A century of 26 exceptional designs. Author Graham Hull, designer of Rolls-Royce and Bentley cars for 30 years, believes vehicles associated with extreme niches, luxury, performance or economy are fascinating. Regardless of being built in millions or not, one litmus test is applied: was the vehicle an exceptional solution? The fruits of Formula 1 'laboratories' and backstreet lock-ups alike face similar scrutiny - Lamborghini or 2CV being equally relevant.
The 1911 Morgan three-wheeler, still in production 100 years on, proves the potency of an original concept. Whether for austerity, off-road, competition or social status, this book follows vehicle rationales where the backdrop is the power of creativity - individuals and teams rattling the cage of convention and winning their place in automotive history. Whether the Tyrrell's four-wheel bogie, or the Bond's mechanical 'pony, ' such cars bear witness to ingenuity, and the world would be a poorer place without the striving of their creators.
The author's commitment to original artwork captures the vehicles aesthetically, often technically and also in action. Each chapter gives a sense of the commercial and social background, and of the design's use, and the author's, and others, personal testimonies support this fascinating journey through some fascinating car designs.
About the Author:
Graham Hull, an early graduate from the world-famous Royal College of Art Automotive Design course, joined Rolls-Royce and Bentley Motors, Crewe, in 1971. He became Chief Stylist, responsible for both marques in the mid '80s, and was deeply involved in the spectacular re-birth of Bentley. He remained at Crewe after BMW bought Rolls-Royce, and VW bought Bentley, leaving in 2001. During his time at Crewe, he worked closely with the seven Managing Directors at the factory. Very much a hands-on enthusiast, he was not only responsible for creating artwork, but was involved in several of his own one-off vehicle projects. Graham's experiences are recorded in his book Inside the Rolls-Royce & Bentley Styling Department, and he has another book about innovative car designs called To Boldly Go, which is illustrated with his own drawings. Both are published by Veloce.
