To Boldly Go

A fascinating journey through a century of 26 exceptional designs. 

Author Graham Hull, former designer of Rolls-Royce and Bentley cars, delves into the world of innovative vehicle design, and considers what makes some stand out from the crowd. Regardless of production numbers, one litmus test is applied: was the vehicle an exceptional design solution? 

The 1911 Morgan three-wheeler, still in production 100 years on, proves the potency of an original concept. Be it for austerity, off-road, competition or social status, this book follows vehicle rationales where the backdrop is the power of creativity – individuals and teams rattling the cage of convention, and claiming their places in automotive history. Whether Tyrrell’s four-wheel bogie, or Bond’s mechanical ‘pony,’ such devices bear witness to ingenuity, and the world would be a poorer place without the striving of their creators. 

Graham Hull’s original artwork captures the vehicles aesthetically, often technically, and also in action. Each chapter gives a sense of the commercial and social background of the design, considers its function and form, and features personal testimonies and anecdotes.

Vehicles covered - Morgan 1911-52 & 2011 (UK); Austin 7 1922-1939 (UK); Raleigh 1933-1936 (UK); Jeep 1941-1945 (USA); 2CV & Dyane 1948-1990 (Fr); Bond 1949-1966 (UK); 2CV Pick-up 1953-1961 (Fr); Fiat 500 1957-1975 (Italy); KR 200 1955-1964 (GER); Tg500 1958-1961 (GER); Mini 1959-2000 (UK); Haflinger 1959-1975 (GER); Arial three-wheeler 1960 (UK); BMW Sidecars 1960-1974 (GER); 24CT 1963-1967 (Fr); 650TR 1964-1969 (AT); Greenwood Mini 1965-1967 (UK); Unipower GT 1966-1970 (UK); Zanda 1969 (UK);  Bond Bug 1970-1974 (UK); Vauxhall SRV 1970 (UK/USA);  Brubaker Box 1972-1979 (UK);  Bravo 1974 (Italy); Tyrrell 1975-1977 (UK); Alfa SZ 1989-1991 (Italy);  Deltawing 2012- (USA).