In the words of Norman Dewis, Jaguar Test Driver, in his book "Developing the Legend" ... "It was all the fault of the Series 3 E-Type and the new Hassan/Baily 'flat-head' production V12. The idea emerged that the new Jaguar V12 engine in the Series 3 E-Type should be launched to the press at Geneva in March 1971 amid the sight and sound of a previously unrevealed, mid-engined V12 Le Mans car emerging into sight from behind the trees. This involved getting the XJ13 out of hibernation, and as a backup to the press launch, a film would be made for wider distribution. So it was that on 20 January 1971 a film crew from London met up with the XJ13 and Norman at MIRA. After being under wraps for over two years, the car had needed a complete check-over and, as the wheels it was on had done most of the development work, they were substituted by new wheels and tyres which had remained in the stores.

All went well at first, with a good number of laps put in at modest speeds for filming. 'Then to conclude', Norman relates, 'I was asked if I could do four fast laps. I did three, and they were quite quick, although not as quick as I had gone in testing. Then on the third lap I came onto the banking, which was the one opposite the tunnel banking where the film crew were, at about 135, and gave it full throttle to hold it in as usual. About two thirds of the way round the banking, the car lurched to the right and almost instantly went into the safety fence ..."

... the car somersaulted off the track into the muddy field ... tyre tracks showed how the car had almost left the banked section ... then spun down the banking to end up in the field ...

The XJ13 Log Book simply states "20.1.71 Written off" at the top of the entry ..

The following quoted text is © Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust and should not be copied without their permission.

20.1.71
Written Off. Subsequently stripped by G Gardner to assess total damage.
Car rebuilt (commenced March 1972) completed June 1973.
Body panels - front & rear also doors by Abbey Panels at their works. Formers found intact at Radfords sent over to Bayton Road, also main chassis platform.
Damage not really extensive as regards suspension, steering etc, only one (upper) radius rod at rear o/s & transmission cooler brackets.
Engine stripped and rebuilt up to best show standards. Headlamps supplied FOC by Lucas. Tanks, oil and fuel overhauled by Marstons at cost of £55. Water rad - light alloy - corroded & u/s. XJ12 modified to suit. Two rear wheels u/s, repaied by ourselves & Sterling Metals. Tyres supplied FOC by Dunlops. Brakes OK. Steering column and rack OK. New formers made for windscreen & doors. Perspex used although laminated Triplex ultimately to be fitted to screen.
Flairs added to wheel arches to improve strength and appearance.
Twin lightweight batteries (Lucas) used.
Cooling fan (XJ12 type) fitted.
Pipework cleaned up to improve appearance.
Throttle mechanism reworked.
Seats retrimmed in black cord.
Body painted by Service Dept in new BRG
Dunlop Trackmark used as tread step protection.
New gear lever fitted as original was mislaid?

Rebuilt by G Mason & P Dodd

Car shown to Motor, Autocar, BBC etc & subject to write up in all journals.

Taken to Silverstone on July 13th 1973 for show purposes & demonstration laps (British Grand Prix) also to Shelsey Walsh for Jaguar Owner Drivers Club Rally (Aug 18th & 19th 1973) and XK Register Rally @ Woburn Sun Sept 2nd 1973.

Took it over to BBC Pebble Mill for television programme Thurs Sept 20th 1973.

Weights after rebuild
Less petrol. Plus oil & water

Front LH Wheel - 456lbs
Front RH Wheel - 450lbs
Front axle complete - 926lbs

Rear LH Wheel - 716 lbs
Rear RH Wheel - 640 lbs
Rear axle complete - 1364lbs

Total car weight - 2290lbs

--- END OF XJ13 LOG BOOK ---