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Today marks a mournful occasion as the celebrated automotive designer Marcello Gandini has passed away at the age of 85, as confirmed by reports from Italian media outlets. When deliberating on the foremost figures in the field, names such as Giorgetto Giugiaro, Bruno Sacco, and Paul Bracq often emerge. Nonetheless, should you assert that Gandini ranks highest, I would find myself hard-pressed to disagree.
Gandini wasn’t just responsible for crafting some of the most visually striking automobiles in history; he also played a pivotal role in shaping the automotive landscape on multiple occasions. Singling out one pinnacle design from his repertoire proves challenging, given the myriad contenders. In the late 1960s, Gandini introduced a visionary concept of a high-performance car with the Lamborghini Miura. Subsequently, his redesign of the supercar paradigm was evident in the Countach, which continues to exude an otherworldly aura even 52 years post its debut. Furthermore, he contributed to the creation of the Diablo, Lancia Stratos, Alfa Romeo Montreal, Bugatti EB110, and Ferrari 308 GT4. It may be posited that Gandini holds responsibility for a greater number of automobile-themed bedroom posters than any other designer in the annals of the automotive industry.
Nevertheless, Gandini’s portfolio extends beyond the realm of supercars and Italian luxury vehicles. The BMW Garmisch concept, which ultimately evolved into the original 5 Series, bore his stylistic imprint. The 5 Series does not merely epitomize a premium sedan—it pioneered a segment that has since been inundated by other players in the industry, with Gandini’s aesthetic sensibilities playing a pivotal role in that regard. The Audi 50, Fiat X/19, Mk1 Volkswagen Polo, and Renault 5 Turbo all owe their unique silhouettes to his creative genius. Any designer in the automotive sphere would covet even half the creative output that Gandini exhibited—a series of resounding successes one after the other.
Gandini wasMarcello Gandini was brought into this world in Turin, Italy and assumed the role of chief designer at Bertone, taking the place of Giugiaro, all at the tender age of 25. His brilliance truly shone at Bertone, where many of his exceptional designs materialized. In 1980, he bid farewell to the company and ventured into the realm of a self-employed designer for the remainder of his professional journey, yet this shift didn’t hinder his ongoing quest for innovation, exemplified by creations like the EB110 and Diablo.
Gandini’s impact may be considered unparalleled. Undoubtedly, he stood as one of the most adept and pioneering creators in his field, and his absence will be keenly felt. His designs sparked a love for automobiles in countless individuals. May he rest in peace, one of the greatest to ever grace the industry.
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