Designer Marcello Gandini died at the age of 85
March 14, 2024
Yesterday, the designer Marcello Gandini passed away at the age of 85, known for having designed some of the most innovative Italian cars starting from the 1960s. Those who were fortunate enough to meet him describe him as a person of great humanity.
In the words of the rector of the Polytechnic, Guido Saracco: "Marcello Gandini was an innovator. He managed to combine the highest aesthetic taste with cutting-edge engineering and technological solutions, contributing to the improvement of the entire process of industrial design."
As the head designer of Bertone, he designed some of the most appreciated sports cars between the sixties and seventies, such as the Lamborghini Miura, Espada, Urraco, and Countach, the Alfa Romeo Montreal, the Lancia Stratos, the Fiat X1/9, and many others. He collaborated as an independent designer with several car manufacturers and, recently, his commitment was focused on research, obtaining a series of patents. At 85, he had not stopped working, and his next project was supposed to be a training platform for the car museum in Qatar. Gandini was not only interested in the automotive sector but also in industrial design and furniture. Last January 12th, the Polytechnic University of Turin had awarded him an honorary degree in Mechanical Engineering.
We are honored to count some Automotive Masterpieces designed by him in our website.
Cars
1976 Alfa Romeo 33 Navajo
- Coachbuilder: Bertone
- Chassis n°: 1053375033.117
- Engine n°: -
The one-off Navajo, presented by Bertone at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1976, was the last dream car built on the sporty basis of the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.
MUSEO ALFA ROMEO (IT)
1976 Ferrari 308 GT Rainbow
- Coachbuilder: Bertone
- Chassis n°: 13270
- Engine n°: -
A prototype and a show car, designed by Marcello Gandini for Bertone on the chassis of the Ferrari Dino 308 GT4, with a retractable top and sharp edge design.
ASI - AUTOMOTOCLUB STORICO ITALIANO (IT)
1976 Lancia Strato's HF
- Coachbuilder: Bertone
- Chassis n°: 829AR0001683
- Engine n°: -
Proudly wearing the Alitalia and Pirelli livery, it won the 1977 Rally Montecarlo, the 1976 Tour de Corse and was the protagonist of an intense racing history.
Private collection
1977 Fiat Abarth 131 Rally
- Coachbuilder: Bertone
- Chassis n°: 2040585
- Engine n°: -
One of approximately 350 street versions built. Built for the need for homologation of the racing version, it spent a sheltered life in the hands of a lucky few.
Private collection
1978 Lancia Sibilo
- Coachbuilder: Bertone
- Chassis n°: S12201
- Engine n°: 829AR0C0
Futuristic prototype, built on Lancia Strato's basis with design by Marcello Gandini for Bertone. It was presented at the 1978 Salone dell’Automobile di Torino.
Corrado Lopresto (IT)