gives a small sample of the world of automotive collectibles. This is a fine guide into that world.
Motor Sport (Review by Andrew Frankel)
£24.95 may sound steep for a book that contains less than 200 pages but you'll not quibble with the content of Ian Cooling's new book, itself the second in the Collectibles series after Michael Ellman-Brown's work on MG. Seemingly every single item of Jaguar automobilia that has ever been produced has found a happy home here. Items of near negligible worth such as old key-rings and badges from the back of unremarkable XJ6s are given all the space they need alongside rather more valuable items up to and including the priceless trophies from the competition successes of the '50s and late '80s.
The photography is excellent with the well-known car snapper James Mann responsible for all bar two of the literally hundreds of frames included; a labour of love if ever there were one. They are complemented by words which prove informed but not so overwhelmingly intense to lead you to suspect that the author's lot in life would be radically improved by getting out more often.
If the work is to be criticised it is that there is too little information in the captions to the photographs. It is all very well to identify and place the object in any given shot but the work would have been considerably enhanced by more information on the rarity of each given object and an idea of its current value, information which could be updated in later editions. Also, an index of addresses and telephone numbers where people can find the objects of their desire would have been useful.
Even so, see this book as a straightforward, attractively presented and well written celebration of all that is Jaguar save the cars themselves, and you'll not go too far wrong.
Classic & Sports Car Magazine (Review by Mike McCarthy)
The second in this company's Collectible series, which includes an extensive selection of fascinating memorabilia such as sales catalogues, models, badges, books, magazines, mascots and so on. In addition, there's a special chapter labelled 'The Crown Jewels', featuring the company's own trophies and awards such as paintings by Roy Nockolds, assorted sculptures
and other treasures. For the enthusiast, there's a chapter on racing automobilia with programmes (where Jaguar invariably featured well!), 'success' adverts and results posters. Words are kept to a minimum - mostly in caption form - and the photography is by our own James Mann. This book will surely join the Jaguar collector's collection, if you know what I mean
Jaguar Drivers Club of Long Island Journal
It's here! It finally arrived…
The greatest book written about Jaguar collectibles! The other day I received "The Complete Guide to Jaguar Collectibles", written by Ian Cooling, editor and publisher of Jaguar Automobilia Collector magazine. The book (192 pages) includes a multitude of Jaguar memorabilia such as toys, badges, promotional material, and highlights paintings, brochures, sculpture and personal letters from William Lyons. A must in your Jaguar library!
Witness the evolution of Jaguar's 'leaping cat' mascot, plus several thousand objects of Jaguar memorabilia including badges, ties, lighters, ashtrays, postcards, jewelry and more! No effort has been spared in assembling this stunning cross- section of exhibits photographed on both sides of the Atlantic. High lights include exquisite sales brochures, personal letters from William Lyons, racing trophies and ephemera, and Jaguar miniatures selected from a collection of 6,000 models - in fact, anything and everything that bears the Jaguar name is in here. Fun and informative!
Collectors Gazette
THE MAN WHO LOVES 'CATS'.
Jaguar, among all prestige marques, stands high as an all-British favourite. Few drivers, given the opportunity, would turn down a classic Jag… but not everyone has the space - or the cash - to realise the dream.
There is another way of enjoying Jaguar status, however, and Ian Cooling shows how in his superb new book, just out, called 'The Complete Guide to Jaguar Collectibles.'
The second title in Bay View's new Collectibles series this book reveals the extraordinary range of automobilia inspired by the Jaguar marque… everything except the real full-size car!
Thousands of Jaguar related items are photographed in nearly 550 colour pictures and the effect is quite stunning. If you know someone who loves cars and collects them there is no question that this is a book well worthy of Christmas box status; equally the book deserves to do well on general sale to enthusiasts and collectors.
Author Ian Cooling has been collecting Jaguar automobilia for more than 30 years. His hobby has now evolved into his livelihood as he is Editor and Publisher of Jaguar Automobilia Collector magazine. Models are covered very thoroughly in a chapter all of their own under five sub categories one of which discusses rare, interesting and unusual models. One very important rarity is illustrated - the unissued version of Steed's Jaguar XJ Coupe from The New Avengers that has become the most valuable Jaguar dinky in the world.
Pedal cars and plastic kits are covered and on page 126 Barbie collectors will be delighted to note that their doll icon appears in a lurid pink Jaguar convertible model equipped with real working headlights! Even Donald Duck crops up in a Burago SS100, but on a more serious note the chapter does discuss some of the finest craftsman-built Jaguar replicas in the world and much else besides.
Model Mart
This beautifully presented book is one of the most detailed and extensive I have seen devoted to any hobby, let alone automobile memorabilia - specifically, that relating to the Jaguar. Ian Cooling's enthusiasm for his subject leaps out from the pages as he takes on a fascinating journey through Jaguar's history, using the wide range of collectibles available to lead into various aspects of the company's story. The first chapter begins with a look at the company's own collection of beautiful paintings, trophies, photos and mementoes (aptly entitled 'The Crown Jewels') followed by several more devoted to Brochures, Mascots, Models and much more. The book is crammed with fantastic colour photography by James Mann and makes up a package that will delight any motoring enthusiast.
British Car
A Collectible in Its Own Right
Many books on collectibles are little more than guides for hard-core collectors, listing every model or poster ever issued, for example, and accompanied by someone's wishful thinking about prices, with a few bad illustrations. Few of these books stand up as collectibles in their own right.
Having disowned any interest in that type of book in the above, I must now say that if you have any interest in the Jaguar marque - regardless of whether you've ever bought anything more than a hat or a model - you will want this book. You may or may not want it as a guide in searching for some of the thousands of items shown in the book, but as a glorious presentation of all things associated with Jaguar - the car and the company - you will enjoy looking at the marvellous color plates on every page. We can only hope that possessing the book offers you a good substitute for possessing the collectibles presented in it, because otherwise you may start lusting after pieces and types of collectibles you didn't even know existed.
I particularly liked the reproductions of paintings, posters, and brochures - each page a good representation of the lovely and evocative artwork it depicted - and the pictures of the various 'leapers' (the Jaguar car mascot) including the first crude brass carving. I think you'll find much that you'll like in this fine book.
Collect It!
Some of you may have read our piece on Jaguars in issue 10. We were helped with the feature by Ian Cooling who has just finished a fabulous 192 page colour book on Jaguar collectables. If you know someone who likes Jaguars or Motoring, this could be a great early Christmas present buy. It has over 500 pictures of Jaguar related items ranging from models,
posters, badges and paintings, to books and magazines and much more - plus of course mascots off the cars themselves. In a hardback, small coffee table style format, the book is a high quality drive through the history of Jaguar memorabilia.
Classic Car Mart
Pursuing their 'Collectibles' theme, Bay View Books have followed up their (MG) book with The Complete Guide to Jaguar Collectibles by Ian Cooling. Such is the interest in the marque that this looks set fair to be a best-seller. It's divided into nine chapters covering trophies, medals and awards, brochures, racing automobilia, books and magazines, posters and advertising, models, toys, mascots, badges and general memorabilia. All these subjects are illustrated in colour on good quality paper, and give plenty of ideas to those who are thinking of forming a thematic collection connected to a single marque. One thing is certain - the range of collectibles is almost unending and in the general memorabilia section there's everything from corkscrews to ashtrays and key rings to lapel badges.
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