Legendary test driver captured (again!) on film
In a career spanning 33 years of testing and developing many celebrated Jaguar cars, the exceptional achievements of legendary 94-year-old former test driver Norman Dewis were recognised in the New Year Honours List, when he was awarded the Order of the British Empire.
The award was received by Norman, from Shropshire, as the Jaguar marque celebrates its 80
anniversary.
Norman Dewis OBE developed 25 significant cars for Jaguar and is widely regarded as Britain's greatest test driver - as a new short film, which features tributes from peers such as Sir Jackie Stewart and Sir Stirling Moss shows. Dewis' automotive CV is remarkable: He developed the Le Mans-winning C-type and D-type racing cars, the XK 140 and 150 sports cars, the 2.4/3.4 and Mk II saloons, plus the Mk VII and Mk VIIM models, the legendary E-type (including the Lightweight E-type), the XJ13 mid-engined prototype, the XJ saloons, the XJ-S and the 'XJ40' models.
Sir Jackie Stewart, three times Formula One World Champion, said: "Norman Dewis is one of the real characters, not just of the British motor industry but also British Motorsport. He's one of the backroom boys and sometimes they don't get the accolades they should. Her Majesty the Queen and the honours office have very much done the right thing in awarding Norman Dewis an OBE."
The 94-year-old is still an active supporter of Jaguar and has spent the past year helping celebrate the marque.