How To Wash George Harrison’s Jaguar E-Type

June 9, 2016

Almost everything about the Beatles was larger than life, in the most tasteful way possible. Is it surprising that the fab four used to whip some seriously drool-worthy cars around the streets of London?

Paul, Ringo, and John’s collections were pretty well equipped with a dashing DB6 in Goodwood Green, two Lamborghinis, a rare Facel Vega “Facel II,” and a couple of Austin Mini Coopers among them. Most would agree, however, that the true enthusiast of the bunch was George, who generally stuck to cars from British marques, save for a handful of Ferrari and Mercedes-Benz models.

Although it may have been the breakup of the Beatles that allowed George to truly pursue his passion for racing automobiles, it was in the musician’s earlier years that would he would pen a letter to a fan that would leave enthusiasts like you and I chuckling for generations to come.

In the letter, posted online by Letters of Note, Harrison provides Susan Houghton with a seven step guide to washing to his lovely 1964 Jaguar E-Type, which rather humorously ends with the guitarist instructing the young lady to pour the “muddy greasy water” onto a nearby Ford Classic, more than likely owned by Paul McCartney.

Without further ado, here’s how to wash George Harrison’s car.

42, BRODIE AVE.
MOSSLEY HILL
LIVERPOOL 18.

Dear Susan,

I hope you had a good chrimbo, and have a happy nuclear ☮ too. Thank you for giving my mum flowers and chocs. [It was you wasn’t it??] Thanks also for the card, in fact THANKS A HEAP SUSAN. “Your too kind” John Lennon

Instructions for washing car:-

1/. Use plenty of soapy clean water, preferably warm.

2/. When car is [though it may take a lot of water]- clean, leave to dry off for about 20 minutes. [You can have a cup of tea now].

3/ Now ask mother to find some dusters, [2 each] and with the polish, apply with no.1 duster over an area of about 1 sq foot at a time, in a circular motion. Don’t leave it too long before polishing off. This should be carried out until the car is spotless, and gleaming clean. [Don’t forget the wheels!]

4/. Take 1 brush or vacuum cleaner, and have a bash at the carpets. They too can be made to look like new.

5/. The windows [interior] should be polished now, after which you can retire for another tea.

6/. Before returning home, I suggest you look over the car again, for any parts you may have missed out, on finding, they should be cleaned accordingly.

7/. Now proceed to 20 Forthlin RD. with about 6 buckets full of dirty muddy greasey water, where a shiney Ford Classic will be seen. Spread contents of the buckets evenly, so as to leave a nice film of muck over the car. You can now return home knowing you have done your deed for the day. Thank you!!!

Proceedings should be carried out about the 8th of January.

Thanks again for the cheerio for now don’t forget Ban the Bog.

Love from George [Harrison] xxxxxx