Over the past century, the evolution of the automotive industry has showcased the extraordinary talent of car designers. These creators have not only built cars that roll on roads but also left their mark on cinema, poetry, music, and museums. Cars have become a global pop culture symbol with a profound impact across the world.
Ferdinand Porsche: Worker, Engineer, Car Designer
In 1900, Ferdinand Porsche crafted his first car, the Lohner-Porsche. This revolutionary design gained widespread attention at the Paris Auto Show due to its innovative concealed hub motor technology. At just 25, Porsche’s name became renowned in the automotive world.
“I looked everywhere but couldn’t find the car of my dreams, so I decided to create it myself,” he famously said. This declaration marked the founding of Porsche in 1931, realizing his dream and fulfilling the desires of millions in the years to come.
In 1938, a year before World War II, while diligently working on an unnamed prototype, Ferdinand was summoned by Adolf Hitler and tasked with designing a fuel-efficient car for the German public. The result? The Volkswagen Beetle, which entered production in 1945 post-war, quickly became a global cultural icon.
His son, Ferry Porsche, continued the legacy by creating the Porsche 911, now recognized as the ultimate sports car desired worldwide. Only Porsche, particularly the 911, could achieve such timeless excellence.
Peter Schreyer: Audi, Volkswagen, Kia, Hyundai
1953: Born in Germany
1980: Audi and Volkswagen
2006: Chief Design Officer of Kia
2013: President of Hyundai and Kia Design Centre
After 25 years at Audi and Volkswagen, Peter Schreyer received a pivotal call that changed his life. He quickly accepted a position as Chief Design Officer at Kia, relocating to Seoul. “Working in Korea has been an invaluable experience. During my time here, I learned so much about myself, my roots, and the unique relationship between Korea and Germany. The interplay and contrast between these cultures always inspire me as a designer,” Schreyer reflected.
His illustrious career is marked by designs that have shaped the automotive world, including:
- Volkswagen Golf IV (1997)
- Volkswagen New Beetle (1998)
- Audi TT (1998)
- Kia Optima (2000)
- Hyundai Tucson (2004)
- Hyundai Nexo (2018)
Jean Bugatti: The Artistic Genius Behind Bugatti
Jean Bugatti, the eldest son of Ettore Bugatti, grew up in a family of visionaries, inheriting the talent and mindset of a prodigious engineer. “Jean’s creations are not only extraordinary but surreal, as if from another world,” remarked Christophe Piochon, President of Bugatti Automobiles.
At a young age, Jean boldly elevated the Type 41 Royale, originally introduced by his father in 1926, designing the elegant Type 41 Royale Roadster Esders. By 27, Jean assumed control of the company, pushing the boundaries of creativity. His most iconic masterpiece, the Type 57 SC Atlantic, one of the most expensive cars in history, became a symbol of the Art Deco design movement in France.
Despite his untimely death at 30 in a test-driving accident, Jean Bugatti’s groundbreaking work laid the foundation for Bugatti’s noble style, which continues to define the brand today.
Frank Stephenson: Ford, BMW, Ferrari, Fiat, McLaren
1959: Born in Morocco
1986: Ford Motor Company
1991: Chief Designer at BMW
2002: Director of Ferrari/Maserati
2006: Head of Fiat and Lancia
2008: Design Director at McLaren
2018: Frank Stephenson Design Studio
Frank Stephenson’s journey to automotive design began with a childhood passion for drawing cars and a brief professional motocross career. Ford recognized his talent early, offering to sponsor his education in exchange for his commitment post-graduation.
When Frank Stephenson’s years at Ford, which gave birth to the legendary Ford Escort RS Cosworth, came to an end, his journey took a new turn, with each milestone leaving a trail of remarkable success. From modernizing the iconic Fiat 500 while preserving its ultra-Italian urban charm that evoked “love at first sight,” to designing the McLaren 570S supercar, described as “moving even when standing still,” Frank infused every creation with a creative process he cherished: sketching, coloring, sculpting with clay, and ultimately perfecting the masterpiece.
Dubbed “one of the most influential car designers of our time” by Motor Trend, Stephenson’s creations include:
- MINI Cooper (2001)
- Maserati MC12 (2004)
- Ferrari FXX (2005)
- Fiat 500 (2007)
- McLaren P1 (2013)
- McLaren 570S (2015)
Shiro Nakamura: Musician, Fingers, Car Designer
Born in Japan in 1950, Shiro Nakamura grew up with two lifelong passions: jazz music and automobiles. Nicknamed “Fingers,” Nakamura’s gifted hands danced across the contrabass while simultaneously creating bold, evocative designs in the automotive world. His work with materials, shapes, and curves transformed cars into symbols of emotion, desire, and intensity.
Nakamura began his journey at Musashino Art University in Tokyo, where he honed the skill of turning sketches into reality. Feeling Japan was too small to contain his ambitions, he set his sights on the United States. From Isuzu to General Motors, and eventually to Nissan, Nakamura left an indelible mark through designs that captivated car enthusiasts worldwide:
- Nissan Fairlady Z – elegant and graceful;
- Nissan Juke – distinctive and bold;
- Nissan Leaf – a pioneer in the electric vehicle revolution.
Among his most iconic creations stands the Nissan GT-R, a legendary symbol of speed and performance.
After five decades of pushing boundaries in automotive design, Shiro Nakamura was honored with the Design Lifetime Achievement Award. Retiring at the age of 67, he left behind a legacy of four-wheeled masterpieces that continue to spin through time, captivating generations to come.
SangYup Lee: General Motors, VW/Audi, Hyundai
1969: Born in Seoul
1999: General Motors
2010: Volkswagen/Audi
2016: Hyundai Global Design Head
After years of working abroad, SangYup Lee returned to South Korea to join Hyundai, taking on the responsibility of designing a wide range of vehicles, from Genesis luxury models to Hyundai’s mainstream cars for global markets. In 2022, the IONIQ 5 received accolades including “Electric Vehicle of the Year in the U.S.” “Energy Car of the Year in Germany” and “Best-Designed Electric Car in the UK”.
Key milestones in Lee’s design career:
- Chevrolet Camaro: 2006
- Bentley Continental GT: 2011
- Bentley Flying Spur: 2013
- Genesis GV70: 2017
- Hyundai Sonata: 2019
- Hyundai IONIQ 5: 2021
“Exceptional design isn’t the dazzling car at a show but the one that seamlessly blends into the scenery over 5-10 years, retaining its beauty on the streets,” Lee shared during an interview.
He firmly believes in the philosophy that “whether it’s a luxury or mainstream brand, all should have a distinct design identity.” Recognized as the “World Car Person of the Year 2023” SangYup Lee currently leads design projects for both Genesis and Hyundai. Every car he designs, whether a concept or a production-winning model, is a masterpiece that fully embodies his artistic talent and is deeply infused with the spirit of Korean culture—just like the man himself.
Ian Callum: Jaguar, Ford, Aston Martin, Volvo
In 1968, at the age of 14, Ian Callum did something few would dare—he designed his own Jaguar and sent it to William Heynes, Jaguar’s Chief Engineer, seeking an opportunity. His boldness was met with a reply of encouragement, marking the start of a design career spanning more than half a century.
Born in Scotland, Callum had an enduring passion for the alluring curves of cars. After graduating, he began his career at Ford, moved to Aston Martin, and later joined TWR (an engine design studio, not a car manufacturer). Here, he created the iconic Aston Martin DB7, one of the brand’s best-selling models.
However, Callum’s crowning achievement was undoubtedly the Aston Martin Vanquish, a car that elevated the brand to the height of its global reputation.
In 1999, Callum joined Jaguar as Design Director. From the Jaguar XK coupe and XF sedan to the all-electric I-Pace—which won World Car of the Year in 2019—his creations have left an indelible mark. This final industry accolade preceded his retirement, where he now devotes his time to nurturing both cars and nature. Ian Callum’s relentless determination turned the dream of a car-obsessed 14-year-old Scottish boy into an extraordinary reality.
Pelle Petterson: One Iconic Model in a Lifetime
In 1953, after touring GM’s facilities in the U.S., Assar Gabrielsson, then Vice President of Volvo, observed that Hollywood stars had a penchant for European sports cars from Britain, Germany, and Italy. Upon returning to Sweden, he immediately initiated Volvo’s first sports car project.
Helmer Petterson, a senior advisor, was tasked with finding designers, with one strict requirement: the car must have an Italian style and be crafted by an Italian designer.
Five designs were submitted, and the final design chosen by Volvo’s chairman was by Pelle Petterson, a 25-year-old Swedish designer. After its debut, the Volvo P1800 (available in various sedan and coupe versions) gained global fame when Roger Moore drove it in the 1962 TV series The Saint.
When it was discovered that the designer was Swedish, not Italian, Volvo’s chairman was furious, and declared that Pelle would never be credited for the P1800. It wasn’t until 2009 that Pelle was officially acknowledged as the car’s designer.
Despite half a century of being uncredited, Pelle Petterson embraced a “Lagom” lifestyle, a Swedish concept of balance and contentment. He happily transitioned to designing yachts, pursuing his passion for sailing. When Roger Moore passed away in 2017, Pelle paid tribute to him in a heartfelt video message.
Awards await and Awards fly away…
