14 Facts About Malcolm Sayer

Malcolm Sayer was a British aircraft engineer during wartime and later automotive aerodynamist.

Malcolm Sayer spent the last twenty years of his life working at Jaguar Cars and was one of the first engineers to apply principles of aircraft streamlining and aerodynamic function to cars.

Malcolm Sayer worked for the Bristol Aeroplane Company during the Second World War, which exempted him from conscription by way of reserved occupation protection.

Malcolm Sayer worked instead maintaining the fleet of government vehicles.

Malcolm Sayer was interviewed by William Heynes who recognised Sayer's aerodynamic mathematical approach, having been involved during wartime with aircraft production and was familiar with aircraft fuselage alloy construction.

Malcolm Sayer started work at Jaguar Cars Engineering drawing office in early 1951.

Malcolm Sayer assisted in the aero design of the competition cars during the 1950s:.

Malcolm Sayer was responsible for the overall form of the car, with Lyons overseeing detailing and body engineering led by Heynes to make it suitable for manufacture.

Originally designed as a roadster, the fixed head coupe was initiated and crafted by Bob Blake, an expert sheet metal craftsman who had worked closely with Malcolm Sayer since joining in the late 1950s and would go on to become Jaguar's first Modelling Manager.

In 1965, Malcolm Sayer developed the body aero style for Jaguar XJ13, a mid-engined Jaguar sports racing car that was intended for competition at Le Mans.

In 1967, following his work on XJ13, Malcolm Sayer commenced early style proposals for William Heynes for an E Type replacement, later with modifications to evolve as the V 12-cylinder Jaguar XJS in 1975.

Malcolm Sayer married Pat Morgan in 1947, who worked at Bristol Aeroplane Company.

Malcolm Sayer was a watercolourist and musician, playing piano, guitar and other instruments.

Malcolm Sayer suffered a fatal heart attack in Leamington Spa, one month before his 54th birthday.