Beloved British Leyland stylist Harris Mann handed on 14 August aged 85

Phrases and major picture: Jon Burgess

Having changed Roy Haynes as chief stylist in 1970, Mann popularised the ‘wedge’ for everyman. Beforehand the area of Italian design homes, Mann introduced the profile to the excessive avenue, signing off on the Leyland Princess, Austin Allegro, the best-selling Triumph TR7, and Morris Ital. He left BL in 1983, returning to MG Rover as a freelancer beneath Peter Stevens, contributing to the agency’s ZR, ZS and ZT vary of automobiles.

His earlier skilled life noticed him contribute to Philip Ok Dick’s Capri whereas at Ford (1962-1968), after an apprenticeship at coachbuilders, Duple earlier than and after Nationwide Service.

Unfairly vilified by the media within the Nineties, Mann’s profession was reappraised favourably in later years. Gentle-mannered and adored by British Leyland followers, he was visitor of honour at marque gatherings. Mann’s designs have been disfigured by laws, administration and engineering; harried hacks, fast to level the blame, seized on him as a straightforward goal.

In fact, the Allegro was a sufferer of design by committee: the automobile had to make use of the tall E-Sequence engine, and a Marina heater field, ruining its proportions. The Princess, designed as a hatchback, was by no means provided with one at launch; Torcars of Devon (and the later in-house Ambassador) rectified this slight.

Marque particular golf equipment paid tribute to his revolutionary legacy – one which left an indelible mark on British automobile design. In an announcement, Allegro Membership Worldwide stated:

“He can be missed not simply because the designer of British Leyland automobiles, together with the Allegro but in addition for being a pleasing and beneficiant particular person. We have been lucky to have his assist over time. Our ideas are with Harris’s household and lots of mates.”