‘One of the highlights of my life’

Professor Gordon Murray, the renowned automotive designer and engineer, was presented with a CBE by the Duke of Cambridge, Prince William.

The ceremony, held at Buckingham Palace, recognised the contributions made by Murray to the motorsport and automotive sectors over the past 50 years.

Gordon Murray 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 ground-breaking 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 designed his first car in 1967 before moving to the UK to join the Brabham Formula One Team as technical director. There he won two world championships (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 Le Mans 24-hour race. Murray guided several other successful projects at McLaren Cars, culminating with the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren programme.

In 2007 Murray formed a new British company for the design, engineering, prototyping and development of vehicles – Gordon Murray Design Limited. The Surrey-based company has a global reputation as one of the finest automotive design teams in the world and is responsible for an innovative and disruptive manufacturing technology: iStream.

On 14 May, Gordon Murray will launch a new book titled ‘One Formula’, which charts in detail his career over the past 50 years. It includes extensive details about the plethora of vehicles he has designed and engineered over the years from Formula One icons, to legendary road and race cars. Also, it covers many of the fascinating situations he’s encountered and achievements he’s made during his long and distinguished career.