Buzz
Car brands have achieved global fame, with iconic names like Aston Martin and Lamborghini instantly recognizable to people worldwide. Even lesser-known models, such as the Lada and Peugeot, are familiar to many. But have you ever wondered about the creative minds behind these beloved vehicles? Unlike fashion designers, who often bask in the limelight, most car designers work in anonymity, earning modest salaries as employees of automakers. However, a select few have earned stellar reputations within the industry and among car enthusiasts for designing some of the most cherished vehicles in history. Here’s a look at 10 of the greatest car designers of all time.
10. Bill Mitchell
Though he never starred in a movie or had schools named in his honor, Bill Mitchell holds a special place in the hearts of American muscle car enthusiasts. A dedicated General Motors employee in Detroit, Mitchell crafted several legendary vehicles during the 1960s and 1970s, including the Cadillac Coupe DeVille, Corvette Sting Ray, and Chevrolet Camaro. His career at General Motors began in 1935, and for over four decades, he profoundly influenced the automotive industry until his retirement in 1977. Mitchell passed away in 1988, but his legacy endures, particularly through his iconic design of the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray Coupe, widely regarded as his magnum opus.
9. Paul Bracq
Paul Bracq, a renowned French car designer, dedicated his career to some of Europe's most prestigious automakers, including Citroen, Peugeot, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. Starting in the 1950s, his most significant impact came during his tenure as Design Director at BMW in the 1970s, where he shaped iconic models like the BMW 7 Series and the BMW 1600Ti. Beyond aesthetics, Bracq pioneered safety innovations such as crumple zones and rollover protection systems. His illustrious career also included designing limousines for the French President and vehicles for the Pope, cementing a remarkable legacy.
8. J. Mays
J. Mays, hailing from rural Oklahoma and growing up in his family’s auto parts store, rose to become Ford Motor Company’s Chief Creative Officer. After studying commercial art, he began his career in Germany, notably at Volkswagen, where he led the redesign of the Volkswagen Beetle. Joining Ford in 1997, Mays became known for his retro-inspired designs, including the Ford Fairlane, Shelby GR-1, and Jaguar F-Type. He also contributed to multiple iterations of the Ford Mustang. His exceptional work earned him the Harvard Design School’s Excellence in Design Award in 2002.
7. Jason Castriota
Jason Castriota, a New York native, has built a career designing stunning vehicles for luxury brands like Ferrari and Maserati. After graduating from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California, he transitioned from an internship at Pininfarina to Ferrari, where he created masterpieces such as the Ferrari 599, Maserati GranTurismo, and Maserati Birdcage. Known for his aerodynamic expertise and racing-inspired designs, Castriota has also crafted bespoke vehicles for private collectors worldwide, solidifying his reputation as a visionary in automotive design.
6. Harley J. Earl
Harley J. Earl was a trailblazer in the automotive world, revolutionizing car design as General Motors' first Design Chief. He introduced groundbreaking techniques like freeform sketching and clay modeling, which remain industry standards today. Earl also pioneered the concept car, a tool for both design innovation and marketing. His career spanned iconic designs, from the 1927 Cadillac LaSalle to the 1953 Chevrolet Corvette. He also contributed to automotive history with innovations like the Tailfin and military vehicle camouflage during World War II. Earl passed away in 1969 after suffering a stroke.
5. Malcolm Sayer
Jaguar cars are celebrated for their timeless beauty, much of which is credited to designer Malcolm Sayer. During his two-decade tenure at Jaguar, Sayer crafted some of the brand's most iconic models, including the legendary E-Type Jaguar and the Jaguar XJS. He also designed the Jaguar XJ13 racing prototype and the C-Type Jaguars that triumphed at Le Mans. Drawing from his background as an aircraft designer during World War II, Sayer applied aerodynamic principles to his automotive creations. Sadly, he passed away in 1970 at the age of 54 due to a heart attack.
4. Walter de Silva
Walter de Silva, currently the Head of Volkswagen Group Design, oversees a portfolio that includes prestigious brands like Bentley, Lamborghini, and Bugatti. With a career spanning since 1972, he has also led design at Alfa Romeo and crafted iconic vehicles such as the Alfa Romeo 156, Audi A6, Audi R8, and Lamborghini Egoista. De Silva is equally committed to enhancing Volkswagen's lineup, offering accessible models like the Golf, Jetta, and Passat. His career uniquely balances luxury and everyday vehicles, showcasing his versatility as a designer.
3. Henrik Fisker
Henrik Fisker is the creative force behind automotive gems like the BMW Z8 and Aston Martin DB9. This Danish designer has left an indelible mark on the industry with his modern masterpieces. Now leading his own firm, HF Design, Fisker has announced plans to launch a new automotive venture, building on his previous success with Fisker Automotive. Beyond cars, he has designed influential motorcycles, including the Viking Motorcycle. Renowned for his bold, innovative designs, Fisker continues to shape the future of automotive aesthetics.
2. Frank Stephenson
Frank Stephenson, a contemporary design genius, is celebrated for reinventing the modern Mini, a car that has achieved widespread acclaim. However, his portfolio extends far beyond the Mini, encompassing iconic models like the BMW X5, Maserati MC12, and Ferrari F430. As Design Director at McLaren Automotive, Stephenson crafted the sleek MP4-12C. His work is synonymous with elegance and performance, and he is now reportedly developing cutting-edge race cars for McLaren, eagerly awaited by enthusiasts.
1. Giorgetto Giugiaro
Giorgetto Giugiaro, the visionary behind iconic vehicles like the Alfa Romeo 2600, Aston Martin DB4, BMW M1, Maserati Ghibli, Lamborghini Calà, and Bugatti EB218, was honored as Car Designer of the Century in 1999 by the Global Automotive Elections Foundation and inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame in 2002. Renowned as Italy’s leading automotive designer, Giugiaro has collaborated with brands such as Fiat, Ford, and Hyundai. His greatest influence lies in the sports and luxury car sectors, where his designs have earned global acclaim. Beyond automobiles, Giugiaro has crafted camera bodies for Nikon, computer prototypes for Apple, and even invented a unique pasta shape called “Marille,” showcasing his unparalleled versatility in design.
