Roy Axe

A Life in Style Roy Axe

Roy Axe devoted his life to car styling. From his earliest years, he had a passion for the way cars looked and having secured a job in the engineering department of Rootes he soon persuaded his bosses to allow him to study in the styling department. From then on, his course for a life in style was set. Axe enjoyed a stellar career. At just 29 he became design director at Rootes and Chrysler UK where he was responsible for styling many influential classics. During a period of massive expansion he worked for Chrysler in both the UK and the USA and headed up a truly international operation that shaped cars from all over the world - including the groundbreaking Chrysler Minivan. He also enjoyed a spell leading Rover's design team during one of its most embattled periods, overseeing the launch of the 800- and 200-series and the development of some exciting prototypes. A Life in Style is a unique first-hand account of corporate life in the automotive industry, and the sometimes troubled circumstances in which new cars were created. The accounts of battles between styling and engineering departments, as well as the cultural differences between car people from all four corners of the world are absolutely fascinating - as is the life story of a man who proved that nice guys can succeed in the car industry.