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 | World Motorcycle NewsPlease wait while we load the Threads for you...25th May, 2003 Colin Michael Lyster will be remembered as one of New Zealand's most brilliant engine designers. Mr Lyster passed away Nelson last Tuesday/*May 6*/ at the age of 66 leaving behind a legacy of innovative motorcar and motorcycle designs. The Zambian born engineer, who emigrated to New Zealand in 1976, was such a talent that he attracted the attention of the world's automotive giants.
The head of the Japanese company Honda, Soichiro Honda, commissioned Mr Lyster as one of the company's freelance designers in 1960s. He was responsible for designing and building a 500cc grand prix engine and disc brake systems for Honda motorcycles.
Mr Lyster later completed many of his projects at his engineering workshop which he operated in conjunction with Alloy Castings Nelson near Nelson Airport. The majority of his work revolved around designing and manufacturing for clients involved in grand prix racing in Australia and the US.
A former colleague at Alloy Castings, Paul Tunnicliff, said Mr Lyster had a comprehensive knowledge of all aspects of engineering. And that was his strength. What he could do was transcend all the skills - design, patterns, casting, machining and engineering. You just don't get people with all those skills in one package.'' Other projects completed by Mr Lyster included designing a racing chassis for Honda, a lightweight chassis for the G50 Matchless and an all terrain vehicle for rescue and emergency services. Mr Lyster also spearheaded a Cawthron Institute project to design and build a small block all-alloy V8 engine. The AA6/8 was hailed by New Zealand Hot Rod magazine as an ``exciting breakthrough''. Hot Rod's editor Rob Campbell said Mr Lyster's achievements were even more remarkable considering he lived in New Zealand. He was a very intelligent person and brilliant went it came to engines,'' Mr Campbell said. ``But in many ways it was a case of the right brain in the wrong country.'' However, Mr Lyster was able to keep up with the latest developments by studying motor-racing engine technology in the US. He was also quick to adopt revolutionary computer design methods after studying computer technology at Nelson Polytechnic.
Although Mr Lyster was primarily known as a designer, his love affair with high-performance engines started years earlier on the racetrack. He raced motorcycles around the world until a succession of injuries, including a fractured skull and broken legs, wrists and arms, forced him off the track and into the designer's workshop.@ Mr Lyster is survived by his wife Gillian. And a comment from a former very well known motor racing engineer & team manager, Ray Stone. " I worked with Colin on the V8 engine project, and also a V6. I cant take any credit for any design input - that was definitely Colin's expertise. He designed a breakthrough in ballet shoes as well - Jillian was a champion ballet dancer. He was also deeply involved in F1 race car design in the '70s, working with Colin Chapman and others. He gave it all away and came to NZ to live after Jochen Rindht (spelling?) was killed. He and jochen were very close. I stayed with Collin and Jillian several times while working with him - and in turn Colin stayed with us here in Maraetai. You'll notice my spelling of Jillian. I also always spelt Colin's name as Lister. Curious that. Anyway, good story, you've done your research well - Colin was a very private man. Thank you for remembering him so well. Ray Stone
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