LAURENT AMANN
FD Eng MCI (Moteur à Combustion Interne)
design engineer | company director
Laurent is an automotive design engineer, a coachbuilder and is the founding director of STORIK. In 2013, he founded his own design and fabrication atelier having previously worked in leading engineering firms in the UK and France. As a senior level project engineer with over twenty years experience in the automotive and motorsport industry, Laurent has worked across all platforms from the inception, design and development of internal combustion engines and racing vehicles, to the mass production of automotive components for the international market.
Prior to moving to the UK in 2007, Laurent has lived and worked in Le Mans for six years working for renowned companies in the field. He has been instrumental in the undertaking and completion of distinguished projects, with experience in design development, manufacturing and project management. Laurent has had considerable exposure and access to the culture and the personalities surrounding motorsport and endurance racing in the 24H Le Mans race circuit.
He is a passionate advocate for hands-on engineering and quality craftsmanship, and his work has been exhibited at leading events and exhibitions in the UK and abroad. With a meticulous attention to detail, Laurent has completed projects based on some of the most iconic machines. His drive for knowledge and research in his field motivates him to transmit and share his skills with individuals and professionals. He has held workshop-led courses in the art of metal shaping in France, Italy and the UK.
Laurent is also a proud supporter and member of the Vintage Sports-Car Club. As a design engineer, he is inspired by industrial design and is passionate for vintage and classic vehicles. His love for motorcycles in particular developed at an early stage in his life and has, most probably, instigated his passion for classic racing.
“I have always had an interest for industrial design, and a great passion for vintage and classic vehicles. My first interest in motorcycles developed when, at the age of six, I discovered that my father had kept in the basement of our house, the old 1928 350cc Soyer motorcycle which belonged to my grandfather. I would find any opportunity to sneak down in the dark and dusty basement, find my way to the bike, climb on to it, and dream of riding it for hours.
I was fascinated by the aesthetic of this machine. I remember perfectly the feel of the brass handles as I was desperately trying to reach the handlebars and the fantastic combination of colours and textures, where, brass, copper, metal, nickel, rough cast aluminium and leather worked together in perfect harmony. The machine had a wonderful smell, a blend of oil and old fuel. That moment was a revelation to me…
I haven’t stopped thinking, dreaming, breathing and talking about motorcycles since. These machines are much more than just a way of transport. These machines are an obsession and they have definitely shaped my life."
