Ron Hickman, Lotuseer, RIP

[Alaskossie]

Mr. Ron Hickman, the designer of the Lotus Elan and the Lotus Europa (and also of the Black & Decker Workmate folding workbench that made him a rich man), has died at age 78, on the Isle of Jersey.

 

Ron was a native of South Africa, a pianist, a Director of Lotus during the Colin Chapman era, and a man of many talents.

 

See: http://www.classicandperformancecar.com/news/octanenews/264394/ron_hickman_19332011.html

 

Another direct link to the Lotus Chapman era is lost.....

[jimrankin]

Not only were the cars he designed great but the work bench has been like a third hand and also saved my back soooo many times. The original ones, before some bean counter "improved" them were near indestructable. I still have one original left and it was purchased right after they came out and except for all the rubber feet having worn out and off it's still perfect. Wish I could have shook his hand.

[LongTimeLurker]

I still have one of those workbenches in the box from about 15 years or so ago. I guess I need to break it out and see what it is. Godspeed Ron.

[DeanG]

I recall seeing someone with a workmate getting it autographed at LOG. I thought that doing that was a pretty cool idea.