The Automotive Alchemist by Andy Saunders

The Automotive Alchemist dives into the universe of UK master fabricator Andy Saunders. A tapestry of inspiration, resilience, and craftsmanship unfolds over 464 pages adorned with 1,055 behind-the-scenes photographs, telling the story of a young man from Poole with an endless imagination. This book is not your typical book about custom cars; It's a scrapbook of Andy's life. A personal odyssey and a tribute to raw talent and an enduring spirit sculpted by love, loss, and passion.

Andy's book is not merely a chronicle of custom car builds but an intimate insight into the life of a man who, against all odds, carved out a unique niche for himself in the world of automobile customization.

The book is not only an autobiography but also a history of car design as seen through Andy's eyes, with unseen photos from the Dream Car Period never before published.

George Barris once aptly said in the 1980s when commenting about Andy, "I've seen this young man's work, and he is very clever, he thinks differently and brings fun into his builds. I hope he keeps it up as there is a lot more to come from him." "The Automotive Alchemist" is proof positive of Barris's words. Weighty in both content and feel, the book is a testament to Saunders's genius, resilience, and the sheer joy of creation. A truly exhilarating read for car enthusiasts and dreamers alike. If you want a copy of the book, you can email Andy your full name, contact number, and address to andysaunderskustoms@hotmail.com and he’ll contact you with payment details.

The Automotive Alchemist was awarded "Best Book on Design" by Motorworld in Munich on 30th May 2023.

Andy on stage, receiving the award for his debut book in Munich. "I, a failed secondary modern educated English student, stood next to 40 of Europe's top Automotive journalists holding the same award as they did. Shows the power of ambition and desire, doesn't it?"

Author: Andy Saunders
Hardcover: 464 pages
Publisher: Dalton Watson Fine Books
Book Release Date: November, 2022

Recommended Reading

The Automotive Alchemist dives into the universe of UK master fabricator Andy Saunders. A tapestry of inspiration, resilience, and craftsmanship unfolds over 464 pages adorned with 1,055 behind-the-scenes photographs, telling the story of a young man from Poole with an endless imagination. This book is not your typical book about traditional custom cars; It's a scrapbook of Andy's life. A personal odyssey and a tribute to raw talent and an enduring spirit sculpted by love, loss, and passion.

The opening chapters introduce us to a young Andy, helping out at his father's used car lot in Poole. His dad, Ron, was known for buying and selling rare, exclusive automobiles. Andy helped out at the lot from a young age, and his formative years were spent washing vehicles, giving him plenty of time to touch and study the art of the automobile. Each car had its own tale, and Andy spent hours trying to figure out why some cars were boxy and square, while others were round and curvy. This is where his affair with cars took root, nurturing a dream that began with an automobile built to resemble an orange – a moving billboard – and blossomed through the pages of automotive books that showcased the artistry, skills, and imagination of automotive artists such as George Barris and Larry Watson. From these humble beginnings emerged the maestro, who would eventually be revered as the Michelangelo of Metal and the British answer to George Barris.

Tracing Andy's trajectory, the book reveals his early creations, unique customs born out of both necessity and passion. With neither formal training in welding nor custom bodywork, Andy and his father took on projects like the Bird Puller Ford Escort, embarking on a journey that showcased raw talent. Whether it was completing a half-done Jaguar or pioneering unique creations like the lowest car in the world, Saunders showcased an uncanny ability to think outside the box.

Beyond the cars and accolades, the narrative tugs at the heartstrings as it recalls his father Ron's unwavering support and their joint ventures into the realm of custom cars, making it all the more poignant considering the backdrop of Andy's heart condition. This is not merely a chronicle of custom car builds but an intimate insight into the life of a man who, against all odds, carved out a unique niche for himself in the world of automobile customization.

George Barris once aptly said in the 1980s when commenting about Andy, "I've seen this young man's work, and he is very clever, he thinks differently and brings fun into his builds. I hope he keeps it up as there is a lot more to come from him." "The Automotive Alchemist" is proof positive of Barris's words. Weighty in both content and feel, the book is a testament to Saunders's genius, resilience, and the sheer joy of creation. A truly exhilarating read for car enthusiasts and dreamers alike.

Awards and Recognitions

The Automotive Alchemist was awarded "Best Book on Design" by Motorworld in Munich on 30th May 2023. In August of 2023, Andy was also nominated for the RAC writers award.

Where to Buy the Book

If you want a copy of the book, you can email Andy your full name, contact number, and address to andysaunderskustoms@hotmail.com and he’ll contact you with payment details.