The world of automotive design lost a legend this week. Marcello Gandini, the Italian design mastermind who penned some of the most breathtaking cars ever built, passed away at the age of 85.
Gandini's career was a masterclass in innovation and audacity. He rose to prominence at the young age of 25, taking the helm of design at Italy's renowned Gruppo Bertone. Stepping into the shoes of another design great, Giorgetto Giugiaro, could have been daunting, but Gandini thrived.
His designs transcended mere functionality; they were automotive sculptures. Gandini's legacy is forever entwined with Lamborghini, where he sketched the revolutionary mid-engined Miura in the 1960s. This wasn't just a car; it was a genre-defining supercar. He followed this masterpiece with the Countach, a car so audacious and visually arresting that it continues to turn heads today.
But Gandini wasn't a one-brand man. His design language graced vehicles from Lancia (Stratos Zero concept), Fiat (X/19), and Alfa Romeo (33 Carabo concept) to Ferrari (Dino 308 GT4) and Volkswagen (Polo MK1). Even Bugatti benefitted from his touch with the EB110.
In a fascinating twist, Gandini himself downplayed the visual aspect of design. In a 2009 interview, he emphasized his focus on the technical aspects of car creation, the architecture, construction, and mechanics. Perhaps this very focus is what led to the creation of such visually arresting and technically innovative vehicles.
Marcello Gandini's design legacy will continue to inspire generations of car designers and car enthusiasts alike. He leaves behind a body of work that is both beautiful and influential, a testament to a true design maestro.