George Harrison with his E-type Jaguar, photographed by Leslie Bryce outside Whaddon House, Williams Mews, in London on July 11, 1964; scanned from The Beatles Monthly and the book Looking Through You.
“Apart from girls, and listening to records with girls, I put driving as my big hobby. I thoroughly enjoy a long drive, but though I rate myself good behind the wheel, I’m not so sure the police agree.” - George Harrison, The Beatles Monthly (August 1963)
“Girls at the British Motor Corporation’s M.G. works at Abington, Berkshire, heard that George Harrison of the Beatles was having a two-seater built.
So they planted lipstick kisses on the bodywork and hid love letters in door pockets, glove compartments, in the boot and under the bonnet, says the ’Sunday Mirror.’
But George will never get the secret notes. He changed his mind about the car, a black 110 m.p.h. M.G.B., in favor of an E-type Jaguar.
A B.M.C. spokesman said the car had since been disposed of through an agent.” - The Sydney Morning Herald (March 9, 1964)
“Beatle George Harrison’s new E-type Jaguar was in collision yesterday with a green Ford Anglia in New Kings Road, Fulham. The wing of George’s car was dented and people dashed to pick up pieces of broken glass for souvenirs.” - Liverpool Echo (July 13, 1964)
“George, watching the raid on the car—499HLX—was mobbed by teenagers and had to ask police to help him get away.
[…] George said of the accident: ‘When the other fellow suddenly turned right, I put my foot on the brake, but the road was wet and though I was going slowly the car skidded a bit and we collided.” - article by an unnamed reporter, Daily Herald (July 13, 1964)
“In the other car was a family of four. The husband told me, ‘It’s nice to meet you.’” - George Harrison, Daily Record (July 13, 1964)
Q: “George, what ever became of the car wreck that you had in London?”
George: “Oh, it wasn’t a wreck. I only just tapped into some fella and knocked the headlamp in. But you see, the further away you are the worse the damage appears. I mean, over here the car was a write-off, but actually it wasn’t. And it was fixed within three days… The other fella’s insurance company paid ‘cos it was his fault. [pause] I’m a good driver.” - The Beatles’ Kansas City press conference (September 17, 1964)
