LONDON, ENGLAND — Paul Hurley is proof that cars bring people together. He is a diehard gearhead from across the pond in England, where he still resides. In the late-’80s, his first vehicle was a ’67 Ford Anglia 105e Panel van. He’s owned several compact vehicles and classic Landrovers, even competing in rally events across the U.K. But, Paul likes a challenge so these days, instead of driving a little economy right-hand driver, he drives either one of his big, old, American Ford V8 vehicles — a 289ci ’67 Mercury Cyclone or a 390ci ’69 F100 Ranger. He’s definitely a Ford guy. Oh yeah, did we mention his day job is driving a train in the London Underground? How cool is that!
Paul is also proof that many car guys are talented in other areas as well. Growing up in a working-class home, money was tight but a pencil and paper were always available. Naturally gifted with an artistic eye, ever since he came across a Hot Rod Magazine in a waiting room as a child, he’s been drawing cars. Of course, being a car guy, his favorite subject is cars (or really anything that revolves around cars)! In the late-80s, drawing vehicles took a backseat when Paul attended college for Art & Design. After getting his diploma, he went into the breakneck advertising industry as a visual artist in London doing creative design, illustration, and commercial advertising posters for such high-profile clients as Converse and Coca Cola along with a slew of others.
Paul’s avenue into the hot rod scene is a bit unusual. In the late-’90s, after being made redundant in the advertising-design world, he took a job working as a Close Protection Officer in the security industry (he’s a big guy in case you didn’t notice in the picture). Recognizing his vast knowledge of cars, a friend asked if he would volunteer his services at the NASC Street Rod Nationals. This rekindled his passion for hot rods and dragsters, which got him back drawing and painting cars. He is now a freelance illustrator who specializes in automotive artwork including hot rods, dragsters, rat rods, pin-up art, CARtoons, commercial vehicles, and industrial machinery. It doesn’t stop there though; he has been commissioned for logo designs, signwriting, and even tattoo designs.
For 20-plus years, Paul has been refining his natural talent working with different mediums and materials, which has opened many opportunities for him. He’s produced several company logos, including his own Hot Rod and Dragster Illustrator, and designed t-shirt illustrations for automotive events across Europe, Australia, and the U.S. Paul has had the privilege of traveling to America for the Daytona Turkey Run, Don Garlits Museum, Beaver Springs Dragway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and the SEMA Show.
Paul uses his skills for more than play money though. It’s not uncommon for friends to find illustrated gifts in their mailbox from Paul. He’s a big guy with a big heart who donates many limited-edition illustrations yearly to charities in the U.K. and U.S. to help raise funds including Camp Light (Virginia), Keeping Hot Rodding Alive (KHRA) youth program (Arizona), and Great Ormond Street Hospital (U.K.).
Paul is our resident artist here at AEN. We have him to thank for the Auto Enthusiast Network logo and many more amazing illustrations to come (we have a lot of plans for him)! So, if you want a one-of-a-kind piece of art from a fantastic artist, send Paul an email and see what he can do for you!
