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Andrew Noakes

Andrew NoakesAssistant Professor in Automotive Journalism

Main Duties: Course director on the Automotive Journalism postgraduate course

Biography:

Andrew Noakes is an award-winning motoring journalist, author and photographer. He was trained as an engineer, gaining a degree in automotive engineering and Diploma in Industrial Studies from Loughborough University during which he spent a year as a student trainee at Ford Motor Company. After two years as a freelance motoring writer he joined Fast Car magazine where he concentrated on technical articles and in-depth product tests, quickly being promoted to technical editor and later deputy editor.

In 1996 he became editor of Retro, a magazine for modified classic cars, and relaunched the magazine a year later as Classics (since renamed Classics Monthly). After eight years at the same publishing company, ultimately as editor in chief of Classics, he returned to freelancing in 2002.

Noakes has written for numerous car magazines and websites, including CAR, Auto Express, Classic and Sports Car, Classic Cars, and many more. He has also written or contributed to more than 20 books on motoring and motorsport, several of which have been translated into German and Spanish. He has also carried out a number of research and writing projects for motor industry clients.

His book Ford Cosworth DFV: The Inside Story of F1’s Greatest Engine was awarded the Guild of Motoring Writers’ Timo Makinen Trophy in 2007. The Classic Car Book, to which he contributed, was named Auto Express Book of the Year in 2016. In 2018 Aston Martin DB - 70 Years was shortlisted for the Grand Prix de Beau Livre at the Festival Automobile International.

Since 2011 Noakes has been a committee member of the Guild of Motoring Writers, the world’s largest organisation for automotive media professionals, and he served as the Guild’s chairman from 2016 to 2018. He is also a committee member of the Midland Group of Motoring Writers and a member of the Society of Authors.

Qualifications:

  • B.Eng (Hons), Automotive Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough
  • Diploma, Industrial Studies, Loughborough University, Loughborough

Selected outputs:

  • Noakes, A. (2019) Jaguar F-type: The Complete Story. Wiltshire: Crowood
  • Noakes, A. (2019) 100 Years of Bentley. London: White Lion
  • Chapman, G. (ed) (2018) Drive. London: Dorling Kindersley
  • Coventry University (2018) ‘Driving Forces’ panel discussion, GREAT Festival of Innovation, Hong Kong
  • Noakes, A. (2017) Mercedes-Benz SL and SLC 107-series 1971-89: The Complete Story. Wiltshire: Crowood
  • Noakes, A. (2017) Aston Martin DB - 70 Years. London: Aurum
  • Chapman, G. (ed) (2016) The Classic Car Book. Dorling Kindersley
  • Noakes, A. (2012) ‘Automotive Journalism’ in Specialist Journalism, ed. by Turner, B. and Orange, R. Abingdon: Routledge
  • Noakes, A. (2012) Aston Martin Model by Model. Wiltshire: Crowood
  • Chapman, G. (ed) (2011) The Car Book. London: Dorling Kindersley
  • Noakes, A. (2007) Ford Cosworth DFV: The Inside Story of F1’s Greatest Engine. Somerset: Haynes
  • Noakes, A. (2006) Classic Cars. London: Parragon
  • Noakes, A. (2006) Aston Martin DB7 - The Complete Story. Wiltshire: Crowood
  • Noakes, A. (2006) The Ultimate History of Mercedes-Benz. London: Parragon
  • Noakes, A. (2006) The Ultimate History of BMW. London: Parragon
  • Noakes, A. (2006) The Classic Car Book. Somerset: Haynes
  • Noakes, A. (2005) The Ultimate History of Fast Cars. London: Parragon
  • Noakes, A. (2004) Mercedes SL Series - The Complete Story. Wiltshire: Crowood
  • Noakes, A. (2004) The Sports Car - A Comprehensive History. London: Parragon
  • Noakes, A. (2004) The Ultimate History of BMW. London: Parragon
  • Noakes, A. (2004) Porsche. London: Parragon
  • Noakes, A. (2003) The Ultimate History of Aston Martin. London: Parragon
 Queen’s Award for Enterprise Logo
University of the year shortlisted
QS Five Star Rating 2023