Norman Dewis OBE
I have just heard the incredible news that Norman Dewis, legendary Jaguar test driver, has been made an Officer Of The British Empire in this years new year honours list. I had the pleasure of photographing Norman at last years JagTechnic’s Black Tie Affair for St Wilfred’s Hospice.
Here is Norman Dewis OBE pictured with (L) Mr Tony O’Keefe – Jaguar Heritage CO and (R) Mr Paul Chipp-Smith – MD Jagtechnic
I was at the event to provide images for Jagtechnic in order to promote the Black Tie Affair, that raised over £15,000 for St Wilfred’s Hospice. Funds were raised by way of an auction, with contributions to the auction from far and wide. The premium item was a refurbished Jaguar XJ6 that had just completed an epic drive from Eastbourne’s St Wilfred’s Hospice to Venice!
I salute the efforts of Paul and all at Jagtechnic and am so pleased to have been part of the journey being able to tell the story of your huge and honourable achievement.
Want to know more about Norman Dewis OBE? There is a fantastic video telling his story here
For those of you that have not heard the name Norman Dewis, you probably will not know of his life’s work. Not only was he the man responsible for engineering the beautiful Jaguar E-Type, but also the Le Mans race winning C-Type & D-Type. in all he helped develop, engineer and signed off over 30 Jaguar models between the 1950’s and 1980’s.
He even developed the now common Brake Disc saving thousands of life’s. It’s been a long time coming but most definitely deserved. We are extremely proud to call Norman a dear friend and would like to formally congratulate him on his OBE appointment, but to be honest we are still awaiting his Knighthood…
I feel privileged to have met him. Thanks Paul.