Marcello Gandini, Lamborghini Miura & Countach designer passes away
Marcello Gandini: 1938 - 2024
The man behind some of our favorite Lamborghinis has passed away at the age of 85. Italian designer Marcello Gandini died in Italy last week. The exact details about the cause of the designer’s death have yet to be revealed although his sudden demise sent shockwaves in the motoring industry.
Born on August 26, 1938, in Turin, the automobile designer first started in Gruppo Bertone in 1965. Gandini worked at the famed design company for 14 years and was able to make a reputation for himself that garnered the attention of automakers. He also established “Stile Bertone” which is a styling house that focuses on designing concept cars and even managing the construction of prototype vehicles for automakers.
The first generation Lamborghini Countach
Gandini’s best (and most famous) work is probably the Lamborghini Miura which is considered by many as one of the most beautifully-designed cars to hit the road. He then followed it up with the Countach which traded the Miura’s flowing lines for wedge shapes and a boxier design. Other classic Lamborghini vehicles that Gandini penned include the Espada, Urraco, Marzal, and the Jarama.
Besides designing cars for The House of The Raging Bull, Gandini also designed the Ferrari/Dino 308 GT4 which was first revealed back in 1973. He was also responsible for the design of the second generation Maserati Quattroporte in the 70s and the second generation Maserati Ghibli that was launched in the 90s.
The first generation BMW 5 Series E12
Apart from Italian cars, Gandini also lent his design skills to other brands like BMW and Renault. Starting with the former, Gandini not only designed the first-ever BMW 5 Series (codenamed the E12) but he also penned the “Garmisch” concept in 1970 from which the sedan based its looks on.
Marcello Gandini beside the BMW Garmisch concept
Over to Renault, Gandini designed several vehicles for the French automaker including the Magnum truck and the 5 Supercinq super-mini. But it is perhaps the Renault 5 Turbo that garnered plenty of looks from the motoring public. That’s right, Gandini was the one that gave the turbocharged sports hatchback its unmistakable look when it was first revealed in 1980.
The Renault 5 Turbo
Other automobiles that Gandini had a personal hand on include the first-generation Volkswagen Polo, the Audi 50, the Citroen BX, the Fiat 132 sedan, and the Lancia Stratos.
With a vast lineup of cars that he personally designed, Marcello Gandini is perhaps one of the most influential car designers that has ever lived. And despite his sudden passing, his influence is still being felt to this day.
Riposa in pace, signor Marcello Gandini.
