Introduction:
Marcello Gandini, an icon in the world of automotive design, has passed away at the age of 85. Born in Turin, Gandini etched his mark on the industry as the creative powerhouse behind some of the most distinctive Italian vehicles. He masterminded the design of stalwarts like the Lamborghini Miura, Countach, and Diablo, and styled other venerated models such as the Lancia Stratos, and the Fiat X1/9. Gandini’s line of work left a lasting legacy that extended beyond cars, blending into the arenas of industrial and furniture design. This piece pays tribute to Gandini’s illustrious career and the impact he had on automotive design.
Marcello Gandini’s Flashy Rise with Lamborghini
Marcello Gandini’s artistic brilliance is most prominently remembered through his remarkable creations for Lamborghini. Responsible for drawing well-received models like the Miura, the Countach, and the Diablo, Gandini quickly became a household name in the auto industry, shaping Lamborghini’s signature aesthetic and its widespread reputation for innovative design.
Bertone Era and Notable Creations
Gandini created some of his best-known designs while employed at Italian design firm, Bertone. His tenure at Bertone from the mid-1960s until 1980 was brimming with landmark vehicles including the Alfa Romeo Montreal, Maserati Khamsin, the first Volkswagen Polo, and the Ferrari 308 GT4, all of which have prominently featured in the history of automotive design.
Independent Ventures and Iconic Designs
In a surprising career development, Gandini decided to move away from Bertone to function independently. This move led him to cooperate with various car manufacturers like Citroën and Renault, resulting in widely acclaimed models like the BX and the 5 Turbo hatchback respectively. Additionally, he was instrumental in designing other noteworthy models such as the initial BMW 5 Series, the Lamborghini Espada, and the Cizeta-Moroder V16T.
TaMo Racemo and Post-retirement Involvement
Gandini’s design flare didn’t wane even during his twilight years. He collaborated with TaTa Motors in 2017 to devise the TaMo Racemo, a sports car concept showcased at the Geneva Motor Show. Moreover, Gandini branched out to industrial and furniture design, reiterating his versatility as a designer. In 2020, he received an honorary degree in Mechanical Engineering by the Polytechnic Institute of Turin in recognition of his substantial contributions to the field.
Final Farewell
Gandini’s demise brought an end to a remarkable chapter in the annals of automotive design. A funeral service is currently being arranged in his Almese design studio, as fans, protégés, and industry colleagues mourn the loss of an esteemed designer who revolutionized the shape of vehicles across many generations. Marcello Gandini’s passing marks the end of an era, but his flawless designs and innovative functional solutions will continue to inspire for years to come.