Jaguar Ascot: Timeless Design Elements from the 1970s

Rare GEMS - In the world of automotive design, the 1970s were a period of bold experimentation and innovation. One of the most striking examples of this era is the Jaguar Ascot, a concept car that stood out with its distinctive wedge-shaped design. Revealed at the 1977 Turin Motor Show by Stile Bertone, the Ascot was a daring departure from traditional Jaguar aesthetics, capturing the essence of the 1970s with its futuristic lines and bold approach.

The Jaguar Ascot, a concept car that stood out with its distinctive wedge-shaped design by Stile Bertone, revealed at the 1977 Turin Motor Show. (Picture from: WeirdWheels)

The Jaguar Ascot was the brainchild of Marcello Gandini, the design chief at Bertone, known for his disruptive and avant-garde designs. His previous works, like the Lamborghini Countach, had already set a precedent for sharp, aggressive lines and innovative styling. The Ascot continued this design philosophy, featuring a sleek, wedge-like profile with straight lines and sharp edges. This design direction was a significant shift from the more rounded and flowing lines typically associated with Jaguar.

The Jaguar Ascot was the brainchild of Marcello Gandini, the design chief at Bertone, featuring a sleek, wedge-like profile with straight lines and sharp edges similar to the Lamborghini Countach. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)

Retaining the mechanical heart of the Jaguar XJ-S, the Ascot was powered by a 5.3-liter V12 engine. This powertrain was paired with the same platform and wheelbase as the XJ-S, ensuring that the Ascot maintained the high-performance standards expected from a Jaguar. However, Gandini’s design made the Ascot shorter and lighter, enhancing its practicality without compromising on performance.

The Jaguar Ascot's front was aggressive and thrusting, with a pronounced overhang and sharp creases that gave it a dynamic, arrow-like appearance. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)

One of the standout features of the Ascot was its rakish hatchback design, a practical yet stylish choice that maximized rear passenger headroom and boot space. The front of the car was aggressive and thrusting, with a pronounced overhang and sharp creases that gave it a dynamic, arrow-like appearance. This bold styling was a clear reflection of the 1970s design ethos, where sharp angles and dramatic lines were celebrated.

Despite its striking design, the Ascot was a highly controversial car. Its departure from traditional Jaguar design elements caused quite a stir among purists and the press. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)

Despite its striking design, the Ascot was a highly controversial car. Its departure from traditional Jaguar design elements caused quite a stir among purists and the press. However, the Ascot’s influence extended beyond its initial reception. Several design elements from the Ascot, such as the wheel arches and fastback rear, were later seen in Gandini’s other works, including the Reliant FW11, the Citroen BX, and the Reliant SE82. This cross-pollination of design ideas underscored the Ascot’s impact on automotive design. 

The interior of the Jaguar Ascot was a contemporary mix of light brown leather and brown suede, including a practical compartment on each door. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)

The Ascot’s design not only provided a unique aesthetic but also offered practical benefits. The fastback rear treatment significantly increased rear passenger headroom and boot space, making the Ascot more user-friendly while retaining its compact form. This blend of style and practicality was a hallmark of Gandini’s design approach, emphasizing that a car could be both beautiful and functional.

The fastback rear treatment significantly increased rear passenger headroom and boot space, making the Ascot more user-friendly while retaining its compact form. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)

The Jaguar Ascot remains a fascinating chapter in the history of automotive design. It represents a time when designers were unafraid to push boundaries and challenge conventions. The Ascot’s wedge-shaped profile, sharp lines, and innovative features encapsulate the spirit of the 1970s, a decade defined by bold creativity and a willingness to explore new ideas. | E9C8EzkmE68 |

The story of the Jaguar Ascot is one of innovation and bold design choices. It serves as a reminder of the importance of daring to be different, and how such boldness can lead to timeless designs that continue to inspire. The Ascot’s legacy lives on, not just in the cars that followed, but in the continued appreciation of 1970s design and its enduring impact on the automotive world. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | JAGUAR | MAGAZINE.DERIVAZ-IVES | CARDESIGNNEWS ]

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