Marcello Gandini's 7 Most Iconic Designs: Remembering the Car Design Legend
We celebrate the life of the late great car design giant Marcello Gandini by remembering some of his most memorable contributions to the automotive industry.
Farewell to Gandini
Marcello Gandini, the maestro behind the design curtains, passed away at the age of 85 earlier this week. The man has left an indelible mark on automotive history with his visionary creations. From the sleek curves to the audacious angles, Gandini's designs have captivated enthusiasts and set benchmarks for generations to come. Here's a homage to his seven greatest automotive masterpieces:
7. 1970 BMW 2002ti Garmisch Concept
The 1970 BMW 2002ti Garmisch Concept showcased Gandini's ability to blend futuristic design with practicality. Its striking lines, unconventional features, and forward-thinking design elements hinted at the future direction of automotive design. Gandini's vision was ahead of its time, laying the groundwork for the evolution of BMW's design language and influencing generations of cars to come.
6. Renault Turbo 5
Gandini's work with Renault resulted in many memorable projects. But perhaps none are more iconic than the Renault Turbo 5, a hot hatch that defied conventions. Its compact dimensions, aggressive styling, and turbocharged performance made it a standout in the hot hatch segment. Gandini's design injected a sense of attitude and excitement into the Turbo 5, setting it apart from its competitors and solidifying its status as a cult classic.
5. Lamborghini Countach
The Lamborghini Countach was Gandini's bold statement to the automotive world. With its razor-sharp angles, scissor doors, and uncompromisingly aggressive styling, it was a visual spectacle that pushed the boundaries of automotive design. The Countach wasn't just a car; it was a manifestation of the excess and extravagance of the 1980s, cementing Gandini's status as a design visionary.
4. Lancia Stratos
Building upon the foundations laid by the Stratos Zero Concept, Gandini created a rally legend in the form of the Lancia Stratos. Its purposeful aerodynamics, aggressive stance, and blistering performance made it a force to be reckoned with on the rally circuit. Gandini's design not only made the Stratos a formidable competitor but also an enduring symbol of motorsport excellence.
3. E12 BMW 5 Series
The E12 BMW 5 Series marked a significant departure from its predecessors, and Gandini's design played a pivotal role in its evolution. Its clean lines, understated elegance, and perfect balance of form and function set a new benchmark for executive sedans. Gandini's meticulous attention to detail ensured that the E12 not only looked striking but also delivered a driving experience befitting of the BMW badge.
Photo: Road & Track
2. Lancia Stratos Zero Concept
Gandini's futuristic vision was epitomized in the Lancia Stratos Zero Concept. With its radical wedge-shaped design, futuristic cockpit, and avant-garde styling, it looked like something straight out of a science fiction movie. Yet, beneath its otherworldly exterior lay the DNA of a rally champion, foreshadowing the legendary Lancia Stratos that would conquer the rally stages with unparalleled ferocity.
Photo: Wall Street Journal
1. Lamborghini Miura
Gandini's masterpiece, the Lamborghini Miura, wasn't just a car; it was a revolution on wheels. Considered by most as the world's first supercar, with its groundbreaking mid-engine layout, swooping lines, and breathtaking performance, the Miura captured the essence of automotive desire. Its sensuous curves and aggressive stance made it an instant icon, immortalizing Gandini's genius in the annals of automotive history.
Bonus: Lamborghini Diablo P132 Prototype
The Lamborghini Diablo P132 Prototype remains a hidden gem in Gandini's portfolio. Its aggressive stance and menacing presence hinted at the raw power that would define Lamborghini's future supercars.
Legacy of Greatness
Marcello Gandini's designs transcend mere transportation; they are works of art that stir the soul and ignite the imagination. With each masterpiece, he pushed the boundaries of automotive design and became immortalized in the spirit of his amazing creations.