The now iconic Lexus logo and alpha-numeric model plates was designed by Molly Sanders in the late eighties- before the Lexus brand was introduced.

Molly- as he is known among associates and friends is the "default" designer/graphic artist for Toyota/Lexus/Scion. He used Toyota and Lexus products as a canvas for his art.

All the current Toyota and Lexus Pace Cars are of his design. Motorsport transport and merchandise are all created by him. Lately all the Prius graphics, including the Land Speed record holder and "green" themed show cars are his creations.

Molly passed away a couple of weeks ago, after a brief bout with cancer.

So put an extra shine on the Lexus logo and nameplate on your car- a way to say thanks to the man whose art is in each and every Lexus you have owned, own, and will own.

One of the many talented people who made Lexus- a LEXUS.

 

Cool piece of automotive history. Thanks for sharing buddy. Its info like this that makes CL what it is.

 

^ what he said........

 

Thanks to Molly Designs for his superlative work, which lives on in the Lexus logo!

http://www.mollydesigns.com/history.html

 

Thanks for sharing this. Molly thank you for makes Lexus legendary!!!

 

I love the Lexus Symbol and Lettering. Thank You Molly

 

Molly Designs is definitely instrumental to the Lexus brand. Molly is also responsible for the cool graphics like this historical line for Lexus:




And he was responsible for the design schemes on these:













Long live Molly!

 

Molly was also responsible in the design of these historic Lexus pace cars:

GS400 Pace Car (Stats Here):




IS300 w/Prototype TRD Supercharger (Stats Here):




SC430 Pace Car:

 

Nice SC...

 

thanks flipside- I wanted to post those pictures too....

More interseting stuff about Molly.

In the early 80's Toyota was soliciting for designs for Corporate merchandise, logo, project vehicles.

I called my friend Larry Shinoda (google him!) to prepare a full presentation for Toyota. We even had dinner with then Toyota President Y. Togo, who previewed the work. Larry was one of the most respected auto designers, and at that time most reknown.

I thought- DONE DEAL. I brought the best to Toyota.

short story- Molly blew us away.

Molly also penned the graphics on Dan Gurney's AAR race cars, the last generations of the Toyota Celebrity Cars and current Scion Match Race vehicles.

And you do not want to know how much Lexus paid him for the Logo design!!!

 

Wow this is good to know. RIP Molly.

Yes I do.

 

Well Molly you helped create my grooms cake.