Memories of Norman Dewis (obituary)
06/17/2019
Although his name is probably unfamiliar to many readers, Norman Dewis was one of Jaguar 's most important employees . He started working for the company in Coventry in 1952 and influenced the development of all cars from the Jaguar XK140 right through to the 1980s.
Because of the war, he was never able to complete his training at Amstrong-Siddeley, but instead decided to join Lea Francis, where he soon helped develop the first post-war car.
And then came the request from Jaguar to become head of testing there. He was the first to co-develop the disc brake for the C-Type and took part in the Mille Miglia with Stirling Moss. And so it went on. In 1953, he broke the speed record in Jabbeke (Belgium) with an XK 120.
Norman was always involved when new models were created or old ones were improved. He ensured good action and perseverance. However, he became almost famous when he tested the newly developed Jaguar XJ13 racing car and had an accident with it. In the end, it was the prototype that was badly damaged. And never got to race again, but there were other reasons for this.
Even when his career at Jaguar was long over and he had taken his well-deserved retirement, he still acted as an ambassador for his company and helped collectors and car owners with special issues. And so I also met Norman Dewis from time to time at classic car events, a likeable Brit with a great sense of humor and always good for a good story. He passed away a few days ago at the age of 98 (1920 to 2019). We will miss him ...
