Tragedy struck in Bavaria last week when celebrated British designer Ian Cameron was murdered at home. The brilliant mind behind multiple Rolls-Royce and BMW designs, Cameron was stabbed upon answering the door to an unknown assailant on Friday evening, per reports.
As covered by Automotive News, Daily Mail, and others, the incident occurred at Cameron’s residence in Lake Ammersee in Upper Bavaria. The news site states that, as the 74-year-old designer was attacked, his wife, designer Veronika Kloos, was able to flee, with the Daily Mail stating she jumped over a wall and raised the alarm with neighbors. The reports say Cameron was found dead a short time later.
Police are investigating whether the attacker may have been targeting Cameron’s high-dollar car collection. Reports state that cables had been cut to surveillance cameras installed in the house’s garage area.
At this stage, the attacker remains at large, per reports. Local police have canvassed witnesses and sourced footage believed to feature the assailant from a nearby supermarket. The suspect is believed to be between 5’9″ and 6’2″ (quite a range, there), and was reported to be wearing a dark blue hooded sweatshirt and light-colored pants at the time of the attack. “We are following all possible leads and are confident that the suspect will be apprehended soon,” a police spokesperson told the media.
The Daily Mail says the suspect was also spotted with a red backpack and green/yellow gloves, with the backpack later found by a police search. The item is being used as a potential source of DNA evidence to help track down the suspect.
Cameron leaves behind a storied legacy in the automotive world. He had retired from Rolls Royce in 2012, having served as design boss for several years after BMW took over the proud British marque. He hand-shaped the venerated Phantom, which set the tone for the new era of the brand to come. Cameron began his career at Pininfarina in 1975, shortly after having graduated from the Royal College of Art. The designer also famously penned the BMW Z8, and had a hand in a great many other models besides, before moving into work as a freelance design consultant on his own terms.
He was perhaps best known for giving Rolls-Royce a modern feel all its own, even as the British brand fell under German ownership. As BMW took over at the turn of the century, Mercedes-Benz parried by re-establishing the Maybach brand. That move never phased Cameron, however, as he stood by his design. “The big difference is that the Maybach is still a Mercedes,” he was quoted by Autocar. “The Phantom, whatever you think of it, is certainly not a BMW.”
Cameron’s former employers expressed great regret at his passing, as covered by Automotive News. “Ian played a significant role in shaping Rolls-Royce from when it was first acquired by BMW Group and moved to its Home at Goodwood, West Sussex,” read a statement from Rolls-Royce. “He created thoroughly contemporary motor cars that remained sympathetic to the marque’s design lineage. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
BMW expressed similar feelings on the tragedy. “We are deeply shocked and saddened by the news about our former Rolls-Royce designer. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during these difficult hours,” said BMW.
Sadly, the automotive world lost a great designer last week. Cameron’s legacy will nonetheless live on, as he is remembered for his rich contribution over his decades-long career.
Image credits: BMW, Rolls-Royce