Bonus: Autocar Meets Ian Callum and David Fairbairn of Callum Designs
About this episode
Ian Callum and David Fairbairn from Callum Designs share insights into their careers and the evolution of their design philosophy. Recorded live at the Royal Automobile Club, the discussion covers their time at Jaguar, the creation of the iconic CX-75 supercar, and their transition to founding Callum Designs. They delve into the challenges of modern automotive design, the importance of collaboration between engineering and styling, and their latest projects, including the innovative sky vehicle. The episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the minds behind some of the most admired designs in the automotive world.
Recorded live at the Royal Automobile Club, this week Autocar’s Steve Cropley and Matt Prior meet Ian Callum, director of design, and David Fairbairn, managing director, from Callum Designs.
The pair’s working relationship – and friendship – stretches back to their time at Jaguar together. On leaving JLR, they established Callum Designs as an industrial design studio, which has released all-new models like the Callum Skye, restores and modifies classics like the Mini and Aston Martin Vanquish, made a one-off roadgoing Jaguar C-X75, and – shhh – does top secret work for clients.
Callum and Fairbairn spill the beans on all things Callum plus their previous lives in this lively debate recorded during London Motor Week.
Cropley and Prior are back with their regular My Week In Cars podcast every Wednesday.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jaguar XJ
"For me, it was XJ, it was the last XJ, the aluminum 350. Yeah. Which was still in its point of maturing. Oh, the one with the flash rivets in it? Yes. Yeah, yeah. We"
The Jaguar XJ is a fancy car that is known for being stylish and high-tech. The last version was made with a special lightweight metal to help it go faster and handle better.
The Jaguar XJ is a luxury sedan known for its elegant design and advanced technology. The last generation of the XJ featured an aluminum construction, which contributed to its lightweight and performance characteristics.
Jaguar CX-75
"...the car that we, I had a certain amount of coaching or Matt and I both had a fair bit of coaching from readers who weren't going to be able to be here tonight. And they said the, the, the big question was, are they going to build the CX-75? The CX-75, for those who may not remember, was a fantastic supercar that started out being..."
The Jaguar CX-75 is a high-performance sports car that was designed to be both fast and environmentally friendly. It uses a mix of traditional fuel and electric power to achieve its speed while being more efficient than regular cars.
The Jaguar CX-75 is a hybrid supercar that was developed by Jaguar in collaboration with Williams Advanced Engineering. It features a unique design and advanced technology, including a combination of a turbocharged engine and electric motors, aiming for high performance and low emissions.
Cosworth engine
"...sort of mad 1.6 four cylinder engine. Yeah. I had a Cosworth engine in it with about 500 plus horsepower. ..."
A Cosworth engine is a type of engine made by a company that specializes in building fast and powerful engines for racing cars. They are known for making cars go really fast.
A Cosworth engine refers to high-performance engines developed by Cosworth, a British engineering company known for its expertise in motorsport. These engines are often associated with increased horsepower and racing applications.
Range Rover Sport SVR
"...we were doing, I think the SVR Range Rover Sport just come out and they wanted to have some like baddie cars to go on to the movie."
The Range Rover Sport SVR is a faster and sportier version of the regular Range Rover Sport. It has a powerful engine and is designed for both luxury and off-road driving.
The Range Rover Sport SVR is a high-performance variant of the Range Rover Sport, known for its powerful engine and sporty handling. It combines luxury with off-road capability and is often used in high-performance applications.
Defender
"they wanted seven Range Rover Sports and then they wanted seven defenders..."
The Defender is a tough vehicle made by Land Rover that can handle rough roads and off-road adventures. It's known for being very strong and reliable.
The Land Rover Defender is a rugged off-road vehicle known for its durability and capability in challenging terrains. It has a long history and is favored for both utility and adventure.
Land Defenders
"...en Range Rover Sports and then they wanted seven defenders, which were then called Bigfoot. So I went down a..."
The Defender is a tough vehicle made for driving on rough roads and in wild places. It's been around for a long time and is loved by people who like adventures.
The Land Rover Defender is a rugged off-road vehicle that has gained a cult following for its durability and classic design. Originally launched in 1948, the Defender is known for its ability to tackle challenging terrains and is often used in adventure and exploration contexts.
Ferrari
"we're looking at some Lamborghinis and Ferraris..."
Ferrari is a famous brand that makes very fast sports cars. They're known for their racing success and luxurious designs.
Ferrari is an iconic Italian sports car manufacturer known for its high-performance vehicles and success in motorsport, particularly Formula 1. Their cars are synonymous with luxury and speed.
Lamborghini
"we're looking at some Lamborghinis and Ferraris..."
Lamborghini is a company that makes very fast and stylish sports cars. They're known for their unique designs and powerful engines.
Lamborghini is an Italian manufacturer of high-performance sports cars known for their aggressive styling and powerful engines. They are a symbol of luxury and speed.
hero cars
"they asked for two hero cars and five stunt cars."
Hero cars are the special cars that you see a lot in movies, usually driven by the main characters. They're often very cool and exciting.
Hero cars are the main vehicles featured prominently in films or shows, often driven by the protagonists. They are usually high-profile and designed to attract attention.
Lancia Trevi
"...hing the cars into walls, bringing them down the Trevi fight and down the various amazing staircase. Th..."
The Trevi is a lesser-known car from Lancia that was made in the 1980s. It had some interesting features and a unique look, but it's not as popular as other cars.
The Lancia Trevi is a compact car produced in the early 1980s, notable for its unique design and innovative features for its time. While not widely known today, it represents a distinct era in automotive history.
F-Type SVR
"...they had a V8 engine, the F-Type SVR engine. And, and then that's when we, right. Yeah, they sounded pretty meaty..."
The F-Type SVR is a fast sports car made by Jaguar. It's designed for high performance and has a very powerful engine that makes it exciting to drive.
The Jaguar F-Type SVR is a high-performance variant of the F-Type sports car, known for its powerful engine and dynamic handling. It features a supercharged V8 engine that delivers impressive performance and an exhilarating driving experience.
V8 engine
"...they had a V8 engine, the F-Type SVR engine. And, and then that's when we, right. Yeah, they sounded pretty meaty..."
A V8 engine is a type of engine that has eight cylinders arranged in a V shape. It's known for being powerful and is often used in fast cars.
A V8 engine is an eight-cylinder engine configuration where the cylinders are arranged in a 'V' shape. This design allows for a compact engine size while providing high power output, making it popular in performance and luxury vehicles.
manual gearbox
"...the fact that it wasn't a manual gearbox. So the gearbox was changed overnight from an automatic of some kind to a manual..."
A manual gearbox is a type of car transmission where you have to change gears yourself using a stick and a pedal. Many people enjoy driving this way because it gives them more control over the car.
A manual gearbox, also known as a manual transmission, allows the driver to manually select gears using a clutch pedal and gear stick. This type of transmission is often preferred by driving enthusiasts for the level of control it provides over the vehicle's power delivery.
sequential gearbox
"They didn't have a clutch or anything. They were sequential boxes. Okay. Maybe he liked..."
A sequential gearbox is a type of transmission that lets you change gears in a straight line, making it faster to shift compared to regular manual gearboxes. It's often found in race cars.
A sequential gearbox allows the driver to shift gears in a specific order, typically using a lever or paddle shifters, rather than the traditional H-pattern found in manual transmissions. This type of gearbox is commonly used in racing and high-performance vehicles for quicker gear changes.
PDK
"Had the PDK type change on it. Is that what it's called?"
PDK is a type of car transmission made by Porsche that helps the car change gears very quickly. It combines the benefits of manual and automatic transmissions.
PDK stands for Porsche Doppelkupplung, which is a dual-clutch transmission system that allows for faster gear shifts and improved performance. It is designed to provide the driving experience of a manual transmission while offering the convenience of an automatic.
Ford Ranger
"... to be a Jaguar SUV of sorts. Big. Yeah. I mean, Ranger were big. Yeah. So quite handsome cars. I was qui..."
The Ranger is a pickup truck that can carry heavy loads and is good for both work and everyday driving. It's a popular choice for people who need a reliable vehicle.
The Ford Ranger is a midsize pickup truck that has been popular for its versatility and capability. Known for its strong performance and practicality, the Ranger is often discussed for its balance between work and everyday use.
electric car
"...which was really very elegant and worked well. And it was an all electric car, although it was packaged to take a six cylinder engine..."
An electric car runs on electricity instead of gasoline. This makes them better for the environment and can save money on fuel costs.
An electric car is a vehicle that is powered entirely or partially by electricity, using electric motors instead of internal combustion engines. They are known for being more environmentally friendly and often have lower operating costs.
Jaguar Ipace
"notice in in January of 2018. I left in March and Ian obviously did say he was coming, but you know, with these things, he did say he wanted to finish off the I-Pace. Remember, he said, I want to do, I want to do an electric car. So I said, that's fine. So he had another"
The I-PACE is a new electric SUV from Jaguar that runs on batteries instead of gas. It's designed to be stylish and environmentally friendly.
The Jaguar I-PACE is an all-electric SUV that debuted in 2018, representing Jaguar's entry into the electric vehicle market. It combines luxury with sustainability, offering impressive performance and a modern design.
Range Rover
"...possibly going to do a singer Range Rover. It didn't come, didn't come to fruition..."
The Range Rover is a high-end SUV made by Land Rover. It's famous for being both luxurious and capable of driving off-road.
The Range Rover is a luxury SUV produced by Land Rover, known for its off-road capabilities and premium features. It has a long history and has become an iconic model in the SUV market.
VIN numbers
"...the six VIN numbers. This is probably the moment where Ian and I thought we would do a business together..."
A VIN number is a special code that helps identify a specific car. Each car has its own unique VIN, which tells you about its make and model.
VIN stands for Vehicle Identification Number, a unique code assigned to every vehicle for identification purposes. It contains information about the car's make, model, year, and place of manufacture.
Jaguar Etype
"lovely recreated Jags. Did you? Yeah, so our claim, the fame, apart from obviously all the cars you've done, like with E-Type, so the six, the six, the six VIN numbers. This is probably the moment where Ian and I thought we would do a business together at some point in the future."
The E-Type is a classic car from Jaguar that many people think is one of the prettiest cars ever. It was fast and stylish when it came out in the 1960s.
The Jaguar E-Type, launched in 1961, is a classic British sports car known for its stunning design and impressive performance. Often referred to as one of the most beautiful cars ever made, it has become a symbol of 1960s automotive excellence.
Jaguar Dtypes
"...then we went on to do the nine D-Types that burnt in the Brownsley and Fire..."
The Jaguar D-Type is another classic sports car from Jaguar, known for its racing success in the 1950s. It was designed for speed and performance on the racetrack.
The Jaguar D-Type is a sports car that was produced by Jaguar from 1954 to 1957. It is famous for its success in endurance racing, particularly at the Le Mans 24 Hours, where it won multiple times.
Jaguar XE
"I see XGs now. I mean, they're kind of 10 years old now. Yeah. They're still holding their own quite well. One of the, I must say, I like to look of is that the, you know, really nicely colored and an XE on the right wheels, such a, such a compact, shrunk, wrapped car that."
The Jaguar XE is a small luxury car that is fun to drive and looks good. It's meant to compete with other popular luxury cars like the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4.
The Jaguar XE is a compact executive car known for its sporty handling and stylish design. It competes with other luxury sedans like the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
"...we were asked to produce a car that was a competitor to the three series and A4 and whatever the C class. And that was perhaps part of the problem of Jagger."
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a small luxury car that is comfortable and packed with features. It's a competitor to other luxury cars like the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4.
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a line of compact executive cars known for their luxury, comfort, and advanced technology. It competes with other vehicles in the same segment, like the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4.
Audi A4
"...we were asked to produce a car that was a competitor to the three series and A4 and whatever the C class. And that was perhaps part of the problem of Jagger."
The Audi A4 is a small luxury car that offers a comfortable ride and high-quality interior. It's often compared to other luxury cars like the BMW 3 Series.
The Audi A4 is a compact executive car that combines luxury with performance and advanced technology. It is well-regarded for its interior quality and driving experience.
BMW 3 Series
"...we were asked to produce a car that was a competitor to the three series and A4 and whatever the C class. And that was perhaps part of the problem of Jagger."
The BMW 3 Series is a small luxury car that is known for being sporty and fun to drive. It's one of the most popular cars in its category and is often compared to other luxury brands.
The BMW 3 Series is a line of compact executive cars known for their performance, luxury, and driving dynamics. It has been a benchmark in its class for decades.
rear suspension
"Yeah. So there was money spent on the rear suspension, particularly, wasn't it? There was. There was expensive system."
The rear suspension is what helps the back wheels of a car move smoothly over bumps and turns. It's important for how the car feels when you drive it.
Rear suspension refers to the system of components that connect the rear wheels of a vehicle to its body, allowing for movement and stability. It plays a crucial role in handling, ride comfort, and overall vehicle performance.
BMW
"But when, when tough times came and BMW slashed huge amounts of money off their car, especially in the UK, Jagger could not compete with that."
BMW is a well-known car brand from Germany that makes luxury vehicles. They are famous for creating cars that are fun to drive and have a sporty feel.
BMW, or Bayerische Motoren Werke, is a German luxury vehicle manufacturer known for its performance-oriented cars and motorcycles. The brand emphasizes driving dynamics and engineering excellence.
Motor Clan
"...we met a guy called John Waitley who owns a company called Motor Clan that does all of the parts for minis..."
Motor Clan is a business that sells parts for Mini cars, helping people fix and take care of their Minis.
Motor Clan is a company that specializes in providing parts for Mini cars, ensuring that enthusiasts can maintain and restore their vehicles with quality components.
Jaguar Fpace
"Yeah, he's got 120. He drives an I-Pace, an F-Pace or an F-Pace SVR so far."
The Jaguar F-Pace SVR is a faster, sportier version of the F-Pace SUV. It has a powerful engine and is designed for better performance on the road.
The Jaguar F-Pace SVR is the high-performance version of the F-Pace, featuring a supercharged V8 engine and sport-tuned suspension for enhanced driving dynamics.
Porsche 356
"...Pace, an F-Pace or an F-Pace SVR so far. Another 356. He's really keen for that to become his daily dr..."
The 356 is an old sports car made by Porsche that many people love for its style and performance. It's considered one of the first cars that put Porsche on the map.
The Porsche 356 is a classic sports car that was produced from 1948 to 1965 and is often regarded as the first production car from Porsche. Its lightweight design and rear-engine layout contributed to its popularity and success in motorsport.
air conditioning
"including power steering and the air conditioning and all that good stuff. I mean, I mentioned it's expensive and the reason being..."
Air conditioning in a car helps keep the inside cool and comfortable, especially when it's hot outside. It's a feature that many people expect in their vehicles today.
Air conditioning in cars is a system that cools and dehumidifies the air inside the vehicle. It enhances comfort during hot weather and is a standard feature in most modern cars.
Chevrolet Monte Carlo
"...t looks a bit like that. And then you've got the Monte Carlo version. Oh, yeah. And then you've got the Steve..."
The Monte Carlo is a classic car from Chevrolet that looks sporty and was popular for many years. It's known for being stylish and having good performance.
The Chevrolet Monte Carlo is a coupe that was produced from 1970 to 2007, known for its blend of style and performance. It became popular in the 1980s and 1990s for its sporty design and was often associated with NASCAR racing.
Mini
"Steve McQueen version. Steve McQueen drove a Mini, by the way. Did he? Yeah. Where to?"
The Mini is a small, stylish car known for its fun driving experience. It's famous for being used in movies and has a classic design that many people love.
The Mini is a small car that became iconic for its compact size and unique design, especially popular in the 1960s and 70s. It was famously driven by actor Steve McQueen, showcasing its cultural significance.
crossover SUV
"...idea of some sort of crossover SUV off-road thing, which culminated in the sky buggy. Buggy is probably not a good enough word for it..."
A crossover SUV is a type of vehicle that mixes features of cars and SUVs, giving you more space and a higher ride. They're good for driving in the city and can handle some off-road adventures too.
A crossover SUV is a vehicle that combines the features of a car and an SUV, typically built on a car platform. They often offer higher ground clearance and a more spacious interior compared to traditional cars, making them popular for both urban and off-road use.
Porsche 911
"...his sky, when you see it, it's the length of the 911, the width of a defender and the height of a golf..."
The 911 is a famous sports car from Porsche that looks unique and drives really well. It's been around for a long time and is loved by car enthusiasts.
The Porsche 911 is an iconic sports car that has been in production since 1964, known for its distinctive design and exceptional performance. It has a strong motorsport heritage and is celebrated for its handling and engineering excellence.
Audi Tt
"... mind you. Cars I've always admired. I mean, the Audi TT was always, to me, a beautiful piece of design. ..."
The TT RS is a fast and stylish car from Audi that is fun to drive. It's a sportier version of the regular TT and is loved by car fans.
The Audi TT RS is a high-performance version of the Audi TT, known for its sporty design and powerful engine. It combines luxury with thrilling driving dynamics, making it a favorite among enthusiasts.
Audi A3
"...t that car, like that was before even the A3, the Audi A3. Yeah, it was groundbreaking. I don't know why t..."
The A3 is a small, fancy car from Audi that is known for being well-made and fun to drive. It's a good option for people who want a luxury car without it being too big.
The Audi A3 is a compact luxury car that has been praised for its quality, performance, and technology. Since its launch in the early 2000s, it has become a popular choice for those seeking a premium small car.
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