Iconic Lamborghini Designer, Marcello Gandini, Passes Away

Mastermind of Iconic Italian Cars: Countach, Stratos, EB 110

Marcello Gandini, the iconic creator behind various Italian automobiles, has passed away at the age of 85, as confirmed by RaiNews, the state-owned media organization in Italy.

Gandini gained fame for his significant contributions at Lamborghini, where he played a crucial role in creating remarkable cars such as the Miura, Countach, and Diablo. His creative genius was also evident in other iconic designs like the Lancia Stratos, Bugatti EB110, and Fiat X1/9.

Born in Turin, the designer made a lasting impact with his renowned creations during his time at Italian design company Bertone from the mid-1960s to 1980. He sketched the sleek designs for notable vehicles such as the Alfa Romeo Montreal, Maserati Khamsin, original Volkswagen Polo, and Ferrari 308 GT4.The designer was based in Turin where he honed his skills and created some of his most iconic designs. During his tenure at the esteemed Italian design firm Bertone, spanning over a decade, he contributed some of the most striking car designs. His noteworthy works include the exquisite Alfa Romeo Montreal, elegant Maserati Khamsin, the timeless classic, original Volkswagen Polo, and speedy Ferrari 308 GT4.

After his time at Bertone, Gandini embarked on a new path, partnering with car manufacturers such as Citroën to create the highly successful BX and Renault for the creation of the iconic 5 Turbo hatchback. Among his notable works are also the original BMW 5 Series, the Lamborghini Espada, and the Cizeta-Moroder V16T.

In his later years, Gandini remained dedicated to the field of design, collaborating with TaTa Motors in 2017 to develop the TaMo Racemo. This sleek sports car concept was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. Additionally, he immersed himself in various areas of design, including industrial and furniture design. In recognition of his contributions, Gandini received an honorary degree in mechanical engineering from the Polytechnic Institute of Turin in January.

A memorial service is being arranged at Gandini’s Almese design studio, scheduled for Thursday starting at 3:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M., and on Friday from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. as reported by RaiNews. The actual funeral ceremony is anticipated to take place on either Friday evening or Saturday.

Source: RaiNews