Driving Across Europe In A Jaguar E-Type #TBT - Fifth Gear

The most throwback of #ThrowbackThursdays. Jason and Jonny recreate the journey Norman Dewis took in 1961.

[robertsnare]

R.I.P. Norman Dewis, 3 August 1920 - 8 June 2019. A motoring legend!

[bicyclist]

I once got to ride in a BRG E type convertible and I'll never forget it as long as I live. It was the most exhilarating time I've ever had in any car. Thanks.

[msmith]

Historical correction. The first car driven from Coventry to Geneva at the request of William Lyon was actually by Bob Berry, driving a coupe, registration number 9600HP. The next day, Norman Dewis drove open two seater 77RW along the route.

[markblunck]

The Geneva show stand coupe (885005) was already at the venue. The 'first' press demonstration car was also a coupe, 9600HP, driven by Jaguar marketing executive Bob Berry from Coventry to Geneva. The 'second' press demonstration car was 77RW driven by Norman Dewis.

[Apollonius]

Jaguar E Type it has one problem, I don't have one yet.

[Ellis]

I never thought I'd see the day where fifth gear is more entertaining that Top Gear...

[interstellarlapisthecccp]

Anyone else like the Coupe better than the Roadster version? The roadster is still nice, but to me it's missing something without that arched back. I feel the same way about the Porsche 911 from these times; the back looks a bit out of place without the domed roof. This way it looks far more intimidating as well.

[neuralyser]

I drove into Switzerland many years ago with my wife, telling her that I had an idea to have a lunch at the restaurant in the parc where the E Type was first shown in 61, we made it there only to find that the restaurant had recently burnt down

[fatbelly]

2:10 petrol was not 58p per gallon in 1961 - that is over 11 shillings. It was around 4s11d - below 25p. And most cars could do 70 mph. Even the 105E Anglia would do 73

[styx]

3:49 that minx with the great, big set of... now plays Olenna Tyrell in Game of Thrones :)

[oibal]

As a preteen in the 1960's, I made a personal commitment that, before I die, I would own either an E-type or a 911. Today I own a 993, designed by an Englishman, Tony Hatter, well at least I almost made it.

[petewoodroffemusic]

Favourite car in favourite colour! Dream machine...

Pete Woodroffe (aged 11)

[philipshilling]

Six cylinder E Types are good, reliable sports cars that give an unequalled driving experience. However, they have to be SERVICED at their factory-mandated intervals, and preventive maintenance is also a good idea. Just expecting them to run like modern pick-up trucks ad-infinitum, after 50-60 years, while only ever putting in gasoline, is what will leave you stranded by the road eventually. Modern Lucas replacement electricals are actually better than Bosch!  Mercedes-Benz recently switched from Bosch to "Prince of Light" electrics. The silly American Lucas jokes are a bit tiring...and are fuelled mainly by nationalist chauvinism and jealousy.  I look after my '69 open two seater and it doesn't ever break down, doesn't leak oil, has no electrical problems, no rust, and is my favourite materialistic possession in life. Going anywhere in it on a nice sunny day is a delight, and it puts a big smile on my face, and on the faces of so many other people who see it. It's nice to drive a work of art on wheels that is also a time capsule, while lifting one's spirits and those of others who encounter it.

[stevphenrose]

Jaguar needs to bring a 2021 version of the EType. We could call it the GE type

[rom]

Don't put SP95 E10 when you want petrol in your old car in France, there are 10 purcent of ethanol and it's very bad for the engine and components! It is better to put SP95 or 98

[tuono]

What's up with the video quality? Is that from 1961 as well?

[mauriziopescatori]

UK to Geneva ishardly "across Europe", it's a day drive.Calais to Istanbul is "across Europe", or "driving the E-45 from Sicily to Sweden"

[racing]

The only thing I can think of when I look at this car is how long you need to make a bonnet when trying to get 50/50 weight distribution when you have a giant inline 6 out the front

[lewis]

TopGear did this in a F-Type.

This was a much better article. I wonder whose car it was ??

[Marbella-Dave]

Wish they had described how the car drove and the experience being so long inside the car