Is Gordon Murray's T.33 Bland Or Perfectly Seasoned?

[@Amir-kc9yu]

Would love the see Frank and Gordon meet up and have a chat about the T.33, T.50 and the F1. Edit: Come to think of it. It would be great to hear Gordon's views on some of Frank's designs.

[@bobimoto28]

I second that 👍

[@kahumike]

I third it

[@MohammedMangera]

I agree

[@BobKenge]

Gordon has spoken about today’s car designs so speaking specifically about Frank designs might cause a revolt between them 😅

[@BobKenge]

Have you seen a Frank review about the T.50? Possibly is because Frank prefers to not speak openly about that design.

[@ohroonoko]

I absolutely love the T.33, its elegant lines that call back to the 1960’s, in a similar way that the 296GTB does. No radical angles and massive scoops or wings necessary to win me over.

[@sports2hedz542]

I totally saw Miura. Especially the rear. I thought for sure Frank was gonna say it.

[@ohroonoko]

@@sports2hedz542 that’s a good comparison. I’ve heard another KZbinr compare it with a Porsche 904.

[@JMJoubert]

Same. The lack of attention seeking styling won me over.

[@augustsawzak5401]

I like the minimalism, but it doesn't have the emotion of many of the 60s Italian cars. Which is fine, if you are someone who just cares about driving it.

[@sports2hedz542]

@@ohroonoko yeah 904 is a good one! Also heard the comparison to Ferrari P4

[@nigel.w]

As far as the "protection" around the rear lights, it's to pass a required impact test. Gordon explains everything to Harry Metcalfe in his Harry's Garage video on the launch of this car.

[@nessuno5403]

Including the patented front hidden diffuser that Sir Frank expertly deduced

[@randomsurfer3963]

Indeed and it was the only simple way to incorporate 3d lights like that, otherwise they would have to be flush to pass the pendulum impact test..

[@AnttiBrax]

@@randomsurfer3963 If you caught the first two minutes in this video, that's the problem: it's the easy solution driven by engineering instead of being the beautiful solution driven by design. Frank repeatedly makes the point in his videos that designers should not try to avoid impossible designs as it's the engineers' job to find the solutions. Design is art and art shouldn't make compromises.

[@chopwet]

@@AnttiBrax actually design isn't just art. Design must take functionality into account usually and many other constraints that art is usually free of. That's why it's called 'design', not 'art', and professionals in the field are called 'designers' and not 'artists'. Of course great design is often considered art but the inverse is not true.

[@HAFBeast91]

I love how Gordon just goes out and does interviews for his car. To talk about the design and explain it. Seems a very humble man.

[@byst33]

I like that the design is restrained and simple. Gordon said that this will be their last naturally aspirated car they produce, so I think it's okay that it leans on the past, if even to a fault. It's elegant, and you know it is the most brilliantly engineered thing on the road. Would give anything to drive one. Great video, Frank!! Absolute legend.

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Cheers Cory! 👍

[@Nemoticon]

I think the T33 is easy to overlook because it is so understated. But considering so many suprecars are so overstyled in the current era, the T33 is all the more beautiful for it. There are a few tihngs I'm not quite sure on, but I think seeing a car in pictures and then in the skin are two very different things. I do however think the T50 is a more cohesive shape and design, even if the presence rear fan divides opinion. I can imagine that seeing these cars, matching with the engine noise of that free revving V12 will give it another dimension to its character entirely much like seeing and hearing a Ferrari for the first time. Pictures alone don't do these cars justice.

[@Baronnax]

Cameras tend to reduce the appeal of any supercar by half, but that applies to all cars. I enjoy this car overall, but the fact that it's design mainly serves to contrast the prevalent car trends makes me worry that it won't be as memorable in the future when we've forgotten said shitty trends.

[@Nemoticon]

@@Baronnax It will be remembered no doubt, it has a pure and simple design that won't go out of date like the cars currently suffering from 'trends'.

[@SoerenAU]

Agree, exactly, agree.

[@tristanbass-krueger7195]

Personally, I like the design because it looks cute. All the other hypercars are trying to get as aggressive as possible, where this one looks approachable and friendly. I dig Stephenson's comparison to the axolotl. Having heard Gordon Murray talking about the engineering, making the car as small as possible, focusing exclusively on creating a great driving experience rather than the stats sheet, and I am very impressed.

[@Baronnax]

@@tristanbass-krueger7195 it looks refreshing to me too, I just hope it'll still be as refreshing in a decade or two when we've forgotten the overdone designs that it currently stands in contrast to.

[@HiddenWen]

I love the T.33. It's the type of super/hypercar that I'd want to own. Similar to a 911, understated yet has insane performance.

[@adriandomnitei7475]

From the side view, does anyone else see a similarity to the C5 Vette?

[@william_SMMA]

Doubt it has insane performance lol

[@HiddenWen]

@@william_SMMA It's a lightweight V12. It'll have insane performance.

[@william_SMMA]

@@HiddenWen lol the T50 which is the bigger brother has 650 horsepower that's less than an Audi RS6 and almost half of a Tesla Plaid it's not magic it's not by the V12 or how it looks, you can have a car that weighs 500kg but if it's underpowered it'll still get destroyed by a McLaren Senna, Jesko or even a GT2RS

[@shayandatta408]

@@william_SMMA That's not the point of the car. It's meant to be a memorable and fun car. It's not built to break speed records.

[@clintsweet8007]

If my memory serves me right, I think one of Gordon's daily driver is an Alpine 110. I see a small amount of influence in the T33 from the Alpine in the styling and in the role the car was designed for. The canopy area also reminds me of a C5 Corvette.

[@jamesengland7461]

Rear fascia perimeter line also reminiscent of C5.

[@hardlinefoil7532]

Rear is completely Alfa 33 stradale

[@boots_n_coots]

Yup. C5 pillar.

[@googleuser6972]

The A110 is brilliant. A complete package.

[@eddstarr2185]

Frank, there aren't enough words to express my gratitude for all the expertise and artistry you've lavished in this critique of the GMA T.33! Form still follows function but all the "overstyling" I see in so many cars is just designers showing off to their peers. This T.33 reminds me of beautiful simplicity of 1960's sports cars. If this marks the end of an era, it does so wonderfully. Thank you, Frank.

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Thank YOU Edd. 👍

[@md560]

When I seen this car I went silent and whilst I listened to Gordon talk about the design and technology the hairs in the back of my neck raised what a piece of engineering no need for silly scoops and vents this is a masterpiece, if I could afford one I would have, worth watching Gordon on Harry’s garage channel.

[@bensonarizona7820]

Beautifully put. Same with me. When they came to the rear I felt tears coming up. Mamma mia! This car is the total antithesis to all the - yes, "exciting" - hypercars, which nevertheless leave me devoid of any real emotion. I am saddened that I will probably never see one in the wild.

[@larssonk22]

Thought Henry Catchpole's video was better than Harry's there was more insight into the mechanics.

[@OugaBoogaShockwave]

@@bensonarizona7820 hopefully in a video game at least.

[@jaromor8808]

as others have said - if the car was from some kit-car company you wouldn't give it more than 10s

[@OugaBoogaShockwave]

@@jaromor8808 5s if that

[@neilgaydon5430]

Thanks Frank...as always excellent. In a world of ever more exaggerated supercars screaming for attention the T.33 is an object lesson in elegant confidence you will never tire of. It will never date, only becoming ever more desirable as the years roll on and will become a rarified classic...especially given its underlying performance and driver engagement is likely to be a masterpiece.

[@neilgaydon5430]

@Kumar Ankit …in your opinion…just like I have mine. Some people didn’t rate the looks of the F1 when it came out too. Its easy in hindsight. In 25 years time it will be in car collections drooled over.

[@marcusslade9804]

Perfectly said. I think this is going to be a fascinating journey as the T33 progresses through prototypes, test drives and actual production. As awesome as the T50 is in terms of sheer design and performance, my sense is Gordon Murray has outdone himself with this model.

[@EmoBirb]

I think it's a very beautiful and simple car. While the Valhalla for example is more complex and captures Aston Martin's contemporary design language very well, the T.33 is a call back to times where a car was not only a purely mechanical instrument, but also a work of art made out of sheet metal. I think the T.33 would benefit from a rich tone of red, green or blue to really emphasize its curvatures and it's "vintage racing" inspiration. If I would be able to buy one, I'd go with British racing green and some racing number decals. I think that would complement the car really well. Than I'd run my hands all over the car, the whole length just to grasp the nice shapes xD

[@alexcallas8222]

Was about to comment the same concerning color choice. It's more critical than most because of the conservative side views, and that silver does it no favors. A dark maroon, green, or even dare I say black would really flatter the design much better.

[@schrodingerscat1863]

My thoughts exactly, this car in British racing green would look amazing. It is a very British design, understated, elegant and timeless.

[@CJ_102]

Absolutely. The reveal car should not have been the same silver as tge T. 50. Something strong and classic like British racing green would have been unreal. Then again its already sold out so he can do that next time!

[@kornonacob]

U have to admit this car design is timeless n simplicity in functional properties are legendary....

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Yes and so is vanilla ice cream.

[@movezzify]

You were right, the small side panels are indeed like the P1's. The snorkle is separate from the body because it's directly attached to the engine and he did that so it adds to the experience as it would vibrate with the engine.

[@davidcobra1735]

The designer actually claims that the snorkel is attached directly to the engine because that eliminates air turbulence inside it caused by vibration and that makes the air flow into the engine better. I don't know where you heard him say he made it that way to increase any vibration. He literally says it's done like that to reduce vibration in the official launch video for this car.

[@RWoody1995]

@@davidcobra1735 having it vibrate *with* the engine seems kinda similar to having it not vibrate as it won't be vibrating relative to the engine but vibrating relative to the body of the car

[@davidcobra1735]

@@RWoody1995 Who cares if it's vibrating relative to the car? That doesn't change how the air's sucked in. The designer literally says so.

[@RWoody1995]

@@davidcobra1735 you said yourself that being attached directly to the engine eliminates air turbulence... that's because it's isolated from the car body i.e. able to move freely from it so you would see it vibrating relative to the chassis but relative to the engine it is fixed.

[@GeesDrive]

The 3 fins on the rear lights are for the crash pendulum testing of the lights to protect them. Initially I was a bit underwhelmed when seeing this car but after hearing GM talk through the engineering decisions and reasoning, the design makes a lot of sense. Would be great to see Frank and Gordon talking shop together!

[@epicon6]

19:22 the 3 bars are there for protecting the lights in the event of a crash because the corner of a car has to be able to take a certain level of impact with the lights still being able to stay intact. The car has the same deal at the front right under the Headlights in the dark area, so that's why the headlights don't fill the whole shape at the bottom.

[@jareknowak8712]

This dark element might be air inlet for brakes.

[@epicon6]

@@jareknowak8712 In Harry's Garage video i recall Gordon mentioning they couldn't fill the light element all the way down because of the pendulum test.

[@NickTubeless]

I think it is absolutely beautiful & love the way it draws you in without shouting at you, a stunning piece of minimalism but so much attention to detail. A wild beast is a cheetah's clothing.

[@Urban0X]

I really like the design of this car, but I've always thought the silver color vanishes all the drama out of any design, especially in supercars. I think in some shade of red it would look much better. Just look at the Alfa in front of Frank.

[@naturestop5476]

Very true

[@AxLWake]

Yeah, I totally agree. I think the car looks absolutely gorgeous. And I think silver grey is really dull. It doesn't look bad but the car would look so much better in a tastefully chosen color.

[@KARFIVE]

Agree man, Gordon talks about the 60s passion in design but silver makes it feel cold and clinical.

[@fredriksvard2603]

Thats probably a design problem. Porsches with similar simple shapes look fantastic in silver. Mercs too.

[@Urban0X]

@@fredriksvard2603 That's true, but I'm talking about the first color, the one that comes with the "press release". Back in 2018 Porsche unveiled the new 911 in silver, because other colors were reserved for the new GTS (Yellow) or the new GT3 (Blue), and I think they look way better. Mercedes released the AMG gt-r in green color, and the new SL in red and yellow colors. So yes, some cars obviously looks good in silver, but I can assure you they look better in any other colors.

[@marekotec2540]

Frank, NOT making something overly agressive and eye-catching IS innovation at this point. It's very refreshing to see a clean and sophisticated car, everything doesn't have to look like a hot wheels car that man babies with more money than brains will go "wow" about. First time in a very long time I've seen a modern car that I like the look of.

[@alexclark3648]

The design is radical BECAUSE it is so pure and simple. Contemporary supercars are covered in aero details and sharp angles - Gordon Murray is brave enough to do the opposite.

[@donjuan150]

Take a look at the new Maserati MC20. Nothing but beautiful simplicity not even a spoiler. Yet still looks aggressive in an understated way....

[@lionelcregut1222]

i love when people study and understand a design very well

[@Diego-he1ku]

I’m surprised you never commented on the t50! Great video maybe you will talk about it some time later

[@harshsonawane6076]

This is quite the antidote to modern cars with lacking excess and being a tensionless design which doesn't strain your eyes, but draws you in to more natural shapes and clean surfaces

[@paulelverstone8677]

I'd been waiting for you review of this as, the first time I saw the T33, I thought it was a masterpiece and was curious to know the thoughts of a designer with a bit more savvy than I! It's design language is very understated. It doesn't shout about itself and although there is a WOW factor to it, you don't immediately know exactly why. But the more you look at it, the more you appreciate the details within it, its proportions, its stance, how the 'face' of the car is almost perfectly replicated in the rear deck (its best view is rear 3/4 imho) albeit upside down. The simplicity of it all but the beauty within it. In a number of recent interviews; Murray explains the lack of splitter, the shutlines, windscreen, diffuser - they're fascinating insights into a designer/engineers mind. Aesthetically, I find it more pleasing than the T50. Performance-wise; Murray talks about it being the last flag-waver for the combustion engine and everyone hopes that it performs as well as it looks. Roosevelt(?) said: speak softly and carry a big stick - that is this car...

[@KangoV]

Very interesting. As a car guy I'm far more interested on what the car has on the inside than what is on the outside. I just love the T.33.

[@Ryan-uk6zq]

I've been anticipating this review from Frank and as per usual I'm not disappointed. I have to say, I love the understated design of the T.33

[@improcrastinating8063]

I think what I love about T.33 is that sometimes you want all that comes along with the supercar (V12, the sound, the gearbox, carbon chassis, purpose-driven engineering) without the "wow factor" design that draws attention. This is a car you can enjoy the drive and nobody will swerve into you trying to take a picture of it the same way they would for an OTT hypercar of today.

[@anssileinonen3522]

In my eyes a combination with T50's front end and middle body with T33's backend would be absolutely beautiful and perfect design. With T33's air intake on top.

[@sysakPL]

I was thinking exactly the same.

[@sports2hedz542]

I wonder why Frank has not reviewed the 50?...probably because it's hideous. Those mundane front lights... And abominal black rear end are a travesty. Frank didn't want to lose friends by saying that Gordon's hypercar is terrible looking. The 33 though... She's gorgeous.

[@staLkerhu]

Funny, because the headlights of the T.50 is, well... not horrible, but does not belong on a supercar of that caliber. So, I have absolutely no idea why did you say that...

[@notmychannel8602]

Amazing how many of the design points and reasoning behind certain features Frank picked up on without having seen any of the Gordon Murray interviews.

[@simonhodgetts6530]

It’s beautiful. It has Pinninfarina levels of elegance and purity of form - something that has been lost in modern car designs. I applaud its intent - why not echo the gorgeous cars of the 60s - they were stunning! Why does it need to innovate. To be beautiful is more than enough for me! I also love the amount of Matt black trim - there was a time when most cars used matt black areas as an accent. And I think it worked really well. Body colour everything has got rather bland. It’s an excellent car design - an instant classic.

[@bensonarizona7820]

Full ACK. When it is the end of an era and you make the last relevant contribution, why not recite or embrace those elements which stand for the emotional peak of said era? The T.33 is masterfully done in that regard. And yet, it is not retro. It exudes a timeless beauty and elegance I haven't seen in along, long time in modern super- or hypercars.

[@Edison73100]

What I like about this design is that it's not all new looking, I like that it will blend in and you will be able to enjoy it without being noticed, too much, and it has a NA V 12 with a manual, case closed.

[@damienlee1165]

I like that it's so simple and nostalgic, in an era when supercars need to be attention grabbing and edgy. I'm less excited at the fact that it's just another million plus dollar supercar that will be out of reach for the everyman.

[@arapaimagold8088]

911 always simple with almost zero drama in design.

[@ThomasKrul]

Paul's Model Art F1? I've got one of those, they're lovely models! The T33 is the epitome of that kid in school who got top marks not because they were exciting or memorable, but because they were so competent. This car would go to law school, not join a rock band.

[@liammoodyfilms]

I like the T33 a lot. It brings lots of elements of great car design from the 60’s up till now. I think this car is like a “super car roadster” small and and smooth lines. Kinda reminds me of a Miata in some ways and all the other great roadsters that came before it.

[@JMJoubert]

You said it, when you said "understated" and that's what makes me love this design.

[@johntearle]

Thank you, Frank, for another engaging and insightful video. On first consideration, I largely agree with your expert analysis. However, I personally would not give it as high a rating. I think the mismatch of the understated tone vs the presumably heart-wrenching driving experience is too great. I dislike the overly aggressive styling we too often see today. However, I do think more emotion could and should have been present in the T.33. A bit more beauty, elegance and passion. 8-9/10 from my layman perspective. It is of course, all subjective and you can only admire and appreciate Gordon Murray's work.

[@MrVorpalsword]

What a joy to see such a brilliant, educated close critique of the design of the car. As an architect, I never see such serious review of buildings because everyone is scared of upsetting his brother architect.

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Thank you Mr V. 💥👍

[@Jon.S]

Frank it would be cool if one day (Covid permitting) you could do a video with Gordon and/or his designer and go over their approach, go over the cars and discuss these questions you have, why they made certain decisions etc. Gordon has been very open in the videos I've seen with answering questions and clarifying why they've done things the way they have, so could be a great discussion.

[@wildannandawicaksana5004]

Yeah it must be awesome if Frank do that.

[@anyau]

im sure they are great friends behind the scene. its very nowadays that designers share the same passion of simplicity.

[@MissingPatel]

Frank is one of the very few people in history who is qualified to call T.33 "meh"!

[@implodingbaby]

I think it's simple in the same way the mc20 is, clean and purposeful.

[@DB-fn3fz]

That's great for the MC20. Next time just M20 though not MC.

[@atohms]

It’s modest & honest & subdued… that’s innovative too me in an age of overstyled angry cars. A shiney remark about what cars can be. Beautifull & aspirational in it’s pureness. More off this plz!

[@ettorebugatti6846]

Frank has put on his thickest gloves for this review :) T33 front view reminds me of the GT40. I like Gordons work , but for a hypercar it lacks some flashyness. I guess Gordon philosophy was timeless design and cut all the flashy parts out.

[@staLkerhu]

Exactly, he mentioned that a few times.

[@missaneido7417]

Such a refreshing departure from the current complex and chaotic modern supercars design. For a change, this is one car that is not inspired by the equipment housed in the Battlestar Galactic hanger.

[@smokeybear69]

Great review, really interesting precedents too. I wasn’t blown away when I first seen it, but it has really grown on me, when you see all the little details and understand where he was coming from with the design. It is understated elegance which will contrast nicely when that engine is screaming at 11k. I really look forward to seeing this one in the metal.

[@JBOsurf]

When you said Saville Row, you hit the nail on the head. Understated, clean and elegant. Love this thing.

[@Sonderax]

I think the main issue they had was to fit a V12 in a car that small. Incredible job

[@srinitaaigaura]

What's more amazing is just how small that V12 is. It's truly tiny.

[@Thanos.m]

I think the T.33 proves the fact that less is more it's so pure and in word of aggressive over designed car it's a breath of fresh air

[@mostlikedcomment9603]

To me, it doesn't look special enough for what it's meant to be, one of the last V12 hypercars, which should represent the pinnacle of this era. I like the back and the side view, what I find lacking is the front which is neither elegant nor sporty in my opinion, it's somewhere in between and I don't really like that. In my opinion, it should have had a bit more of a sporty look as the back does.

[@welovecheshirecats4557]

Murry states its not a Hyper car. More a super car/GT.

[@MarkoTiano]

Your opinion is your opinion but if anything on the car looks elegant its the front. The whole purpose of designing this car is to look classic, basically a timeless looking design. Once you start slapping all kinds of cuts on the shape the vehicle will eventually run out of time and will be irrelevant in the next 10-20 years. This car doesn't even have video screens inside, which makes absolute sense cause technology ( infotainment systems) gets better every year. This car is made to last forever OR for a very very long time.

[@av1r44]

I felt that it look sort of like a lotus. Glad that Frank could confirm that.

[@donjuan150]

Lotus Evora from the side

[@nachonigel2798]

I fucking love you Frank, this was amazing to watch haha. I think the T.33 is a great car. I think this car is more for petrolheads that just love to drive, without standing out too much, hence the relatively timid design. On the other hand, I also think it could have translated that wonderful V12 engine more into the exterior design of the car. Especially because Gordon Murray himself said that this would (sadly) be their last non-hybrid car

[@blackdove6713]

It has two diffusers in the front wheel arches and the law prevents the crease in the headlamp lens. The three strakes on the tail lamp are for the pendulum test like the brake cooling duct in the headlamp.

[@SmashGhost]

Air brakes don't operate in that forward-opening "suicide" form. They operate as high-drag spoiler surfaces so they the fluid pressure doesn't deform or damage the panel

[@888mattd]

Using the luggage openings as air brakes was a silly suggestion. He knows better than that.

[@FrankStephensondesign]

😉

[@drewlovelyhell4892]

My initial thoughts were the same. Would have liked itf they had pushed the envelope a little farther. I think the design is intended to be subtle, but reveal clever flourishes under intense scrutiny. The influence of Sixties cars is welcome, but I would have liked them to lean into that aesthetic and make the car *really* curvacious.

[@samgreen7077]

The proportions are exquisite! The simplicity of the design is so refreshing compared to other supercars and hypercars. It really makes it stand out compared to its rivals

[@chevycoupev1052]

The T50 was also presented with a mesh, however in the XP cars they are very subtle and still allow you to see the engine almost as if they were not there.

[@JStryker7]

I like it a lot but it would be better in yellow or red with a body matched roof. The roadster could be really nice.

[@kylem324]

What I feel is important to remember about these cars from GM that have such a specific engineering ethos (to be uncompromising drivers cars) is that they have been designed without consideration to how fast they might go, or how quickly they accelerate, or even how aesthetically pleasing the design is. So much time has been spent in ensuring engineering perfection, that GM a wouldn’t allow the body lines to compromise this.

[@fortheloveofnoise]

Yes, General Motors has a special touch.

[@kylem324]

@@fortheloveofnoise Gordon Murray?

[@jameslewis8227]

It’s quite a pretty car, almost a sleeper/Q-car, considering the spectacular drivetrain, suspension and aerodynamic components that are dressed in its elegantly understated body work. I can’t wait to see and hear it in motion.

[@hfarms5779]

You summed it up as a swan song of yesterday's super cars. Beautiful, smooth, nothing new, taking design elements from everywhere. Then again, some cars trying to push the envelope, have cuts and vents and creases that end up with design elements from everywhere. Designers don't live in a vacuum.

[@probablypondering1657]

Glad to see I agree with Frank. When I first saw it I was a bit underwhelmed. Uninspired. Still a beautiful car nonetheless.

[@donjuan150]

Yes, I too was disappointed...shouldn't a supercar make you say wow?

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Heck no señor. It should give you an immediate erection.

[@SolyMG]

Such designs bring a smile of satisfaction on my face. I don't know why all car manufacturers see the future of car design as strange? And they do overstyling and exaggerated designs to sell electric cars! The automotive industry has enough beauty to inspire and create new things. Just like this one.❤

[@jezrobson9075]

Love your videos, Frank. Could listen to you de-construct car design all day. Thank you! I wonder if Gordon Murray has produced a car that has a purity of form, a fusion of design principles and tech, and advanced packaging that is so understated that it will take time for it to be seen as near perfection; a slow burner in terms of its impact and recognition but a car that will in time be seen as a masterpiece of design.

[@parthlad]

Less is more

[@apophisstr6719]

It's already a classic in my eyes, these traditional designs just won't get old.

[@TTTzzzz]

I love it. It doesn't look like a car that was designed by a twelve old with giant scoop inlets and outlets, crazy convoluted lines and creases trying to scare the public with it's 'evilness'. I am not a fan of million dollar super or hyper cars but this one is at least beautiful.

[@deltas4764]

Nice vision mate.

[@mcgoose258]

reminds me of a comment Frank made in a previous video about how pleasing shapes formed by erosion are, this looks like a typical supercar eroded by a few centuries in a wind tunnel until it smoothed out like a pebble. I like how clean it is

[@JMJoubert]

100% with you, on this.

[@miccko]

On The Late Brake Show channel you can watch Johnny Smith interview with Gordon Murray, where he explains a lot of things on how regulations influenced engineering and design of T.33. And yes, those three fins on tail lights are there to protect the lights, and are solution to keep beautiful design and to comply with the regulation requirements.

[@Jon.S]

Wow, couldn't have put it better myself. An amazing piece of engineering, and certainly a good looking car, but I do find it's missing something aesthetically. I am one of those people who (if I could ever afford one) would get over that very quickly as I'd spend all my time fawning over the small engineering wonders, but I do think you've nailed it when you say that perhaps the outside doesn't quite match up to under the skin.

[@marciliojunior4919]

Those were my thoughts as well, it is perfectly executed but it lacks the eyecatching factor. Is like looking at a perfect circle, you get impressed by how well it was made but you dont really remember it after two days.

[@donjuan150]

@@marciliojunior4919 So well said!

[@IngramCars]

Simplistic, clean, pure design, I think these are amongst the most beautiful and iconic designs. Through my eyes, at certain angles the design is reminiscent of a Ferrari 250 LM, and the rear shape has modern elements of the Alpine A110.

[@1911indi]

The 3 bars on the tail lights as also the 1 bar on the front lights is for the pendulum test which absorb angle (side) impacts and protect the lights from breaking.

[@BadgerVito]

I'd love to see a T.33 and T.50 in person. In photos and videos they both look a little . . . understated for me given what they are, but as you state this kind of plays to their Britishness.

[@uknowmotdy]

Still original F1 is way ahead of T50 and T33, where minimalism has been taken too far ,little bit of visual drama wouldn't hurt especially in this segment. DeTomaso p72 has taken similar 60s elements and executed beautifully.

[@richardmollberg3096]

Maybe buyers in this segment would pick a Ferrari which has more ”fire”, or step down to a z4 m.

[@NormalCleanCars]

Returning to a manual car is like shaking the hand of a good old friend, I'm going to miss it when it becomes few and far between mostly with EV Era

[@Houthiandtheblowfish]

Glad Gordon exists the effects of this car’s design will show it self as time passes by it wasn’t the first sting exciting design at first fast impression but I think it will age well particularly on not a bland color like silver

[@eldridgewoolnough7454]

What I love about Frank is that he picks up on a lot of the ingenious engineering ideas by just looking at the car and ((presumably) having not watched any videos of it eg: the lack of front splitter, the ‘shaker’ roof scoop single dihedral door hinge and the luggage bays

[@alexwright6212]

This chap is a master of design. His passion is infectious.

[@b.w.highness102]

Hello Mr. Stephenson... I have loved your videos for a long time, but this is my first comment. I am a 71 year old Canadian "Car Boy" with a career in Architecture. If you were an Architect, you would be Louis Kahn; a Painter... Johannes Vermeer; a Poet... Edna St.Vincent Millay. My "E Type Jag moment" came for me in 1958 when I saw a Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I... still my favourite body ( and Arlen Ness's too ). It also takes "two tone paint" to its zenith. Your no - holds - barred reviews are an inspiration to me, and returns me to a Car Boy during my quiet days. Thank you for doing what you do best. The T33 is a winner... the BMW SUV would need to climb high to reach "abysmal" ... Barry

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Much appreciated Barry! 👍

[@brunojj1]

Your differentiated POV is the most qualified, thank you for doing this. The design of the T.33 falls behind the expectations to be honest. I think it would look much better in a different color and a LM spec. I would love to know what do you think of my Lego Technic approach to the McLaren P1?

[@FrankStephensondesign]

👍

[@steveboris6286]

This was a brilliant episode. I agree with some below to do a Frank & Gordon show. I think this car is deserving of the extra mile. In an age where new car designers seem to be trying to shock us with design/technology that make us feel as if the vehicle is half fighter jet. It is refreshing to behold Gordon's restraint to do the same thing and we all know he is capable of outdoing them all. To see what is undoubtedly a beautiful car with no traces of fighter jet design cues. The lack of a splitter and rear wing is so nice. Frank, I feel you were very respectful of this car and of its significance. The people that would own this car are confident and refined. This is no the car for a guy that needs a lambo to feel worthy but I imagine someone will buy one and put an aggressive body kit on it.

[@nigel.w]

Suffice to say, if I had the money, this would be the one for me. And, at 1.3m GBP, I think it represents good value, of course, relatively speaking.

[@AC-wl7ve]

I think it’s the perfect drivers car. Has a look of a 60s race car and one of the most incredible engines ever put into a road car, also paired with what I imagine is one of the best manual transmissions.

[@mattred3857]

This is a hard one. Clearly the T33 is well engineered and looks stunning and will go down as one of the best cars ever. I also get what Frank is saying tho. If this is show casing where the combustion engine/engineering capabilities finished then it should have the design to match rather than a modern take on a 60’s racer however beautiful it is.

[@markcole1473]

Nice critique as ever Frank 😎 Personally I love the T33 😍 While I can't comment on the design as a professional, as an enthusiast I will say that the T33 is the best looking Supercar since your own spectacular McLaren MP4-12C. It's refined, elegant and understated in a world of flashy, obnoxious, gauche machinery I'd be embarrassed to be seen in.

[@juana9795]

1:15 The same thing happens to me, it's like I've seen it before... 🤨 it's not ugly but it's too soft...

[@iamyila]

I'm a musician/ producer and I love watching this - Gives me another view on sound and another reason to know why! - thanks!

[@positivesecret]

Im with Gordon on this one .

[@AhmedNaas]

Hey Frank, Those 3 slats protecting the rear lights are there to allow for the side impact test to NOT shatter the lights, same are there in front with that little black triangle under the headlamps (Also used as a vent)... I got this info from the video he did with one of the car journalists on KZbin.

[@swanblake]

I find the T.33 incredibly beautiful. None of the busy harsh hard lines found in modern car design. I think this will age incredibly well. I welcome this curvy beauty. I like it much more than the T.50 as well. I wish Ferrari would take a page from GMA design.

[@OugaBoogaShockwave]

i Agree, it will age VERY Well. I think lamborghini's will also age well, my personal fav lambo is the sesto elemento & aventador

[@k-peezy2723]

The lack of those busy lines and restrained fitted suit look (perfect analogy by Frank) is what makes some people stop and scratch their heads in confusion. The quirk about the the T.33's design? There is no quirk! I think that's what is catching a lot of folks out about it. Me personally, I'm right there with ya Blake on the overall design and timelessness of it. I really get a sense of a modernized McLaren F1 from it, speaking of timeless classic design.

[@OugaBoogaShockwave]

@@k-peezy2723 F1 was more aggressive by a slight wave of the wand

[@daveblock4061]

I agree with the Lotus analogy. From the Elite/Elan to the Elise/Exige.

[@nogroup5861]

My believe is this car's design is getting a lot of undeserved credit just because it has the Gordon Murray name attached to it. If it was from another unknown brand, I think the song we hear from the fans would be quite different. People wouldn't even talk about it.

[@jaromor8808]

spot fkin on

[@bluemonstrosity259]

This car's design is a parallel to it's engineering. Manual gearbox and a V12, the design isn't overstyled and is a nod to the 60s. Only a design like this one could to the engineering justice. In short, if someone else did the car, the engine and philosophy behind it would be completely different and therefore this design would not match up well

[@TheMitch12356]

You are 100 percent correct. This does not look like a 1.3million pound car. Very boring design and offers nothing new.

[@bluemonstrosity259]

@@TheMitch12356 if you buy cars for the design GMA is not for you.

[@TheMitch12356]

@@bluemonstrosity259 I am big on engineering with cars. GMA is great engineering, but the design lacks any amazing. I still rather a T.50 over any current hyercar. T.50 and T.33 are great engineering cars, but certainly not great design.

[@einautofan6685]

*My first Impression was "Wow"! Soo much Retro-Styling reminding me on Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale! Very clean Styling! Very clever Aerodynamics! Gordon is a true Genius!👌*

[@MrNo____]

I love it. Simple, balanced, beautiful

[@andyspencer1665]

Cracked up when you proposed using the luggage door as an airbrake! Lmao! 🤣

[@888mattd]

Surprised that you didn’t mention the roof hoop. Think it would have looked better if the b-pillar has flown into the door shut line.

[@RZRBLAZ]

Frank you are spot on with the design language of the car especially the crease on the headlamps. Gordon Murray talks about it with Harry’s Garage in a video overviewing the T33.

[@medrone7097]

Gorgeous shape with several letdowns. Beautiful headlights but the smile on the intake could be reshaped. The tops of the fenders are a delight, but the painted B-pillar, the bottom cutout, & fat saddlebags detract. The rear is pretty but it needs 10% more drama. If a car design reflects the culture inside the company, this is a calm studio where the designers try to please the brilliant engineer. I wish they had a designer with a little more attitude. A few arguments could have brought this car to the next level.

[@juanbatista5302]

Superb video Frank. Long life for you and Gordon Murray.

[@jamiecoogan7034]

sophia loren dressed for church,,, no man on earth would complain,,, shes a beauty,,

[@r129r16pfl]

It's classy as F... not like those fake poorly dressed flashy girls with big fake boobs (just like Lambo etc.)

[@TotakTosong]

I think this car is super beautiful. Looks simple, no flashy force lines. Very clean.

[@jpkosoltrakul]

Gordon had extensively explained his design thought in Harry's Garage channel. In my opinion, Gordon's designs are more for geeks to appreciate. They all look somewhat bland, but when you understand the reasons of the design decisions (like those he explained in Harry's video), you will appreciate them more and more.

[@nessuno5403]

Funny interpretation of geeks. Say purists and/or connoisseurs.

[@AxLWake]

I don't think it's for geeks. It's for (very rich) people with good taste. Most of the supercars with big wings, giant diffusers, holes everywhere, etc are just ugly. They are impressively aggressive, but they look like they are designed by children. This car is simply beautiful.

[@jpkosoltrakul]

@@AxLWake Forget those footballers or the Arabs princes, I mean in the general people's eyes. Gordon said there's nothing on this car (and T.50 as well) that doesn't have any purpose. There are so many parts of the car that you have to be very eager to learn theirs purpose and appreciate them, in the level that I would say you have to be a geek. For example, those vents under the headlights, they are not only just channel the air to the brakes, they are also filled up the shape of the headlights, because headlight can't go any lower due to regulations, they also help the continuation of the crease line, and they are also served as headlights crash protections. If it's general people, they would just glide over these vents, maybe think they are cosmetic, like the eyelashes on Lamborghini Miura. Even Frank didn't seem to notice them in this video.

[@nessuno5403]

@@jpkosoltrakul you're making senseless comments, but I guess everyone is entitled an opinion

[@AxLWake]

@@jpkosoltrakul Yes I know how everything on the car has a purpose, I saw Gordon Murray talking about it. And I agree with the point you're making. But I was talking purely from an aesthetical aspect. I think what appeals to what I call people with good taste is the fact that the design is so subtle. It looks "simple" at first glance, not super flashy and over designed. The opposite of what most supercar manufacturers are doing these days.

[@briandouglas5552]

I was a little apprehensive when I clicked play for this episode, but what impressed me most was the self restraint and high respect you showed GMA. Thank you! I've been following T-50, T-50S and now T-33. While I appreciate the improvements in how various design challenges have been addressed, I still feel the McLaren F1 surpasses these in overall impact, both visual and in engineering. How could it be otherwise? F1 was so seminal. I was also impressed by the way you were able to perceive the hidden solutions (did you cheat and watch the videos while between takes?) such as the front diffuser and rear pivoting luggage door/fender. Your analysis of line was superb, especially your treatment of the front "face." However, my own impression has so far gone unmentioned in the collection of T-33 videos I've watched. Is it possible that I am the only one that sees the unmistakable GT40 grill? It's as though the old girl fell in love with the P4 she battled and they had a beautiful child with her smile and his eyes! The other aspect I see (maybe it's because I'm American) I think would only come out if we could take Prof. Murray to his favorite pub and fill him full of his favorite food and ale. Then, we might hear him confide, "What we did with the T-33 roll bar area is what Chevrolet could have (or should have) done with their C8 Corvette, if they had maintained the design language they started with the mid-run C3 and carried through the C6, only to abandon it with the C7, which was a mistake, in my opinion."

[@TopCarsTV]

When it comes to design inspired by the 60s, I much more prefer the DeTomaso P72

[@fredriksvard2603]

Too over the top, bit cartoonish and almost insectlike

[@sajid6027]

A Versace suit is fashion. It will date by weeks. A Savile Row suit is timeless. Good analogy by Frank.