British car designer (1936–1993)
William Towns (1936–1993) also known as Bill Towns, was a British car designer, most known for his designs for Aston Martin, including the 1967 DBS, as well as the futuristic and angular Mk.II Lagonda and Bulldog concept car.
Design career
Towns began his training as a designer at Rootes in 1954, where he was mainly involved in the styling of seats and door handles. Later he was also involved with the styling of their Hillman Hunter. He moved to Rover in 1963 and worked there for David Bache and designed the body of the Rover-BRM gas turbine Le Mans car. In 1966, he left Rover to join Aston Martin as a seat designer. In 1967 he was asked to design the body for the new DBS.[1] In 1976 he designed the Aston Martin Lagonda luxury sedan.[2]
He left Aston Martin in 1977 for more remunerative industrial design work, setting up his own design studio, Interstyl.[3] As a freelance designer, he worked on the Jensen-Healey, the successful Hustler kit-car, the Reliant SS2 and the short-lived Railton F28/F29.[4]
Death
Towns died at the age of 56 from cancer in June 1993 at his home in Compton Verney, Warwickshire.
Car collection
Until July 2005, his own cars were on display at the Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon, UK.[5]
Gallery
Cars designed by Towns
References
External links
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