Now I don't want to suck the fun out of the room here, but I have to be blunt that the entirety of automotive programming isn't all that great. Typically it features one to three less-than-stellar presenters going on silly trips and making jokes about their balding hair, bulging waistline or limp phalli.
While the UK's version of Top Gear was simply the best — and I am sure the reboot will remain the benchmark — it's become a comedy show to broaden the appeal. It's been remarkably successful, there's no denying that; however, the truly wonderful automotive stories evaporated. You have to check out Jeremy Clarkson's independent clips to find the real juice these days.
Thankfully, some independent authorities have picked up the slack. That's where Petrolicious and XCAR come into play. While XCAR typically spits out reviews, I think its latest effort, which is a sit down interview with a living legend — Norman Dewis — may be the best motorsport clip I've ever watched.
From stories about his days as a test driver developing the Jaguar C, D and E-Type to the truly horrific details of the most awful motorsport-related incident at the 1955 24 Hours of Le Mans, Dewis had me at the edge of my seat for over 38 minutes.
Easily the best 38 minutes I've spent with any content in recent memory.
Having said that, I don't think I could make a harder sell. Watch this. It's completely worth it and you will not regret it.
Meet Norman Dewis, the man who made some of Jaguar's best cars the greats they are. We spoke to him about his career, racing at Le Mans and what he thinks about being a living legend.