The international federation of historic vehicles (FIVA) has named nine leading car designers, engineers, drivers and collectors who will this year have their names added to its Heritage Hall of Fame.
Now in its third year, the scheme celebrates the men and women who have made an historically significant impact on the world of motoring.
Those being honoured this year range from the man who designed the Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ2 to a woman who took on – and beat – the best rally drivers in the world.
Around two dozen individuals were nominated by FIVA clubs around the world and an international judging panel whittled that number down to nine.
FIVA president Tiddo Bresters said the FIVA Heritage Hall of Fame is there to celebrate the innovators who have taken forward the development and popularity of all aspects of motoring, and also those who work so hard to preserve and protect our automotive heritage for future generations.
“Every one of these additions to the Heritage Hall of Fame is deeply deserving of their place and we would thank them for what they’ve done for the world of motoring,” he said.
Those being added to the hall of fame this year are:
From the USA: Jay Leno (born 1950)
The popular television talk-show host and comedian is famous for his collection of historic vehicles and is described by many as America’s greatest ambassador for classic cars and motorcycles. His television motoring show Jay Leno’s Garage is internationally popular.
From Switzerland: Robert Lutz (born 1932)
Swiss American Bob Lutz has been an influential senior executive with General Motors, BMW, Ford and Chrysler. He helped lead the creation and development of some of the most familiar and iconic cars of the past half-century, including the Ford Sierra, Dodge Viper and Cadillac CTS.
From France: Michèle Mouton (born 1951)
Michèle was a dominant rally driver for over a decade through the 1970s and 80s, winning many times against the best in the world. In 1982, she was the second-placed driver in the World Rally Championship. She chaired the Women in Motorsport Commission at the FIA for 12 years.
From Italy: Ercole Spada (born 1938)
One of Italy’s most important designers, Ercole was chief stylist at the Zagato design studio in the 1960s where he shaped sports cars for Aston Martin and Alfa Romeo, among others. He created the BMW look of the 1980s, and went on to design cars for many manufacturers, including Ferrari.
From Italy: Giampaolo Dallara (born 1936)
Engineer and founder of the the world’s largest manufacturer of racing cars, Giampaolo has collaborated with major car manufacturers and contributed to sporting success in all motorsport categories. He is committed to performance and safety and works with motorsport-orientated training courses in schools and universities.
From Mexico: Carlos L. Dorantes del Rosal (born 1945)
A businessman who has founded several educational institutes and a hospital, Carlos has also set up two significant motor museums; the Brownsville Car Collection in Texas with 56 classic cars, and the Museo del Automóvil y el Transporte de Tampico in Mexico with 114 historic vehicles and a remit to spread knowledge about their importance to new generations.
From Italy: Nuccio Bertone (1914 to 1997)
A name instantly recognised as one of the most important coachbuilders ever, Bertone is associated with experimentation, freedom of expression and a great sense of beauty. His design house worked with Lamborghini, Lancia, Alfa Romeo and Fiat, among others, and helped bring on other young designers who would go on to achieve greatness.
From India: Pranlal Bhogilal (1937 to 2011)
The man who established the Vintage and Classic Car Club of India also built one of the most important collections of historic vehicles in his home country. The Auto World Vintage Car Museum near Ahmedabad is India’s most important car museum and is still run by his family.
From Sweden: Per Gillbrand (1934 to 2016)
An award-winning innovator, inventor and influential engineer, Per worked first with Volvo and then with Saab on some of their most famous power plants. Known to many as “The Man Who Tamed the Turbo”, he was in charge of the Saab-Scania engine laboratory when the company was the first to introduce small turbochargers to petrol engines.
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