​Triumph stylist David Keepax remembered

The TR Register was very sad to learn of the passing of David Keepax at the end of October, aged 79.

David Keepax joined British Leyland in 1967 and stayed within the British Leyland empire until his retirement in 1997 during which time he made significant contributions to the Triumph range.

Working with Turin's Giovanni Michelotti, he played a key part in the styling of Triumphs small saloons, predominantly but not exclusively including the Dolomites. Dave project managed the Dolomite throughout its development including the facelift which was reportedly carried out using a Triumph 1300 donor car which he and Michelotti then proceeded to modify by using sledgehammers to lower the front end!

Dave is also credited with the design of so many much loved details on Triumph cars, the Stag interior, TR7 factory alloy wheels and the TR7 dashboard instruments (originally intended as an update to the TR6 in 1972) all crossed his drawing board during the BL era.

David Keepax in the Stag interior he designed

The "Keepax" Alloy as factory fitted to the Triumph TR7

Dave Keepax design sketches for the Triumph TR7 gauges

With thanks to John Clancy for source information.