Autocar, Motor Sport, Goodwood, and others would come to rely on Andrew Frankel’s writing and automotive insight, but his path to becoming one of the most respected motoring journalists was neither smooth nor obvious. Frankel’s fascination with cars began early; he has described himself as a “car freak from the start.”
Before fully committing to cars, Frankel had an “inglorious stint in the City” — the British financial sector — which convinced him that he “could handle cars better than he handled money.”
That realization marked a turning point, prompting him to shift from finance to his true passion: motoring journalism.
He began his formal journalism career in roles such as junior tester for Autocar magazine — a humble but foundational role that allowed him to learn the ropes of road‑testing and car review writin
Over time, his talent for writing and deep knowledge of cars helped him advance rapidly.
Rise to Prominence — Key Career Milestones
Establishing as Senior Writer and Editor
After joining Autocar and honing his craft as a tester, Frankel rose through the ranks, becoming one of the industry’s senior figures. At one point, he served as editor of Motor Sport magazine for five years, showing the trust placed in his judgment and writing.
Later he took charge of the “road test” section, overseeing reviews of new road cars — a role that positioned him at the center of evaluating and critiquing the latest automotive offerings.
Wide-Ranging Contributions
Frankel’s work is far from limited to a single publication. He has authored pieces for Autocar, Motor Sport, Goodwood, and Magneto, among others.
Over decades, he’s become a recognizable and respected voice in the car‑enthusiast community.
He is also one of the founding figures (co‑founder) of The Intercooler — a platform dedicated to automotive culture and journalism — allowing him to shape and influence car writing beyond traditional magazine.
Legendary Road Tests & Adventures
Frankel isn’t just a seat‑of‑the‑office journalist: he’s been behind the wheel of some of the most iconic cars ever made. For instance, he performed the only proper road test of the legendary McLaren F1 road‑going supercar in 1994 for Autocar — a milestone that cemented his reputation.
Another standout moment came when he drove the fearsome Porsche 917/30 — something he later described as “the best 10 minutes of his working life
Over his career, he has tested a wide variety of vehicles: new GT cars, vintage classics, racing cars — whatever comes his way.
Style, Perspective and Philosophy
What sets Andrew Frankel apart as a journalist is his authenticity and passion: he doesn’t just review cars — he critiques them honestly, celebrates them, races them. His writing often reflects a deep affection for motoring heritage and a respect for the engineering and artistry behind vehicles, whether new or old.
He has often asserted that for him, cars are more than machines — they’re a way of life. That personal bond shows through in reviews, where he blends objective testing with subjective opinion, offering not just performance data but also emotional reactions, historical context, and driving feel
His writing also doesn’t shy away from criticism: if a car disappoints, he’s unafraid to say so. That candor has earned him the respect of readers who value honesty as much as admiration.
Recent Work and Ongoing Influence
Even after decades in the field, Frankel remains prolific and relevant. As of 2025, he continues producing reviews and features for major automotive publications.
Some of his recent work includes reviews of modern cars — for instance, testing contemporary models like a 2025 version of the Mercedes CLA.
He also writes insight‑driven pieces on motorsport history, classic car events, and reflections on automotive culture — bridging the gap between heritage and modernity.
Beyond writing, his role in The Intercooler suggests a commitment to shaping the future of automotive journalism — mentoring newcomers, offering an alternative voice, and preserving the spirit of motoring in the digital age.
Why Andrew Frankel Matters
- Institutional Memory & Continuity — Having started decades ago, Frankel carries with him a direct link to automotive history. He’s driven legendary cars, witnessed transformations in automotive culture, and brings that depth to his writing.
- Balanced Perspective — He doesn’t idealize nostalgia nor blindly embrace the new. His reviews weigh engineering, performance, usability, feel, and heritage — giving readers a holistic understanding.
- Versatility — From track tests to road car reviews, from classic events to modern launches, Frankel covers the entire spectrum. That adaptability keeps his voice relevant even as the automotive world shifts (e.g., toward electrification, new regulations, different consumer demands).
- Influence on Readers and Industry — For car lovers, collectors, and enthusiasts, his articles are often more than reviews — they serve as guides, inspiration, and honest critiques. For manufacturers, a good or bad review from Frankel can carry weight.
Challenges and Criticisms
Though widely respected, being a long‑time motoring journalist presents its own set of challenges:
- Balancing Subjectivity and Objectivity: Because Frankel’s writing mixes technical evaluation with personal taste and emotional reaction, some readers may disagree with his subjective assessments — especially when nostalgia or driving feel outweigh specs.
- Changing Industry Dynamics: As the automotive world shifts (e.g., electrification, autonomous driving, changing environmental standards), what once defined “driving joy” may evolve — forcing traditional road‑test journalists like Frankel to adapt their frameworks.
- Relevance in Digital Age: With the rise of video reviews, social media influencers, and instant-first-look content, traditional long-form writing must fight for readers’ attention. Still, Frankel’s depth and expertise give him an advantage here.
Broader Legacy — What Frankel Has Given the Automotive World
Over a career spanning more than 30 years, Frankel has:
- Helped define what thoughtful, passionate, and honest motoring journalism can be.
- Served as a bridge between car‑obsessed generations — those who remember classic petrol‑powered engines and those entering a more electric, tech‑driven era.
- Preserved automotive heritage by documenting, testing, and writing about cars — both legendary and everyday — with respect and context.
- Mentored and inspired younger writers and enthusiasts through his work at The Intercooler and his presence across multiple platforms.
In a world where cars are increasingly viewed as commodities or tech‑gadgets, voices like Andrew Frankel’s remind us that driving — and cars themselves — can still carry soul.
Conclusion
Andrew Frankel is more than just a journalist who writes about cars — he’s a storyteller, a passionate driver, and a chronicler of motoring culture. Over decades, he has earned his place as a senior voice in automotive journalism. His career shows that when you combine deep technical understanding, genuine love for cars, and eloquent writing, you don’t just review vehicles — you help preserve a culture.
Even as the automotive world rapidly evolves — with electrification, changing consumer habits, and technological transformations — Frankel’s continuity, versatility, and authenticity ensure that his perspective remains valuable. For car enthusiasts, historians, or just curious readers, his writing offers a lens through which to appreciate not just what a car can do, but what it means
