Designer Marcello Gandini, whose work was decisive for the world’s automobile industry, died on March 13 at the age of 85. He created both supercars and mass models. He applied to the Gruppo Bertone company in 1963, but the head designer at the time, Giorgetto Giugiaro, did not allow the young man to be hired; when Giugiaro transferred to the Ghia studio 2 years later, he was replaced by Marcello Gandini. He was Bertone’s leading designer for 14 years.
His name is associated with legendary cars such as the king of poster cars, the Lamborghini Countach, but also the Miura, Alfa Romeo Montreal, Lancia Stratos Zero (study), Lancia Stratos HF (rally car), Iso Rivolta Lele, DeTomaso Pantera, Cizeta-Moroder V16T (based on early Diablo designs), Maserati Quattroporte IV, Maserati Shamal. But he also created something memorable in the field of mass cars: Audi 50/Volkswagen Polo, Autobianchi A112, BMW 5 series (E12), Citroën BX, Renault 5 second generation. We must not forget the Fiat X1/9, the original Renault Magnum truck. From 1980, he continued to work as a freelance designer, expanding his activities in the automotive industry to include interior design and industrial design. He died at the age of 85. Those interested can pay their respects at his design studio in Almese on Thursday and Friday, and his funeral will take place followingwards.
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