The 'E' Type Forum

I read an article recently that mentions the trip to Geneva to enveil the first E-Type to the press. According to the article it says: "Berry drove virtually flat out through the night, arriving in Geneva, where he drove to the local Jaguar distributor for a 20-minute wash and polish, before heading to the Parc des Eaux Vives for the public unveiling by Sir William Lyons". Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought it was Norman Dewis who drove all the way to meet at the Geneva show?. I heard in one interview on a documentary by Dewis that he recalls taking the car late at night, to board the boat, and according to him, the chap at the border gate admired the car and said to him "what a beautiful car". Norman went on to say that they gave him permission for him to board in time before it left.

So, how many E-Types went to Geneva?. I'm glad I'm not the only one who thought Dewis did the famous overnight drive, over at the Challenger E-Type site someone else thought the same.

Berry drove 9600 HP down overnight to arrive on the morning of the show (and the rest of the story does indeed hold true) but then Dewis followed the night after IIRC in 77 RW. 885005 was the Geneva Show Car.

One website suggests there were two FHC 885002 and 885005, then a third car 77RW was driven over by Dewis.
Just how much is becoming myth? Not by deliberate misinformation, but one person writing on the internet their version, then someone repeats it with errors or omissions or from poor memory, then that becomes the 'truth'.
Certainly this website quoting three cars is the first I've heard of there being three there, not just the two 9600HP and 77RW. http://www.jaguarclassic.ch/pdf/E-Type_ ... _Okt11.pdf

If its correct then I've learned something new

885005 was shipped out to Geneva the week before . 885002 the Jaguar test car was spruced up (it had some minor damage to be repaired) and driven out by Bob Berry to be used for demonstration drives - when he couldn't cope with demand Norman Dewis was sent out with 850003.

hope this clears things up

Barrie