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 details the nine cars that it will be taking to the \Mille Miglia 2015.

• Nine of Jaguar’s most celebrated Heritage models from the 1950s to compete in the famed Mille Miglia: three C-types, three D-types, an XK120, an XK140 and a MK VII
• Highlights include C-type ‘NDU 289’, which competes in 2015 event some 62 years after it raced in the original Mille Miglia
• Racing pedigree in depth with D-type ‘Long Nose’ Ecurie Ecosse, which finished in second-place finish at the 1957 Le Mans
• Priceless line-up includes Jaguar works team D-type - winner of 12 Hours of Reims in 1956
• Event runs from 14-17 May, 2015 with a star line-up of drivers coming from motorsport, music and entertainment to drive historic Jaguars on the Mille Miglia  

Nine of Jaguar’s most decorated and iconic heritage cars will compete in the 2015 Mille Miglia as the brand celebrates its 80^th anniversary.

Fans lining the 1,000-mile loop in Italy will be treated to the sight of three C-types, three D-types, an XK120, an XK140 and a MK VII saloon, which will compete as part of the Jaguar Heritage team. 

Held from 14-17 May, 2015, the Mille Miglia presents one of the toughest tests for both car and driver, beginning and ending in Brecia and running through the heart of Italy’s capital, Rome.

The first of the C-types wearing registration number ‘NDU 289’, is no stranger to the Mille Miglia having competed some 62 years ago in the original race format back in 1953, driven by Mario Tadini and Franco Cortese. It also forms part of the Jaguar Heritage Trust collection. 

The car is one of three models competing at this year’s race that are owned and run by the Jaguar Heritage Trust and will be driven by Jaguar Vehicle Integrity Chief Engineer, Mike Cross.

C-type ‘KSF 182’ bearing Chassis No. 42 that was raced by Jimmy Stewart and later by Sir Jackie Stewart over a three-year period from 1953 to 1955. It will be driven by five-time winner of the Le Mans 24hr, three-time Daytona 24hr winner and world sportscar veteran, Derek Bell. Derek is driving as a guest of art collector, classic car enthusiast and owner of ‘KSF 182’, Adam Lindemann. 

Completing the C-type trio is ‘PUG 676’ that was raced extensively in the post-World-War II era and will be driven by its owner, Royal Automobile Club Motoring Committee Chairman, Ben Cussons.

Jaguar’s participation would not be complete without the legendary D-type. This year’s Mille Miglia line-up will include ‘NVC 260’, a car that competed in several Mille Miglias in the 1980s. Formerly owned by Ralph Lauren, this special D-type also proved its worth over a two-year racing career between 1956 and 1957. It will be driven by its owner, one of the classic car world’s most respected experts, Simon Kidston.

Also competing will be ‘RSF 303’ and ‘393 RW’, which featured in several renowned races back in the 1950s. The Ecurie Ecosse D-type ‘RSF 303’ was bred for competition and after grabbing the runner-up position in the 1957 Le Mans race, took part in Mille Miglia testing that very same year and then again in 1958. It will be driven by Jaguar Design Director, Ian Callum and businessman and classic car enthusiast and owner Clive Beecham.

Reinforcing the D-type’s competitive spirit and performance was ‘393 RW’, which crowned a glorious year in 1956 by winning the 12 Hours of Reims and finishing in a credible sixth place – and setting the fastest lap – at Le Mans in the same year. It will be driven by host of the hugely popular BBC One show, Saturday Kitchen and well-known chef, James Martin.

Customers can experience what it feels like to drive a C-type, D-type and E-type at Jaguar’s test facility at Fen End near the home of Jaguar Land Rover in the West Midlands. Jaguar Heritage Driving Experiences give people the opportunity to fully experience the feeling of driving a classic Jaguar. A choice of one-hour test drives, a half-day Le Mans 24 Hours race-themed special or a full-day ‘Grace and Pace’ hospitality and driving programme are available. 

Although not available to drive in the Jaguar Heritage Drives programme currently, the MK VII saloon will still give fans and followers of the Mille Miglia on Jaguar’s social media platforms a chance to see why it was one of the most remarkable cars of its era, thanks to its ability to travel at 100mph with five people and their luggage. 

This year’s event will feature ‘97 DMH’, driven by adventurer Charley Boorman. A MK VII very similar to this was famously piloted to victory in the 1956 Monte Carlo Rally by Ronnie Adams. 

Adding glamour to the 2015 Mille Miglia challenge is ‘OOF 748’ - the XK120 affectionately christened as ‘Betsey’ by TV presenter and current host of Channel 5’s The Classic Car Show, Jodie Kidd, who drove this stunning Jaguar in the 2014 trial. 

She will again drive ‘Betsey’ in this year’s event, this time partnered by male supermodel, GQ.com columnist and classic car enthusiast, David Gandy. 

The successor to the XK120, the XK140, arrived in September 1954 and continued its predecessor’s legacy of grand two-seater open-top motoring. 

The specific XK140 racing in this year’s Mille Miglia, registered ‘TAC 743’, was once owned and raced by successful British racing driver David Hobbs. 

Fully restored by Trevor Groom back in 2006, it will be driven by Elliot Gleave, aka musician Example, and his father Michael. It completes Jaguar’s team of contenders at the 2015 Mille Milglia.

Jaguar reveals all-new Lightweight E-type, the 'Missing Six'

• Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations has unveiled its ‘new’ Lightweight E-type – hand-built by highly skilled Jaguar craftsmen in a new facility at Browns Lane
• The new Lightweight E-type is the first recreation to come from Jaguar Heritage, which operates within the Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations division
• Just six customer Lightweight E-types will be built – each assigned one of the remaining chassis numbers originally allocated in 1963 to the intended 18-car 'Special GT E-type' project, of which just 12 were built
• The new Jaguar Heritage customer workshop facility at Browns Lane is now open to offer Jaguar warrantied servicing and restoration of classic Jaguar models
• In recreating the Lightweight, Jaguar Heritage has drawn on Jaguar's unique engineering and design resources, including the company's world-leading aluminium body technology
• The specification includes an aluminium bodyshell with doors, trunklid, hardtop and bonnet also in aluminium, and is assembled to exacting standards
• The six-cylinder XK engine mirrors the original power units, with an aluminium block, 'wide angle' aluminium cylinder head and dry sump lubrication
• The cars will be sold as period competition vehicles and all will be suitable for FIA homologation for historic motorsport purposes
• Only 12 of the original Lightweight E-types were built, all but one leaving Jaguar's Browns Lane competitions department in 1963 (the last car was delivered in 1964)
• A prototype Lightweight – ‘Car Zero’ – has been completed and, on 14 August, will be revealed at the opening reception to the Pebble Beach Automotive weekend, the world’s most prestigious classic car event

“Special Operations’ remit is to indulge our most discerning and enthusiastic customers’ passion for our cars – including those from our past. This is why our Jaguar Heritage division exists, and why the new Lightweight E-type is such an incredibly exciting project.

“The E-type is an iconic car, and the Lightweight E-type the most desirable of all. To be able to complete the intended production run of 18, some 50 years after the last Lightweight was completed, was an opportunity we couldn’t miss.”

John Edwards, Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations

Jaguar has revealed the prototype of its ‘new’ Lightweight E-type – a further six of which will be built and sold.

Jaguar announced in May 2014 that it would recreate six new Lightweights, each built by Jaguar Heritage, part of Jaguar Land Rover’s new Special Operations division.

Each of the six cars will be built to a specification originated from the last Lightweight E-type produced in 1964 and will be hand-crafted at the original home of the E-type, Jaguar’s Browns Lane plant in Coventry, England. The cars will be sold as period competition vehicles and all will be suitable for FIA homologation for historic motorsport purposes.

The new cars are the 'missing' six vehicles from the 'Special GT E-type' project, which originally started in February 1963 with the objective of building 18 cars. Only 12 of the aluminium-bodied Lightweight E-types were eventually built and the remaining six designated chassis numbers having lain dormant, until now. The six new cars will carry those original, historic Lightweight E-type chassis numbers.

A race winner in the hands of a variety of famous drivers during its short competitive career, the car has achieved worldwide fame and original examples are now valued in the many millions. In recreating the Lightweight E-type, Jaguar Heritage has been able to call on the superlative skills and experience of many talented engineers and technicians already working in a variety of departments within Jaguar.

All, when offered the chance to assist with this unique project, leapt at the opportunity. Some even have an indirect link with the E-type when it was new: one master technician calculated that his family – including his grandparents, his father and his uncle – had a collective 170 years' service at Jaguar stretching back to the early 1960s.

The expertise and attention brought to bear on this recreation project is staggering, with the full resources of Jaguar being applied to ensure that the six new Lightweights will not only be authentic, but will also be built to the highest quality standards.

So the six chosen customers will each receive the rarest of things – a brand new Lightweight E-type, hand-built at Browns Lane and just as desirable as one of the originals.

“Operating from a brand new workshop at Browns Lane – now open for the restoration and servicing of customer cars – the building of six new, meticulously crafted Lightweight E-type period competition cars by Jaguar Heritage is testament to the unique skills within the team. To know those same skills can also be utilised to the benefit of existing classic Jaguar owners means this is a very exciting time for Jaguar Heritage.”

Derek Weale, Director, Jaguar Heritage Business

Classic cars to benefit from expanded Gaydon Museum, after lottery grant award.

The British Motor Industry Heritage Trust, based at the Heritage Motor Centre at Gaydon, Warwickshire has been awarded a Round Two grant of £1.45 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for its Museum Collections Centre project, it has been announced.  The award is the culmination of more than 2 years work to develop plans for a new building in which to store and display more than 200 historic British cars from the collections of both the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust and its partner the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust.

The £4 million project received initial support from HLF in 2011, and the latest HLF grant, together with match funding from Jaguar Land Rover, The Garfield Weston Foundation and both Trusts, will enable work on this exciting new project to begin in the spring of 2014.

The new Museum Collection Centre will enable people to view many cars from the reserve collections of both Trusts for the first time in a purpose-built facility which will also include a vehicle restoration and conservation workshop and space for enhanced education and lifelong learning programmes. In addition, the project will also include an ambitious programme of activities aiming to involve people locally and regionally through outreach and learning events.  It will also aid the further development of the Trust’s existing volunteer programme which allows people to become more involved with the collection, by helping with its conservation and interpretation.

Tim Bryan, Head of Collections & Interpretation at the Heritage Motor Centre said: "We are delighted that, with the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund, Jaguar Land Rover and our other partners, this exciting project will become a reality.   It will allow us to make our collections far more accessible and will enable people to learn more about the motor industry, which has played such an important role in the West Midlands".

Reyahn King, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund for the West Midlands said: “We are delighted to support this project that not only provides a new and improved display and storage venue for these historic cars, but also creates opportunities for more people to learn about their conservation."

F-TYPE #1 to Jaguar Heritage

• Jaguar, Jaguar Heritage and Coventry Transport Museum celebrate official opening of the all-new Jaguar Gallery
• First production F-TYPE presented to Jaguar Heritage
• Unique line-up of Jaguar heritage sports cars dating from 1930s displayed outside Coventry Transport Museum following historic procession through the city

Jaguar celebrated a historic event in Coventry today with Jaguar Land Rover Chief Executive Officer Dr. Ralf Speth presenting F-TYPE #1 to Jaguar Heritage at the official opening of the new Jaguar Gallery at Coventry Transport Museum.

Special guests at the opening of the new Jaguar Gallery also included Jaguar Design Director Ian Callum, Jaguar Brand Director Adrian Hallmark, Jaguar Heritage Chairman Mike O’Driscoll, Coventry Transport Museum Chairman Joe Elliott and senior representatives from the city of Coventry and the UK motor industry.

In advance of the special ceremony, a unique collection of Jaguar heritage sports cars was driven in spectacular procession into Coventry.

Ian Callum, Jaguar Design Director and Jaguar Heritage Trustee, said: “The new Jaguar Gallery is a fitting celebration of eight decades of design and technical innovation in our spiritual home of Coventry, and today’s presentation of the new F-TYPE offers a glimpse into Jaguar’s future too.

“We're investing £2.75 billion across Jaguar Land Rover in product development annually, and our Whitley headquarters, employs thousands of engineers and designers. All are fully focused on creating the next generation of Jaguar cars.”

Mike O’Driscoll, Jaguar Heritage Chairman, said:“The Jaguar Gallery shows Jaguar’s development and progress through the years – from the SS products of the 1920s to the present day with the stunning new F-TYPE.  We now have two public galleries, celebrating our rich heritage in making world-beating automobiles – the Jaguar Gallery here in our home city of Coventry and the Heritage Motor Centre at Jaguar Land Rover’s facility in Gaydon.

“These galleries represent fully active collections, and as Jaguar’s intention when manufacturing the cars, they continue to be used at iconic race circuits and Concours events all over the world.”

Joe Elliott, Coventry Transport Museum Chairman, said: “Coventry Transport Museum is proud to have this fitting new tribute to the City’s most famous export in the shape of the marvellous new Jaguar Gallery.  Our thanks to Jaguar and Jaguar Heritage for making it all possible, and now the Gallery is officially open we look forward to it being a great success as a new attraction at the museum.  It has opened in time for the long summer holiday and will serve to inspire a new generation in our great city.”

Led by the new F-TYPE, the historic procession into Coventry saw some of the rarest and most iconic Jaguar sports cars in a unique convoy through the city’s streets.  From a 1938 SS100 to a 2013 F-TYPE, with a further 14 models in between, the procession included record breakers, race winners, a number of ‘firsts’ and the sports car once voted ‘The Most Beautiful Car in the World’ (E-type), denoting a clear bloodline from Jaguar’s history to the present day – continuing a long tradition of innovation in design and engineering.

The new Jaguar Gallery at Coventry Transport Museum is titled ‘The Jaguar Story – A History of Design and Technical Innovation’ and is split into five sections covering: ‘The Early Years’ (1920s to 1940s), ‘The Post War Boom and Glamorous 50s’, ‘The Swinging 60s’, ‘Growth and Consolidation’ (70s to 00s), and ‘Jaguar Present and Future’ (2005 and on..).

In addition to the stunning collection of cars covering ten decades of Jaguar and the role of the company in Coventry history, the Gallery also references the many technology and design innovations behind these great vehicles.  Contemporary storyboards, film and spectacular imagery complement the sequential journey through the gallery, with historic artifacts to further illustrate Jaguar’s rich heritage.  

Among the guests at the reception to mark the opening of the Jaguar Gallery was the company’s legendary test driver, Norman Dewis, who celebrated his 93rd birthday this week.  Norman tested and developed over 25 Jaguar cars in his career, from the C and D-type through to XJ13, E-type, XJ-S, XJ40 and many more.  He was presented with a birthday cake at the event, which featured the XK120 that in 1953 broke the production car speed record in Jabbeke; achieving a phenomenal top speed of 172.4mph.

Jaguar previews its entry into the 2013 Mille Miglia

• Jaguar previews its entry into the 2013 Mille Miglia with short film featuring David Gandy, Yasmin Le Bon, Norman Dewis and Alex Buncombe: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEkckuR8E-k&feature=youtu.be
• Jaguar Heritage Racing enters three C-Type and three XK120 classic cars into famous event
• Jaguar 'Bloodline' of sports cars to be celebrated with new F-TYPE joining the 1,000 mile tour 

(MAHWAH, N.J.)  - May 10, 2013- Jaguar has curated a unique team of drivers for its Jaguar Heritage Racing entry into this year's Mille Miglia classic car tour. Taking the seats of outstanding examples of Jaguar C-Type and XK120 heritage race cars will be six-time Olympic cycling Champion Sir Chris Hoy, global supermodel David Gandy, Le Mans 24 Hours race winner Andy Wallace, Chairman & CEO of 20th Century Fox Jim Gianopulos - who will drive with a film industry colleague, German actress Hannah Herzsprung, Italian Salvatore Ferragamo Jr., fashion icon Yasmin Le Bon and Michael Quinn, the grandson of Jaguar founder Sir William Lyons.

This exciting list of classic car enthusiasts will be led by Jaguar Heritage Racing's own multiple race winner Alex Buncombe and motoring journalist Chris Harris, who will link up for the event in a Jaguar C-Type once owned by former Formula 1 Champion Juan Manuel Fangio.

The Mille Miglia is the pinnacle of classic motorsport, and the competitive event in 1952 saw Jaguar debut the disc brake on its C-Type sports car, piloted then by Jaguar Chief Development Engineer Norman Dewis and Formula 1 legend Sir Stirling Moss. Norman Dewis was with some of the 2013 Jaguar Heritage Racing team at Goodwood Motor Circuit this week, in a driver training session which was captured on film and now available to view and share at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEkckuR8E-k&feature=youtu.be

The line-up of three C-Type race cars and three XK120s will be followed on the majority of the driving route by five new Jaguar F-TYPE sports cars.

Jaguar Regional Director for Europe Bernard Kuhnt - who will drive with Hannah Herzsprung in the event  said: "Jaguar's 1952 entry into the Mille Miglia was hugely significant in the evolution of Jaguar products. Seductive design, intelligent performance and technological innovation were features of all Jaguar sports cars in the 1950s and 60s and they are prevalent in the incredible new F-TYPE. I am delighted that the Jaguar sports car 'bloodline' will be together in this great race and that such an exciting list of individuals will come together to celebrate the occasion and drive our cars."