Jaguar’s chief experimental test driver 1948-April 1951, Roland Manners Verney Sutton (1895-1957). When Norman Dewis took over as chief test development engineer his brief was wider-ranging brief. Paul Skilleter’s Norman Dewis of Jaguar, portrays “Soapy” Sutton’s aristocratic connections. Sutton set a seal on the XK120’s reputation with 132mph at Jabbeke.