24h Le Mans
Norman Dewis died yesterday, aged 98. Although he only drove at the 24 Hours of Le Mans once, he played a discreet yet essential role in Jaguar’s successful streak at the race in the fifties.
Between 1952 and 1985, Dewis performed hundreds of thousands of kilometres of tests, developing the C- and D-type with which Jaguar triumphed three times in succession, 1955 to 1957. Many owe their lives to one of the talented engineer’s greatest achievements: the development of disc brakes.
Also a racing driver, Dewis took part in the great endurance race in 1955, sharing the wheel of a D-Type with Don Beauman. In his engineering role he contributed to the design of the iconic E-type and the generation of XJs. He was made an OBE in the 2015 New Year’s Honours List – worthy acknowledgement not only for his engineering accomplishments but also for his days as a WW2 soldier, a conflict that he survived despite spending three years as a turret gunner in the Bristol Blenheim.
As ambassador for the Jaguar, he spent the last twenty years travelling the world to vaunt the merits of the British make.
The Automobile Club de l’Ouest extends its most sincere condolences to Norman Dewis’ family and loved ones.
Photo (Louis Monnier/ACO): GOODWOOD RACETRACK (GB), GOODWOOD REVIVAL, SEPTEMBER 2008. Norman Dewis (right) with Stirling Moss, who took part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans four times with Jaguar (1951-1954).
