World mourns Harris Mann, who has passed away aged 85
Tributes have been paid worldwide to the man responsible for some of the most memorable cars ever built. Best known for his work at British Leyland, Harris Mann leaves a legacy of design icons, loved by millions.
Born in London in 1938, Mann spent his early career working on buses and coaches in the UK and USA before taking up a role at Ford in 1964. He moved to BMC at Cowley in 1967 and then, three years later, took over from Roy Haynes as British
Leyland’s Chief Stylist. In a recent interview, (which you can read in full next month) he told it wasn’t an easy start. ‘When I arrived, the Maxi had already been signed off. We all thought it already looked dated before it had even been launched, so we quickly set about trying to graft a better nose onto it. Working with Sir Alec Issigonis was even more difficult. ‘I introduced myself to him and his response was to ask if I had an engineering degree. When I said no the conversation ended there and then, and we didn’t speak to each other again!’ Challenging times ensued for Mann, who worked hard to get his courageous designs from the drawing board to the showroom.
Harris Mann will be fondly remembered as a supporter of the classic car scene – especially the clubs that continue to celebrate his most memorable creations – and was a regular each year at many rallies where he’d always have time for his many fans. He will be greatly missed by all.
MAGIC MERCS
Showcase of Mercedes classics at Gaydon
Members of the Mercedes-Benz Club have come together at the British Motor Museum in the attraction’s 30th year, and in the 60th anniversary year of the W113 Pagoda, to present a host of models for the Mercedes-Benz Club Concours. A festival of the club’s finest examples trophies were presented by Mercedes-Benz UK Marketing Director and Club President, Rob Halloway.
Around 140 club members and 80 vehicles gathered at Gaydon, with winners of the 16 competition categories including Sam Zalesky with his 1992 black ‘Duchatelet’ 190E which received Best Saloon Over 25 Years. Jack Singh won both the Exhibition Class
