Homecoming

IF YOU’VE ever experienced the delights of Blackpool, you’ll know it’s a long way both physically and metaphorically from the centre of British car production (or anywhere else for that matter). Sitting high on the north-west coast of England, the town is closer to Scotland than it is to Coventry. Yet although more famous as a seaside resort rather than for its booming car industry, it was here, 100 years ago, where the foundations for what we nowknow as Jaguar were laid.

Despite the passage of time, many of the buildings connected to the company’s early days still exist and so to mark Jaguar’s centenary I’m taking a tour of these important Blackpool landmarks using an all-electric I-PACE.

Why it all started in Blackpool is due to one reason; it’s where the company’s co-founder and its driving force for over 50 years, (Sir) William Lyons was born on 4 September 1901. Just as importantly, it’s where he met his then neighbour but later business partner, WilliamWalmsley.

I’m taking a tour of these important Blackpool landmarks

The son of William – a musician and piano repairer originally from Dublin – and Mary (née Barcroft), Lyons Jnr