It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Norman Dewis at the age of 98. Norman was known for his exceptional skills in testing Jaguar’s road cars and iconic racecars like the C-Type and D-Type, both winners of the 24 Hours of Le Mans between 1951 and 1957.
Considered the finest test driver in automotive history, Norman led Jaguar’s testing department from 1952 to 1985. His contributions were vital to the development of some of Jaguar’s most renowned vehicles and engineering achievements.
Norman also played a significant role in Jaguar’s innovation of disc brakes in the 1950s, introducing the technology to motorsports. The first racecar to use disc brakes, the 1953 Jaguar C-Type for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, was a result of Norman’s work. His groundbreaking achievements led to him being honored with the title of “Most Excellent Order of the British Empire” (OBE) in 2015 for his services to the automotive industry.
Below is a compilation of the cars Norman Dewis played a pivotal role in developing:
Norman was also an accomplished racer, driving a Jaguar D-Type at the 1955 24 Hours of Le Mans alongside Don Beauman. Despite not finishing the race, he completed an impressive 106 laps around the Circuit de la Sarthe in France.
In 1953, Norman was part of the team that set the land-speed record for production cars, reaching over 172 miles per hour in a Jaguar XK120 in Jabbeke, Belgium.
Norman retired in 2014 but continued his association with Jaguar in various capacities.
