Andy Saunders

Andy Saunders is a renowned "Car Artist" from the United Kingdom. Born and raised in Poole on the South Coast of England, Saunders developed an early passion for car building and customization. His entry into the world of car customization commenced before he even had a British driving license. Over the years, he has meticulously crafted a collection of unique and sometimes controversial vehicles. Photo courtesy of www.andysaunders.net.

Bird Puller. Built in 1979, this 1969 Ford Escort was Andy's inaugural custom car project, a testament to his unparalleled passion and precocious talent for automobile design. A young visionary, Saunders once transformed his classroom sketches into iconic car masterpieces. Photo courtesy of www.andysaunders.net.

Rainbow Chaser I was the first of Andy’s cars to have multiple magazine features and to be exhibited around Europe. Originally a 1960s Volvo Amazon, Saunders transformed it into a 1950s American-inspired convertible, complete with a meticulously embroidered interior reminiscent of a 50s diner – a testament to his innovative vision and unparalleled craftsmanship. Photo courtesy of www.andysaunders.net.

Named Déjà, Andy Saunders' latest masterpiece was unveiled at the NEC Classic Show 2022, harmoniously blending the essence of Joseph Figoni's 165S and Jacques Saoutchik's 175. A timeless design that feels like an exquisite rediscovery from the Paris Salon de l’Automobile, eighty-five years in the making. Photo courtesy of www.andysaunders.net.

Published in November of 2022, The Automotive Alchemist is abook that dives into the universe of UK master fabricator Andy Saunders. A tapestry of inspiration, resilience, and craftsmanship unfolds over 464 pages adorned with 1,055 behind-the-scenes photographs, telling the story of a young man from Poole with an endless imagination. This book is not your typical book about custom cars; It's a scrapbook of Andy's life. A personal odyssey and a tribute to raw talent and an enduring spirit sculpted by love, loss, and passion.

Andy Saunders is a renowned "Car Artist" from the United Kingdom. Born and raised in Poole on the South Coast of England, Saunders developed an early passion for car building and customization. His entry into the world of car customization commenced before he even had a British driving license. Over the years, he has meticulously crafted a collection of unique and sometimes controversial vehicles.

Early Life and First Build

From a tender age, Saunders was fascinated by the concept of custom cars. This dream transformed into reality in 1979, at 15, when he received his first car from his father. Under the guidance of his father and Bird Puller, Saunders gave birth to his first creation. Nearly four decades later, he has cemented his reputation as a global leader in the custom vehicle design and manufacturing sector.

Achievements and Recognitions

Saunders' distinctive approach to car artistry has garnered him widespread acclaim. He has executed commissions for various clients, ranging from the film industry and private collectors to leading vehicle manufacturers. His creations are distinct, with notable works including a car standing at just 21 inches tall, a two-seater Mini, and a Citroen 2CV influenced by Picasso.

Andy has also made significant contributions to the abstract art domain. In 2001, he entered the Turner Prize category, unveiling his works at the C-AR-T EXHIBITION in his hometown of Poole. The exhibition was a roaring success, drawing in over 4000 visitors and securing 76 nominations.

Guinness Book of Records

Saunders' pioneering spirit and unmatched skill have earned him a spot in the Guinness Book of Records on three occasions:

• 1987: Crafted the lowest car globally, measuring 34 1/2 inches tall.
• 2006: Broke his previous record by producing a car that stood at 21 1/4 inches tall.
• 2008: Created a new category by building the world's lowest van with a height of 3 feet. This record remains unbeaten.

Exhibitions and Events

The universal appeal of Andy Saunders' work is evident in the array of platforms where he's showcased. He has been a recurrent feature at prestigious events such as the Louis Vuitton Concours d'Elegance at The Hurlingham Club in Chelsea, The Goodwood Style et Luxe Concours d'Elegance, The New York Concours d'Elegance in Central Park Manhattan, and the Schwetzingen European Concours d'Elegance. His prominence in the automobile world led him to headline major motor shows across Europe, Korea, and Australia. Additionally, he holds the unique distinction of having one of only ten cars displayed at the colossal Hells Angels 'Bulldog Bash' motorcycle event.

Publications

In November of 2022, a book titled "The Automotive Alchemist" was published, delving into the life and work of Andy Saunders. The book, spanning 464 pages with 1,055 photographs, is not just about custom cars but serves as a scrapbook of Andy's life, highlighting his journey, talent, and spirit.

Cars Built by Andy Saunders

• Andy Saunders' 1969 Ford Escort - Bird Puller
• Rainbow Chaser I
• Déjà