PPE101, Jaguar XK120

Originally owned by Walter Grant-Norton, the great-grandson of our founder and previous Managing Director, PPE101, a 1951 Jaguar XK120, returns to its tailoring home on Savile Row. 

In 2021 Simon Tasker, a classic car enthusiast based in Hampshire, acquired the car and pieced together her remarkable and rich history, including the story of the original owner’s family, who founded Norton and Sons in 1821.

Widely acknowledged to have completed more competition mileage than any other Jaguar, cumulating over 40,000 miles in major events, PPE101 made its name for itself during the golden years of continental rallying

Alongside Grant-Norton, the Jaguar competed with distinction in the 1951, 1952, and 1953 Alpine Rallies and won the team prize for Jaguar 1953 at the RAC Rally. Walter ran the family firm, Norton & Sons, for many years. After retiring in the 1970s, he continued rallying but sold his Jaguar in 1953, initiating a chain of 7 other owners. 

With the backing of Norton & Sons, PPE101 reignited its racing career by taking part in the Mille Miglia - marking the next chapter in her great and historic career after 73 years. 

Alongside Grant-Norton, the Jaguar competed with distinction in the 1951, 1952, and 1953 Alpine Rallies and won the team prize for Jaguar 1953 at the RAC Rally. Walter ran the family firm, Norton & Sons, for many years. After retiring in the 1970s, he continued rallying but sold his Jaguar in 1953, initiating a chain of 7 other owners. 

With the backing of Norton & Sons, PPE101 reignited its racing career by taking part in the Mille Miglia - marking the next chapter in her great and historic career after 73 years. 

Alongside Grant-Norton, the Jaguar competed with distinction in the 1951, 1952, and 1953 Alpine Rallies and won the team prize for Jaguar 1953 at the RAC Rally. Walter ran the family firm, Norton & Sons, for many years. After retiring in the 1970s, he continued rallying but sold his Jaguar in 1953, initiating a chain of 7 other owners. 

With the backing of Norton & Sons, PPE101 reignited its racing career by taking part in the Mille Miglia - marking the next chapter in her great and historic career after 73 years. 

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The Collection

In case you’ve not heard of it, the Mille Miglia is one of the largest classic car races in the world, touring 1000 miles around the scenic landscapes of northern Italy. Norton & Sons are proud to be re-partnering with PPE101 in designing the racing gear for the driving team to wear on their adventures round the Italian countryside.

The Designs

The collection comprises racer jumpsuits, aviator jackets and safari jackets, all made entirely in-house by our team. Each piece features embroidery and patches, specially designed inspired by PPE’s heritage with alpine racing.

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Savile Row Concours '24

During the two-day event, we were pleased to welcome Simon Tasker, the current owner of PPE101, as well as previous owners and family members of Grant-Norton to celebrate the car's return to its ancestral tailoring home. 

Patty Brennen, Walter-Grant Norton's youngest daughter, joined us and proudly wore our new Norton & Sons women's Racer Safari Jacket as a tribute to the car she used to ride in as a young girl.

In the store, we showcased archival photographs of the car during its rallying days with Grant-Norton at the wheel. Customers also had the opportunity to admire our racing collection, which we have been working on for the car's upcoming adventures in the Mille Miglia this summer.

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Brescia, Italy

The Norton & Sons team visitied the historical town of Brescia in northern Italy to watch the start of the Mille Miglia race and ensure that the drivers and support team were dressed in the Norton & Sons race kit accordingly. Here the car was anointed and blessed before PPE101 embarked on its 1000 mile journey.

Brescia, Italy

The Norton & Sons team visitied the historical town of Brescia in northern Italy to watch the start of the Mille Miglia race and ensure that the drivers and support team were dressed in the Norton & Sons race kit accordingly. Here the car was anointed and blessed before PPE101 embarked on its 1000 mile journey.

Brescia, Italy

The Norton & Sons team visitied the historical town of Brescia in northern Italy to watch the start of the Mille Miglia race and ensure that the drivers and support team were dressed in the Norton & Sons race kit accordingly. Here the car was anointed and blessed before PPE101 embarked on its 1000 mile journey.

Brescia, Italy

The Norton & Sons team visitied the historical town of Brescia in northern Italy to watch the start of the Mille Miglia race and ensure that the drivers and support team were dressed in the Norton & Sons race kit accordingly. Here the car was anointed and blessed before PPE101 embarked on its 1000 mile journey.