Jaguar’s XJ13 was to carry the manufacturer back into international motorsports along with its new V12 engine. Due to anti-racing sentiment at British Leyland, the car was never allowed to “officially” test, nevertheless compete. Photo: B. Dunsmore
Vintage Guy

Sunday Driver

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The truth is, I might have missed him amongst Moss, Brabham, Trintignant, Shelby, Ward and all the other motor racing luminaries at Monterey if someone hadn’t pointed him out.

“That’s Norman Dewis,” my friend said, pointing to an amazingly spry white-haired man of small stature holding court with an enthralled group of enthusiasts. As it happens, Dewis had driven the very same ex-works D-Type Jaguar they were standing next to at Goodwood 45 years ago and would drive it again in the Historics that day – at the tender age of 80. But while his driving skills are better than most, it isn’t driving that Norman Dewis is most known for.

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