While the world of showbiz pays tribute to musical genius David Bowie – his influence also stretched into the car industry.
Here are links the genre-defying musician, actor, and fashion icon had with the motor industry:
Before Fame
Before he found international fame, Bowie (known then as David Jones) worked during the early 1960s on the Mini assembly line for the British Motor Corporation.
He reportedly maintained a lifelong affection for the iconic Mini.
Bowie Mini Mirror
In addition to acting and his music Bowie is credited with designing ridiculously cool cars.
In 1999 London's Design Museum marked the 40th anniversary of the Mini with a celebrity design contest.
Among the entrants was Bowie's mirror-plated Mini.
Time magazine says it is easy to imagine the pop star rolling up to a concert in this, and twisting and contorting to secure his escape.
The car turned out to be undriveable, but Bowie had created another thought-provoking and reflective piece of artwork.
Inspiration
Jaguar Design director Ian Callum is considered one of the motor industry's most experienced and talented designers.
Callum is responsible for iconic models such as the Aston Martin DB7 and the Vanguish. More recently he has developed the new XE,XF,XJ,and F-Type Jaguars.
Callum “may well be the best designer working today," according to motoring website Jalopnik.
Ian Callum tweeted this week: “My hero has gone but his music will continue to inspire me. #DavidBowie”.
Crashing the same car
While recording his album Low, Bowie decided to drive his Mercedes “round and round the hotel garage” at a speed “touching close to 94”.
He ended up in an accident, almost killing himself.
The incident inspired Bowie to write the song, Crashing the Same Car, in which he talks about how recklessly he handled his career.
It is considered by music buffs to be among the best of his songs.
