The legend that is Norman Dewis O.B.E. goes to get kitted out before he arrived on set at last weekends Top Gear.

Legendary Jaguar test driver Norman Dewis OBE made his first appearance on BBC Top Gear television in the UK on Sunday 26 June. In preparation for his debut on the famous show set, Dewis was fitted for a bespoke suit – complete with special Jaguar lining – at Savile Row’s Henry Poole & Co., with British supermodel and car collector David Gandy on hand to offer style advice.

On the same day, Norman Dewis OBE visited Jaguar Stratstone Mayfair to see the retailer group’s recently purchased Jaguar Lightweight E-type – one of the ‘Missing Six’ manufactured in 2015 to complete the original run of 18 allocated in 1963 - when Dewis was the company’s chief test driver. 

Norman Dewis OBE said: “I visited London thanks to my friend David Gandy who kindly introduced me to his tailor, Henry Poole & Co., who made a suit for me ahead of my appearance on this week’s episodes of BBC Top Gear and Extra Gear.  It was also an opportunity for me to visit the Jaguar showroom on Berkeley Street just around the corner from Savile Row – so David joined me to take a look at their ‘new’ Lightweight E-type.  A car very close to my heart.”

David Gandy said: “When I learned Norman was going to be on TV I thought it would be great to have him fitted for a new suit so he can look his best in front of the cameras.  Our friends at Henry Poole & Co. stepped in, so we came in together for a fitting.  Norman also kindly invited me to join him to take a look at a couple of really wonderful Jaguars from his era with the company – a stunning C-type and Lightweight E-type.  To hear about these cars from the man fundamental to their development was a rare treat for a petrol head and Jaguar enthusiast like me.”

In their latest episode, the BBC Top Gear team recreated Norman’s infamous drive from Coventry to Geneva in 1961, where the Jaguar E-type made its world debut 55 years ago.  BBC Top Gear presenter Rory Reid completed the same journey this year in a new 575PS, 200mph-capable Jaguar F-TYPE SVR.  In 1961, Norman drove E-type ‘77 RW’ from Jaguar’s then HQ in Browns Lane Coventry, to the motor show in Geneva, driving for 11 hours (plus three hours for the ferry crossing from Dover to Ostend).  In this episode Rory is given a warm welcome by Norman to Geneva, 55 years on. Norman is also interviewed on the Extra Gear show, which is available now on BBC iPlayer.

Recalling his drive in 1961, Dewis said: “I left Coventry at 7.45pm for a 10pm crossing from Dover, and it seemed the heavens were looking down on me, as every traffic light I came to, even on London’s Edgware Road, showed green.  The gates had just closed when I arrived at Dover and the boat was ready to sail, but the security guard shone his torch on the car and asked me what it was – I explained it was the new Jaguar E-type and I just had to make it to Geneva for it’s world debut at the motor show – he agreed, and ushered me through.”

Norman continued: “I arrived in Geneva just in time for a 10am press conference the following morning, and Sir William Lyons looked at his watch and said, simply ‘I knew you’d make it, Dewis’.  The press went berserk for the new E-type – it was a relative bargain at £2,000 and could reach speeds of up to 150mph.  The news spread around the world like a prairie fire.  We had to lay down a new production line at Browns Lane to cope with the demand.”a

Jaguar celebrates a very successful 2015 Mille Miglia with all nine cars finishing.

• Jaguar Heritage’s team of three C-types, three D-types, two XK120s and an XK140 all cross the finish line of the gruelling 2015 Mille Miglia in style
• Topping the table for the Jaguar team was Jaguar Vehicle Integrity Chief Engineer Mike Cross and journalist Mikey Harvey in a Jaguar C-type
• Model and TV presenter Jodie Kidd and model and GQ.com columnist David Gandy were next best Jaguar finishers in an XK120 Roadster

Jaguar is celebrating an excellent team performance in the 2015 Mille Miglia with all nine cars finishing the gruelling 1,000-mile endurance rally across Italy, with two cars inside the top 200 hundred finishers.

In the year that Jaguar celebrates its 80^th anniversary, Jaguar Heritage headed to the start in Brescia with three C-types, three D-types, two XK120s and an XK140 driven by famous faces from the world of motorsport, TV and music.

In total, well over 400 cars took part in the punishing four-day event, which started in Brescia, headed to Rimini on the east coast, before dropping down to Rome, back up to Parma – taking in historic Siena and Pisa on the way – before finishing back in Brescia.

Supported by an expert crew of Jaguar Heritage technicians, the nine Jaguar entries never missed a beat allowing each driver pairing to focus on the core demands of the Mille Miglia: covering big daily mileages while also completing regularity time-trial stages.

It was ‘NDU 289’, the Jaguar C-type of Jaguar Vehicle Integrity Chief Engineer Mike Cross, with Telegraph journalist Mikey Harvey, which came out on top for the Jaguar team, finishing in 153^rd place – a great performance given that the top 100 places are filled with regularity time trial experts.

“We’ve driven 1,000 miles over four long days and the C-type has been superb throughout,” said Mike Cross, who leads a team responsible for giving Jaguar cars their unique driving qualities. “There’s definitely a discernible blood line: the faster you go, the better the C-type gets. It becomes more precise, more stable, more calm – and that DNA is carried through to modern Jaguars.”

Finishing not far behind them in 171^st place were model and TV presenter, Jodie Kidd and model and GQ.com columnist David Gandy, driving ‘OOF 748’, a Jaguar XK120 roadster.

This was the second time Kidd had driven the Mille Miglia in this car, affectionately nicknamed ‘Betsey’: “It was just so much fun to be reunited with Betsey again,” she said. 

“I’ve really learned how to drive her and get the best out of her. As ever, the roads and the crowds were just sensational. I’d like to say a huge thank you to the Jaguar support team who put in some Herculean efforts to keep everyone motivated and moving.”

Fellow driver, David Gandy, added: “It’s just been a real privilege and an incredible experience. I think the highlight for me was the way Jodie and I worked as a team. Our driving styles are very similar – we’re just as committed on the road as each other.”

Rapper and musician Elliot Gleave, aka Example, drove with his father, Michael Gleave. This was the second time Elliot had driven the Mille Miglia. This time he drove in ‘TAC 740’, an XK140 roadster. 

“This year was even better than the first time. I really got to grips with the car, the route books and the timing challenges. It has been a totally brilliant experience, but I’m knackered. 

I feel like I’ve done 20 days of touring. Doing it with my Dad has been amazing. He lives in Australia so I only see him once or twice a year. This is something we’ve been able to bond over. It’s been very special indeed.”

Driving his own Jaguar C-type, ‘PUG 676’, was Royal Automobile Club Motoring Committee Chairman, Ben Cussons, partnered by journalist Alex Goy. He commented: “It’s been a great event – superb organisation throughout, a warm welcome from other drivers and even the weather was good with only a few drops of rain. 

The C-type performed superbly and was supported by a supremely dedicated Jaguar crew. Jaguars always seem to be a favourite with Italians – they always cheered when they saw the C-types and D-types.”

The event certainly left a profound effect on TV chef, James Martin, who drove ‘393 RW’, a long-nose D-type.“You feel elated at the end. It’s just the most amazing feeling. I’ve been through the turmoil and the heartache of not finishing the Mille Miglia so to be able to cross that line...I’m a Yorkshire farmer but I had tears in my eyes.

“The long nose D-type is the fastest machine out there. It’s just amazing to drive. There was an incredible moment when we were joined by another Jaguar works D-type and we had an amazing battle with a Ferrari TR over 100 miles up in the mountains.”

Recalling Stirling Moss’ 1955 victory in the Mille Miglia during which he averaged just under 100mph, Martin said: “If we experienced just 0.1 per cent of what Stirling Moss went through then you respect the man even more. 

For him to do what he did back then for 1,000miles is just unbelievable. It’d be an understatement to say I want to come back next year. This has been the best four days of my life. Thanks to Jaguar.”

Martin’s co-driver, adventurer Charley Boorman, was just as in awe of the experience: “I didn’t really know quite what to expect. When I did the Dakar, there was the similar feeling of the unknown. But James and I just had a laugh from beginning to end. We were like two children in a sweet shop at Monza on the banking! 

“I can’t believe we actually finished. Given the drop-out rate and how tough it is on man and machine, I’m so thrilled to get over the line. The D-type was fantastic. It was brutal. I really want to do it again. Big thanks to Jaguar – everyone who supported us to keep us going. They barely slept. They were fantastic."

Driving ‘RSF 303’, the priceless Jaguar D-type ‘Long Nose’ Ecurie Ecosse racer of businessman and classic car enthusiast Clive Beecham, was Jaguar Design Director, Ian Callum.

“This was my third Mille Miglia,” he said. “I was offered the chance to do this year’s event in a D-type, and an Ecurie Ecosse D-type at that. I couldn’t turn it down, especially as I remember that car being driven at Ingliston race track in Scotland when I was about seven or eight years old.

“It’s a huge privilege to be part of that car’s history – because it’s made even more history now, being part of the Mille Miglia. And this year’s drive was pure enjoyment for me, pure exhilaration. This event is amazing – it gives you a unique feeling for what the car is about. It underlines exactly what the Jaguar brand is all about.”

The team was completed by finishes from endurance racing legend, Derek Bell and art collector Adam Lindemann, who drove ‘KSF 182’, a C-type, Jaguar Land Rover CEO, Dr Ralf Speth and Tony O’Keeffe in ‘280 BPE’, an XK120 roadster, and classic car expert and owner of D-type ‘NVC 260’, Simon Kidston with journalist Jason Barlow.  

Jaguar Completes MINI Miglia in Scotland, ahead of taking part in the full Mille Miglia next week.

• Jaguar Heritage hosts inaugural ‘Mini Miglia’ for 2015 driver team in preparation for the Mille Miglia in Italy,14-17 May
• Vehicle familiarisation and ‘shakedown’ event took in 100 miles of the best Scottish roads, helping guest drivers to prepare for the gruelling Mille Miglia
• Chef, TV Presenter and Car Collector James Martin won the ‘Mini Miglia’ trial in a Jaguar D-type ‘Long Nose’
• New short film captures the spirit and action from the rally:
• https://youtu.be/dArVf9d_diM

Jaguar Heritage has successfully hosted the inaugural ‘Mini Miglia’ in Scotland, giving its Mille Miglia entrants a chance to familiarise themselves with the stunning range of iconic sports cars they’ll be driving in Italy from 14-17 May. Taking in some of the finest roads Scotland has to offer. 

The ‘Mini Miglia’ gave the Jaguar Heritage team drivers a chance to perfect their time trial skills and to familiarise themselves with their cars. 

Some of the most important sports and touring models from Jaguar’s heritage collection. Visually captivating scenery, roads and cars - as well drivers including Jaguar Director of Design Ian Callum, Chef and TV Presenter James Martin and Supermodel David Gandy – all feature in a new short film which previews the Mille Miglia celebration tour: https://youtu.be/dArVf9d_diM

The incredible scenery and winding roads of the Scottish Highlands provided the perfect backdrop for such an iconic selection of Jaguars. The cars travelled from Loch Lomond northbound on the A83 towards Inveraray Castle and then south along The Rest And Be Thankful – part of the original British Hill Climb Championship. Finally, the route looped back around towards Loch Lomond and the finish line.

Also tackling this 100-mile training course – which included a Mille Miglia-style time trial – was adventurer Charley Boorman.

Jaguar’s Director of Design Ian Callum piloted an Ecurie Ecosse D-type with its owner Clive Beecham. Ian Callum said: “Driving these cars in this situation is just the most wonderful thing in the world. It is one of the highest highs I can possibly imagine.”

The ‘Long Nose’ D-type is the very same car that was runner-up in the 1957 Le Mans 24 Hour race, won by another of Ecurie Ecosse’s cars – and helping cement the Scottish team’s place in history.

Accompanying the Ecurie Ecosse D-type in Scotland, were two Jaguar XK120s, an XK140, a Mk VII, two C-types and another D-type. Each of the cars performed spectacularly throughout the 100-mile trial.

The D-type driven for the first time in anger by James Martin was awarded first place in the ‘Mini Miglia’ regularity trial, followed by the Mk VII of Charley Boorman. The cars and drivers will next meet on the start line in Brescia on May 14^th, ready to tackle 1,000-miles through Italy on the 2015 Mille Migla.

Jaguar celebrates the 80th Anniversary of the Mille Miglia with a field of Seven classic Jags'.

• Jaguar Heritage to field nine of the marque’s most famous 1950s models in the 2015 Mille Miglia
• Event runs from 14-17 May with drivers piloting three C-types, three D-types, an XK120, an XK140 and a MK VII
• Star line-up of drivers come from motorsport, music and entertainment to drive historic Jaguars on the Mille Miglia
• Live updates from event will be available through Jaguar’s official social media channels, as well as Twitter profiles of drivers using hashtag: #JaguarMille

Jaguar is celebrating its 80^th anniversary by once again taking on the legendary challenge that is the Mille Miglia. Held from 14-17 May in Italy, Jaguar Heritage Racing will be fielding a team of drivers who will cover more than 1,000 miles from Brescia-Rome-Brescia in nine of the marque’s most celebrated models.

Famous faces from the world of motorsport, TV and music will put their historic Jaguars through their paces on the gruelling route which takes place over four punishing but unforgettable days starting in Brescia, heading to Rimini, Rome, Parma and then back to Brescia. 

Crowds lining the route will get to see examples of historically-significant Jaguar XKs, C-types and D-types hurtling past them with famous faces in the cockpits.

Five-time winner of the Le Mans 24hr, three-time Daytona 24hr winner and world sportscar veteran, Derek Bell, will make his Mille Miglia debut driving a Jaguar C-type.  Derek is driving as a guest of art collector and classic car enthusiast Adam Lindemann.

Piloting the second C-type, ‘NDU 289’, will be Jaguar Vehicle Integrity Chief Engineer Mike Cross, while the final C-type, ‘PUG 676’, will be driven by Royal Automobile Club Motoring Committee Chairman, Ben Cussons.

Driving ‘RSF 303’, a priceless Jaguar D-type ‘Long Nose’ Ecurie Ecosse racer, which finished second at Le Mans in 1957, will be Jaguar Design Director, Ian Callum. A veteran of the Mille Miglia, Ian drove with US chat show host Jay Leno in the 2014 event - this year he will be partnering up with businessman and classic car enthusiast, Clive Beecham.

At the wheel of a Jaguar MK VII will be a man who’s no stranger to speed and sleep deprivation – Charley Boorman. More used to two wheels than four thanks to his many motorbike adventures, Charley will be partnered by Bremont co-founder Giles English. The fastest saloon car of its day, a Jaguar MK VII was famously piloted to victory in the 1956 Monte Carlo Rally by Ronnie Adams with co-drivers Frank Biggar and Derek Johnstone.

Making for a very glamorous cockpit is ‘OOF 748’ - the XK120 roadster of model, TV presenter and current host of Channel 5’s The Classic Car Show, Jodie Kidd, whose co-driver will be male supermodel, GQ columnist and classic car enthusiast, David Gandy.

Host of the hugely popular BBC One show, Saturday Kitchen and well-known TV chef, James Martin, will be partnered by Bremont co-founder Nick English, brother of Giles. They will share the penultimate ‘Long Nose’ Jaguar D-type ever built, registered ‘393 RW’. Completing the trio of D-types will be one of the classic car world’s most respected experts, Simon Kidston.

Completing the Jaguar Heritage team line-up is successful British singer/song-writer Elliot Gleave, otherwise known as Example. Elliot will be driving a XK140 with his father, Michael, as co-pilot. The XK140, registered ‘TAC 743’, was once owned by successful British racing driver David Hobbs.

On the Mille Miglia, a number of new Jaguar XEs will also support the Jaguar Heritage Racing team, following the full route through Italy with broadcast crews and VIP guests.

Jaguar Land Rover Launches New XF and Range Rover SVAutobiography at exclusive Event.

• Over 200 VIP guests attend exclusive preview of the all-new Jaguar XF and Range Rover SVAutobiography in Manhattan
• Christina Hendricks, Emmy® nominated actress, supermodel David Gandy and supermodel-turned-presenter Jodie Kidd were amongst guests celebrating the reveal of new Jaguar and Land Rover models
• Cars were previewed to guests ahead of their official debut at the New York International Auto Show on April 1 

On Tuesday Evening, Jaguar Land Rover hosted a special sneak preview event to showcase two important new models, hours ahead of their global reveal at the 2015 New York International Auto Show.

The special event was held in contemporary loft space Center548 in the heart of the Chelsea Arts District to premiere the all-new Jaguar XF and the Range Rover SVAutobiography.

Amongst the guests were Christina Hendricks, Emmy®nominated actress, global supermodel David Gandy and supermodel turned TV presenter Jodie Kidd.

The new XF is the third Jaguar to be based on the brand’s advanced aluminium architecture, making every Jaguar now produced aluminium intensive. The British firm is the globally recognised leader in high-tech aluminium construction, which leads to strong and safe but ultra-lightweight body structures.

Less weight means better efficiency and the new lightweight XF can now boast segment-leading figures of over 70mpg and 104g/Km CO₂. It also offers more rear seat space than its competitors as well as new touch screen technology and unrivalled levels of luxury and refinement.

Crafted to perfection with beautiful materials and flawless execution, the ultra-luxurious, new Range Rover SVAutobiography offers signature features for a truly refined and superior travel experience, including climate controlled seats with massage function, power-enabled fold out tables in the rear seats, smartphone integration and individual rear seat entertainment screens. 

Guests were treated to an exclusive preview of both cars and stunning 360-degree views of Manhattan and the Hudson River. 

Center548 is a space synonymous with contemporary and innovative design. In the past the venue has hosted some of New York’s most iconic fashion, architecture and design shows so it provides a fitting space to launch two such important and cutting-edge vehicles.

Jaguar and Land Rover will debut both the all-new Jaguar XF, and the ultra-luxurious Range Rover SVAutobiography on April 1 at the 2015 New York International Auto Show.

Jaguar celebrates successful Mille Miglia

The stars and the Jaguar cars entered into the Mille Miglia 2013 all feature in a new short film now available to watch and share at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBPiuVvjp3M&feature=youtu.be

The 1,000 mile tour, which is a celebration of ‘The World’s Most Beautiful Race’, captures the feedback from the high profile line-up of drivers that accepted invitations from Jaguar to partake in the epic drive event across Italy.

In the seats of three stunning examples of the Jaguar XK120 were driver pairings of Sir Chris Hoy and Andy Wallace; Daniel Day Lewis and Jim Gianopulos and David Gandy partnering Yasmin Le Bon.

The cavalcade of official Jaguar Heritage Racing cars in the event was doubled in size by the entries of three remarkable C-Type sports cars. Driver double-acts in lightweight C-Types included Jaguar Regional Director for Europe Bernard Kuhnt and actress Hannah Herzsprung, Alex Buncombe with Chris Harris, and Salvatore Ferragamo Jr. alongside Michael Quinn – the grandson of Jaguar founder Sir William Lyons.

More than 400 classic race and road cars of unique heritage were entered into the Mille Miglia this year. The record number of entries meant that the Jaguar drivers – of which only Jim Gianopulos and Bernard Kuhnt have previous experience – were jostling on road with some of the most significant sports cars ever built by the world’s most prestigious manufacturers.

Sir Chris Hoy, an Ambassador of the Jaguar Academy of Sport, said: “Being asked to drive with Le Mans winner Andy Wallace in the Mille Miglia was a privilege and I was delighted to take part. It is a technical event that participants take very seriously – I enjoyed its deeply competitive nature and I’m delighted to have made my debut with Jaguar.”

Globally-recognised supermodel David Gandy commented: “The Mille Miglia is an event like no other. It was on my ‘bucket list’ and despite gruelling hours spent on the road each day in difficult weather conditions, the reaction to our car from thousands of fans across Italy and the euphoria Yasmin and I experienced crossing the finishing line made it all worthwhile.”

Jaguar is committed to celebrating its unique, rich heritage as the company continues its recent exciting growth. Bernard Kuhnt said: “Our presence at the Mille Miglia was particularly significant this year as we are launching the new F-TYPE sports car across the world. To bring together the finest Jaguar cars ever made, with some remarkable characters behind the wheel, and to have five F-TYPEs chasing them throughout beautiful Italian countryside was a sight to behold.

“I am extremely thankful to the drivers in our team for spending their valuable time with Jaguar and I am grateful to the Mille Miglia organisers for allowing us the opportunity to enter this spectacular celebration of classic motorsport.”