Lewis Bandt

Lewis Thornet Bandt (26 February 1910 – 18 March 1987) was an Australian car designer, most famous for designing and building the first ute (coupé utility) cars in the 1930s.

Early life Bandt was born the eldest of five children in the South Australian town of Moonta. The family moved to Adelaide after World War I, and in 1924 he began a fitting and turning apprenticeship with Duncan & Fraser Ltd who specialised in modifying Model T Fords.

Later career During World War II, Bandt helped to design long-range fuel tanks for Spitfire and Thunderbolt fighter planes. He retired in 1975.

Death Bandt was killed on 18 March 1987, while coming home from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation television studios where he had been recording a documentary about the Ute. He was driving a 1934 model home when he collided with a truck near Bannockburn. He was survived by his wife and three daughters.

Legacy In 2008, the Lewis Bandt Bridge, which crosses the Moorabool River as part of the Geelong Ring Road, was opened and named in his honour.

In 2025 on the 4th of April, Lewis and the iconic and original Ford Ute were center stage at Ford Australia's 100th Anniversary at the Melbourne Showgrounds. The extended Bandt family attended including Lews two surviving daughters, Val and Ros, with several pictures being taken as well as the entire event being covered by Channel 9 News.

The Ute being preserved at Autoplex in Castlemaine while the location is prepared to be a showcase of Australian Automotive History.