9:26 am, May 3, 2019
RENOWNED automotive designer and engineer Gordon Murray was presented with his CBE by Prince William at Buckingham Palace yesterday in recognition of his contributions to the motorsport and automotive sectors over the past 50 years.
Murray, who was created a CBE in the 2019 New Year Honours List, making him a Commander of the Order of the British Empire, said: ‘Receiving a CBE from Prince William is one of the highlights of my life – right up there with Formula One World Championship wins or creating the world’s fastest production car.
‘The Gordon Murray Group is about to embark on an exciting new chapter, with groundbreaking innovation once again driving our growth. Energised by this accolade, I can’t wait to continue the journey, supported by a dedicated and hugely talented team.’
Murray, 72, designed his first car in 1967 before moving to the UK to join the Brabham Formula One Team as technical director. He won two world championships there, in 1981 and 1983, before moving to McLaren International as technical director in 1988, where the team won three consecutive championships – 1988, 1989 and 1990.
After achieving 50 Formula One Grand Prix wins, Murray went on to establish a new company – McLaren Cars Limited. The company’s first project was the world-famous McLaren F1 Road Car. In 1995, a racing version won two world sports car championships and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Murray guided several other successful projects at McLaren Cars, culminating with the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren programme.
In 2007, he formed a new British company for the design, engineering, prototyping and development of vehicles – Gordon Murray Design Limited, which is based in Surrey and has a global reputation as one of the finest automotive design teams in the world.
