The Ferrari F430’s legendary designer was inducted into the Motoring Hall of Fame.
The first person inducted into the Motoring Hall of Fame in 2024 is Frank Stephenson.
The renowned Frank Stephenson has joined the esteemed Motoring Hall of Fame, a small and elite organization that counts some of the most significant automotive figures in the world among its members.
Many people rank Stephenson as one of the greatest automotive designers of the modern age; he created iconic vehicles like the Maserati MC12 and Ferrari F430. Regarding the honor, the modest 64-year-old stated that his goal was to change the world rather than collect prizes: “I saw job titles and awards as potential outcomes of performing good work; these weren’t my targets.”
Nevertheless, he was ecstatic to have received the esteemed award. “I’m incredibly moved to be recognized by my peers and the business as well as to get this Motoring Hall of Fame honor.”
The International Ferrari-Romans McLaren Motorsport Hall of Fame
Born in Morocco, Stephenson received his education in Turkey, Spain, and finally California, where he attended the ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena to study automobile design. He has worked on nearly everything, from luxurious SUVs (like the first-generation BMW X5) to lippy hot hatches like the Ford Escort RS Cosworth and, of course, real supercars. Perhaps his restless background gave him a great eye for design.
Stephenson began his career in the design lab of Ford in Cologne, Germany. He then worked for more than ten years at BMW. He wrote the new Mini Cooper while he was employed at the Bavarian automaker, and it debuted at the 2000 Paris Motor Show to great praise. He was also responsible for the design of the BMW X5, model E53.
Stephenson left after 11 years to take a position as Director of Concept Design & Development at Ferrari and Maserati.
www.bmwcollectingcars.comBMW/Mini Fiat
Stephenson created the stunning Ferrari F430 and the dramatic Maserati MC12 during this period. He also contributed to the development of a number of other vehicles, such as the 2004 Quattroporte and the Ferrari 599. The designer joined Fiat in 2006, just four years later, and became the head of design for both Fiat and Lancia. During this period, he contributed to the rise in popularity of other appealing mainstream automobiles and designed the charmingly vintage 500, which was a contender to the redesigned Mini that he also styled.
In 2008, Stephenson left to join McLaren Automotive, where he introduced a new design language that was initially seen on the MP4-12C. Among the other cars to leave his pad are the 675LT, P1, and 720S, to mention a few.
These days, Stephenson runs his own consulting business and analyzes new car designs on his well-liked YouTube channel.
Maserati and Ferrari
“I’ve had a lot of amazing experiences in my career, including designing the new Mini, eVTOL aircraft, and, most recently, an online sketch education course that gives design enthusiasts the know-how to learn and get ready for the industry. This has been a true passion project of mine. I think this is important for the future,” Stephenson remarked.
Because obtaining a design degree is expensive, there is a significant barrier to entry in the field of automotive design. Stephenson started the campaign Learn To Sketch With Frank to help people who cannot afford to attend college. He’s going to create the Frank Stephenson Foundation later this month, which will raise funds through various events and charitable donations to support aspiring designers.
“I enjoy what I do, and it’s a genuine delight to have worked in the profession for so long,” Stephenson said in closing. To everyone I have collaborated with thus far, I am truly grateful.”
