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 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 placed at 130th out of 450 at 2014 Mille Miglia

• Swift and safe strategy works for British duo Jodie Kidd and David Blakeley on their debut drive in celebration of ‘The most beautiful race in the world’
• #JaguarMille Twitter campaign dominates Mille Miglia 2014 coverage with live updates from @Jaguar, @example, @BSenna, @MBrundleF1 and others in driver team
• A series of Mille Miglia highlightsfilms now launched online, including interviews with Jay Leno, AC/DC frontman Brian Johnson and Jaguar Design Director Ian Callum

British TV Presenter Jodie Kidd and war hero-turned-author David Blakeley produced a memorable driving performance in their Mille Miglia ‘race’ debut this year, earning the highest final placing of any Jaguar Heritage Racing entry. This remarkable result - in a team which included Formula 1 legends and several experienced racing professionals – was achieved following a challenging yet inspiring 1,000 mile drive over four days from Brescia, through Padova, Rome, Siena , Pisa and Bologna, before returning to cross the finish line in some style back in Brescia.

In a field of 450 of the world’s most coveted classic sports and luxury cars from marques including Bugatti, Ferrari and Porsche, Jodie and David drove their stunning Jaguar XK 120 – nicknamed ‘Betsey’ by the driver duo during the event, to a credible 130^th place in the final standings.

Jodie Kidd said: “David and I are absolutely exhausted but are taking away the most incredible memories from this special event. ‘Betsey’ was a joy to drive. She was fast, smooth and a brilliant way to experience the glorious Italian countryside. David and I feel privileged to have been at the wheel of one of the most beautiful cars in the entire event. We will be back next year!”

A series of short films have now launched online, which include the highlights of the Mille Miglia from the perspective of the Jaguar Heritage Racing team drivers. All these edits may viewed and downloaded for use via the Jaguar Broadcast Newsroom:http://www.broadcast.jaguarlandrover.com/stories/8378

Available edits include a ‘megastars of music’ video featuring AC/DC lead singer Brian Johnson, British artist ‘example’ and Belgian singer and songwriter Milow. Additionally fans of Formula One are catered for with a special insight into Bruno Senna and Martin Brundle’s high speed driving in a stunning Jaguar D-type. Finally, Jay Leno and Ian Callum feature in a full review of the event (also available on YouTube:http://youtu.be/exXvGIujXlA).

Successful British musician and singer Elliot Gleave, known more famously as ‘example’, was left glowing by the Mille Miglia experience. Elliot said: “I am absolutely buzzing after the best four days of driving I have ever known. The response to live updates from Italy from followers on my Twitter, Instagram and Facebook profiles was overwhelming. My wife Erin and I are thankful to the Jaguar team for this opportunity, which is one we’ll never forget.”  

Fans of the Jaguar Heritage Racing drivers in this year’s event showed support for their personal favourites by engaging with their idols on the world’s most popular social media channels. Analysis by Jaguar digital media strategists We Are Social shows the #JaguarMille campaign created for the Mille Miglia this year was hugely popular with fans of the Jaguar brand, and also the diverse group of personalities in the 2014 team.

From 28 April through to 19 May, #JaguarMille achieved more than 4,000 mentions on Twitter, with an estimated reach of 39.9 million impressions. On Instagram, 164 unique contributors used the #JaguarMille hashtag, achieving a total of 181,400 ‘Likes’ and 1,749 comments from the followers of driver profiles.

Host of stars take part in 2014 Mille Miglia for Jaguar Heritage Racing.

• Jaguar Heritage Racing gets ready for the off with Martin Brundle and Bruno Senna leading the charge in a ‘Long Nose’ D-type 
• Famous 1956 car was the penultimate example built and is the only D-type taking part in the Italian event  
• Jaguar Heritage Racing is fielding ten 1950s models in the 2014 Mille Miglia, including XKs and C-types
• Top racers plus household names from stage and screen as well as fashion, motor sport and music celebrities driving with Jaguar Heritage Racing

With the flag about to drop on the 2014 Mille Miglia, Jaguar Heritage Racing is revving up for 1,000 miles of high-speed driving through Italy – led by Martin Brundle and Bruno Senna, who are piloting a genuine piece of Coventry history.

Ex-Jaguar Le Mans and World Sports Prototype Championship winner, Formula 1 driver and SKY F1 TV pundit Brundle along with ex-Formula 1 racer Bruno Senna are sharing the famous ‘Long Nose’ Jaguar D-type.  

Martin Brundle commented: “As some people know, I’m a fan and owner of the E-type – but this D-type is phenomenal car. I can only imagine how brave my racing driver predecessors were to pilot it at 190mph-plus down the Mulsanne Straight. 

“Bruno and I will make sure we do this legendary British racing car justice. We have discussed our strategy for the Mille Miglia and feel quietly confident. We haven’t raced together before but we share a huge amount of enthusiasm for this amazing rally.”

Bruno Senna added: “The D-type is one of the most beautiful racing cars ever made – and it’s a real privilege to drive it on the Mille Miglia in its 60^th anniversary year.

“This ‘Long Nose’ car has such an incredible history, you can feel that from every detail, from the competition-worn aero windscreen to the seats and of course that remarkable tail fin. Martin and I won’t be holding back. We’re heading the Jaguar Heritage Racing charge and will do so in style.”

The penultimate example built, the D-type carries the registration 393 RW and is a true racing thoroughbred. Produced in March 1956 for the works team, it won the Reims 12-hour race, driven by Duncan Hamilton and Ivor Bueb then went on to finish sixth in the Le Mans 24 Hours.

Such is its originality, 393 RW carries the same wraparound aero windscreen, passenger seat, door and famous integrated tailfin as it did when it competed in 1956. After retiring from European competition, the car even had an extended career on American shores too, finishing third in the 1957 Sebring 12-hour race.

With D-type production beginning in 1954, the sight of this legendary Jaguar model in this year’s Mille Miglia is a fitting way to celebrate its 60^th anniversary in 2014.

Jaguar Heritage Racing will be tackling the legendary Mille Miglia classic car endurance event from 15-18 May with a line-up of top-name drivers, which will be traversed over 1,000 grueling miles from Brescia-Rome-Brescia in ten of the most revered and sought-after historic Jaguar cars ever produced. As with all of the Jaguar Heritage Racing cars competing in the Mille Miglia, support will come from classic car technical experts, JD Classics.

A number of new Jaguar F-TYPE Coupés will support the Jaguar Heritage Racing team, following the full Mille Miglia route through Italy with broadcast crews and VIP guests.

The drivers making up the Jaguar Heritage Racing team will be tweeting live throughout the event, which was famously once proclaimed as: ‘The most beautiful race in the world’.

Live updates will be available through Jaguar official social media channels, as well as Twitter profiles of drivers using hashtag: #JaguarMille

Twitter profiles to watch for the latest personal updates on the event include:

Jaguar Heritage Racing Driver	Twitter profile name
Jay Leno	@LenosGarage
Martin Brundle	@MBrundleF1
Bruno Senna	@BSenna
Jodie Kidd	@RealJodieKidd
David Blakeley	@daveblakeley
Milow	@milow
Elliot Gleave (Example)	@example
Erin Gleave	@Erin_McNaught
Brian Johnson	@BrianJohnson

In addition Jaguar will be publishing live updates from 14-18 May at: www.facebook.com/Jaguar andwww.twitter.com/jaguar