Roy Donald Haynes (12 March 1924 – 22 March 2020) was a British automobile designer. Haynes worked for Ford as model line director for Ford of Europe[1] where he was responsible for the design of the 1966 Cortina MkII and worked on the design for the 1966 Ford Zodiac/Zephyr Mk4.[2]
Roy Haynes | |
|---|---|
| Born | 12 March 1924 |
| Died | 22 March 2020 (aged 96) |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation(s) | Car designer and engineer |
Life and career
editRoy Donald Haynes was born on 12 March 1924.[3][4]
In 1967, he was recruited to BMC[5] by Joe Edwards, working from the Pressed Steel Fisher studios in Cowley.[6] While at BMC, Haynes put forward a plan to build models on just five platforms and reduce the number of brands to make the company profitable.[6]
His first job was to work on the shortly to be released Austin Maxi, where he redesigned the front and rear ends.[7] Further work was done on facelifting the successful AD016 Austin/Morris 1100 range, which failed to appear after the formation of the British Leyland (BL) in 1968 and was replaced by the Austin Allegro. Further projects included the 1969 Mini Clubman facelift for the Mini which had been planned as a hatchback in 1968[8] and the design of the 1971 Morris Marina,[9] which were accepted by the management team at BL with minimal modifications;[10] unexpected as he was up against designs by Pininfarina and Michelotti.[11] Further projects included Project Condor which was a sports car based on the Morris Marina.
Haynes left BL in 1969, just 16 months after joining from Ford, as the new management team closed the Pressed Steel design studio at Cowley, moving the department to Longbridge. It was reported that the journey from his home in Essex was a step too far.[12] Haynes was replaced as chief stylist of, what was by then, British Leyland in 1970 by Harris Mann, whom he had taken with him to BMC from Ford.[13]
In 1976, Haynes formed ElecTraction Ltd Maldon, Essex and designed several electric vehicles for the company through his other company Roy Haynes Automotive International,[14] including the Rickshaw, Tropicana and the concept Precinct, but the company closed in 1979.[15][16] In 2012 in an interview with This is Total Essex, Haynes was promoting his idea for a new London airport design on Foulness Island in Essex.[17]
Haynes died in Essex on 22 March 2020, at the age of 96.[18][3][4]
References
edit- ^ "Car design supremo Harris Mann reveals the genius behind some of his favourite Austins – drive-my.com". Retrieved 10 January 2020.
- ^ "The cars : Ford Zephyr/Zodiac Mk4 development story – AROnline.co.uk". 12 February 2017. Retrieved 10 January 2020.
- ^ a b "Roy Douglas Haynes b. 1924". GRO Index. Retrieved 23 August 2023.
- ^ a b Knowles, David (22 January 2022). MGB – The Superlative MG. Crowood Press. ISBN 9781785009426. Retrieved 23 August 2023.
- ^ "News and Views: Ford stylists join BMH". Autocar. 127 (nbr 3742): 56. 2 November 1967.
- ^ a b "Why Roy Haynes was ahead of his time – AROnline.co.uk". 20 February 2019. Retrieved 10 January 2020.
- ^ "Concepts and prototypes : Austin Maxi (1965-1969) – AROnline.co.uk". 6 December 2018. Retrieved 10 January 2020.
- ^ "The cars : Mini Clubman development story – AROnline.co.uk". 23 August 2019. Retrieved 10 January 2020.
- ^ Knowles, David (2000). MGB: MGC & MGB GT V8. ISBN 1-901432-25-4.
- ^ "Morris Marina (ADO28) – AROnline.co.uk". Retrieved 10 January 2020.
- ^ "Concepts and prototypes : Morris Marina – AROnline.co.uk". 26 July 2011. Retrieved 10 January 2020.
- ^ "Why I've quit BMC by the man who designed Cortina 24 February 1969 DAILY EXPRESS By David Benson – Honest John.co.uk". Retrieved 10 January 2020.
- ^ "People : Harris Mann – AROnline.co.uk". 2 February 2017. Retrieved 10 January 2020.
- ^ "ElecTraction – Cartype.com". Retrieved 29 January 2020.
- ^ "Electraction Rickshaw – Small Car Club.com". 3 February 2018. Retrieved 10 January 2020.
- ^ "Highway Safety Literature, Issue 5 Page 50/51". 8 May 1979. Retrieved 10 January 2020.
- ^ "News : Marina designer plans Essex airport – AROnline.co.uk". 7 December 2012. Retrieved 10 January 2020.
- ^ "Roy Douglas Haynes". Funeral Notices. 23 April 2020. Retrieved 23 August 2023.
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