London, England: The world’s most versatile and prolific car designer has accepted a rare invitation to join one of the smallest and most elite car-related clubs – The Motoring Hall of Fame (MHoF).
Frank Stephenson was born to Norwegian and Spanish parents in Morocco; Turkey, Spain and the USA provided him with his extensive formal education; he then worked in senior positions for car manufacturers based in Britain and mainland Europe; and he now works as the hands-on Design Director and owner of Frank Stephenson Design in the UK where he was shocked, overwhelmed but delighted to receive his 2024 Motoring Hall of Fame accolade in recent days.
“When I set out on my career as a designer, my dream was to create an imprint on the world, no matter how small. My target wasn’t about achieving job titles or winning awards, as I saw these as potential consequences of doing good work.
“I’m truly overwhelmed to receive this Motoring Hall of Fame award and for the recognition from my peers and those across the industry. It’s clear to say, this accolade was unexpected.”
Often called out as the world champion of car designers, Stephenson lists the MINI, McLaren 570S, 675LT and other McLarens as some of his finest creations, along with the Fiat 500, Maserati GranSport and MC12, Ferrari FXX and F430, BMW X5 and Ford Escort Cosworth.
“I’ve had many wonderful experiences throughout my career, bookended by designing the new MINI to designing eVTOL aircraft and most recently creating a real passion project – an online sketch education course that offers design enthusiasts the skills and knowledge to learn and prepare for the profession. This is something I see as vital for the future.
“I love what I do and it’s a real joy to be working in the industry for so long. Thank you to everyone I have worked with along the way!”
MHoF judges and jurors make no apologies for struggling to think of a modern-day car designer more versatile, prolific, productive and inspirational than Stephenson.
While continuing with his his first love – car design work – at his busy studio in England, he has also branched out into designing motorcycles, aviation products, advanced tech, watches, child seats and more.
His low-cost Learn To Sketch With Frank initiative aims to help budding car designers unable to afford the high cost of a university education. Also, The Frank Stephenson Foundation (FSF) is launched this month to offer further assistance, inspiration and bursaries to aspiring designers and others. One of the foundation’s first mission statements is that “it will be raising money from generous donations and by auctioning Frank’s working sketches.”
On August 15, 2024 – the opening day of The British Motor Show at Farnborough International – Frank Stephenson has been invited as a guest of honour to talk on the main stage and elsewhere about his work as a designer, specialist teacher and more. A dedicated display area has also been set aside for him to exhibit and talk about some of his world-class car and bike designs.
Tokyo, Japan: As the most senior inductee in Motoring Hall of Fame history, Osamu Suzuki has just assumed the official title of Father of The MHoF House.
In recent days his fellow Japan-based Hall of Famers – Hiroyoshi Kato, Ikuo Maeda, Shiro Nakamura, Takeshi Uchiyamada and Kazunori Yamauchi.- gathered in Japan’s capital to celebrate his appointment – and his January 30 birthday.
Osamu Suzuki joined the Suzuki car and motorcycle manufacturing company in 1958, served as a director for several years, then worked tirelessly as either President, Chairman or CEO between 1978 and 2021. To this day he continues to work part-time for the family firm as its special advisor.
Now 94 years young, Mr Suzuki ranks as one of the global motor industry’s most experienced and respected figures.
