When Andrew Barber of FBS Engineering approached Jenny Hann, Coventry University’s Head of Industrial Design, for information on vehicle styling she was able to do more than recommend a good book.

Jenny offered the services of 11 MA Automotive Design students to produce a series of sports car designs for the company, which is based in Haddenham, near Aylesbury.

"The project FBS had in mind matched ideally the educational needs of our students, who produced fifth scale clay models and computer- generated designs based on the chassis already designed by Andrew and his Leamington Spa based colleague Robin Hall", explains Jenny.

Three months after their first request FBS now have their design, thanks to student Giovanni Doglioli, whose winning design was selected from the 11 submitted.

"The project has been very productive for us, resulting in an innovative and practical design which we intend to put into production. Staff and students have been very positive towards us and enthusiastic about the project", said Andrew Barber.

"Using careful application of sound engineering principles we have produced a chassis, some of the work on which was conducted in Leamington, with a driving experience comparable with the best. Now, the creativity and enthusiasm of the staff and students at Coventry University have produced a unique and exciting design to clothe this chassis", he added.

As a thank you for his hard work FBS Engineering are presenting a cheque for £150 to Giovanni at Coventry University’s School of Art and Design on Friday, 29 January at 2 pm.

"This project has been a huge success in providing the students with a real brief and collaboration with real automotive project clients. We will take a keen interest in the development of Giovanni’s styling proposal and wish FBS Engineering every success for the future", concludes Jenny.