The man for emotional car design - Marcello Gandini (obituary)
Marcello Gandini died a few days ago (on March 13, 2024) at the age of 85 and is considered one of the most famous car designers of all time. Epoch-making sports cars such as the Lamborghini Miura were created under his aegis. Gandini, born on August 26, 1938 in Turin, was not yet 30 years old. He began working for Bertone on November 1, 1965, which was not entirely to his father's liking, who hoped that Gandini would become an orchestra conductor like him.
But Gandini made his way, even if he always remained modest. As he said in an interview: "Actually, I can't draw at all. I never studied design, I just love designing cars and I've been lucky with that. That makes me happy, because my profession still fascinates and fulfills me - even after thirty years of doodling."
It was important to Gandini that his products triggered emotions. And that they were particularly effective in motion. This can be seen very clearly in the Countach. This wedge-shaped sports car was created in the wake of the moon landing and the development of space travel. The scissor doors were invented for this mid-engined car. No one could get past the Countach; it influenced car design more than almost any other design. Just like the Alfa Romeo Montreal, the Lancia Stratos or the Maserati Khamsin. But also the NSU Ro80 Trapeze.
However, Gandini not only designed super sports cars and highly acclaimed concept cars. He also designed road cars for everyone, including the Fiat 132, the BMW 5-series (E12), the Citroën BX and the Renault 5 (Supercinq).
Gandini worked for Bertone for around 15 years until he began designing on a freelance basis in the early 1980s.
Just a few years ago, Marcello Gandin could still be seen at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este, when one of his works, the BMW Garmisch, was shown again for the first time after being completely rebuilt.
An extensive article about his entire oeuvre was published some time ago. A themed channel dedicated to Gandini summarizes the reports on cars designed by him.
