The humorous and personal account of a life spent working on the design of some of the world's best known cars. Commencing his career as a designer at Vauxhall Motors, Luton in 1973, Peter Birtwhistle then left the UK in 1977 to take a position abroad, at Audi in Germany, where he lived for the rest of his working life. From Audi his career took him to Porsche in Stuttgart, and eventually, in 1988, to the Japanese company Mazda, with whom he would help develop a Design Centre close to Frankfurt, eventually becoming Chief Designer for Mazda Motor Europe. During his career, Birtwhistle was involved in the design of some very significant cars and in his work and travels, crossed the paths of many significant personalities from the car industry. Car design has changed enormously since the time he commenced his career, and for Birtwhistle it was clear, his story needed to be documented before it was lost in time. Featuring original photographs and illustrations from the author's own collection, this highly humorous and very personal story creates a fascinating collage of anecdotes and historical facts, not only from the secretive world of car design, but also his private life.

About the Author
The English Automotive Designer Peter Birtwhistle was born in Reading in the early 1950s. Birtwhistle studied Design at the Berkshire College of Art and the Royal College of Art, London, where he graduated in 1973, taking a position at Vauxhall Motors, Luton. In 1977 he moved to Audi, in the German town of Ingolstadt. Here, Birtwhistle contributed to the designs of some of the companies most iconic vehicles, including the Audi 100, 80 and of particular note, the famous Audi Sport Quattro. In 1983 he moved to Porsche in Stuttgart, before joining the Japanese company Mazda in 1988, helping them set up a Design Centre near Frankfurt. As Chief Designer for Mazda Motor Europe, Birtwhistle ended his career in 2014. Although retired, Birtwhistle still maintains touch with his passion for Automotive Design, employed as a lecturer at Coventry University's Transport Design Course, close to his new home in England, the town of Leamington Spa.

Reviews
A brilliant read. Classic Cars --- [Birtwhistle] provides a fascinating window into a side of cars that the public rarely sees. All in all, it is highly recommended. Classics Monthly --- A must buy for marque fans and anyone interested in pursuing a career in automotive design - or who wishes they had. Classic Car Weekly --- a very personal autobiography ... a thoroughly entertaining as well as historically informative read. Kieron Fennelly --- Peter Birtwhistle's life story is both well written and tremendously entertaining. Iain P W Robertson - Freelance --- An exciting insight into a fruitful career! Autoliefhebbers.be --- You'll love it; I did. Autocar (Steve Cropley) --- A pearl among automotive books! autobuch.guru --- Birtwhistle provides an interesting behind-the-scenes look into the life of a car designer and there's plenty to interest readers with an interest in this area. Classic Driver --- A wonderful and unique adventure in car design ... With plenty of never-before-seen images and illustrations from the author's archive, this is a fascinating and incredibly personal glimpse into an English car designer's adventures abroad. Octane (UK)



Book Information
ISBN 9781787114708
Author Peter Birtwhistle
Format Hardback
Page Count 256
Imprint Veloce
Publisher David & Charles