Marcello Gandini
Encyclopedia
Marcello Gandini is an Italian
car designer
, widely known for his work with the automotive design house Gruppo Bertone, notably his design of the Lamborghini Countach
. Together with Giorgetto Giugiaro
and Leonardo Fioravanti, Gandini forms a noted triumvirate of Italian car designers, all born in 1938, within months of each other. Gandini currently continues to work on automotive and aviation design.
In a 2009 interview with Robert Cumberford, editor at Automobile Magazine
, Gandini indicated "his design interests are focused on vehicle architecture, construction, assembly, and mechanisms - not appearance."
, Gandini was born in Turin, Italy on August 26, 1938.
, head of the Gruppo Bertone company, however Giorgetto Giugiaro
, then Bertone's chief designer, refused to work with him. When Giugiaro left Bertone two years later, Gandini was hired, and worked for the company for fourteen years.
Creator of Stile Bertone in Caprie
, Gandini served as general manager of the styling house, designing show car
s as well as managing the construction of prototype automobiles.
Gandini designed Lamborghini's Miura
and Countach
and many practical cars as well, including the Citroën BX
, the first-generation BMW 5-series, the Innocenti Mini
, and the Renault Supercinq
. He introduced the concept of scissor doors
with the Alfa Romeo 33 Carabo
prototype, while the Lancia Stratos
supercar
was another Gandini design.
Gandini left Bertone in 1980, pursuing freelance automotive, industrial and interior design.
, the design of a nightclub
interior, and the body styling of the Heli-Sport CH-7
helicopter.
s, including:
Gandini also designed concept car
s like for instance the Bertone Pirana
.
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
car designer
Automotive design
Automotive design is the profession involved in the development of the appearance, and to some extent the ergonomics, of motor vehicles or more specifically road vehicles. This most commonly refers to automobiles but also refers to motorcycles, trucks, buses, coaches, and vans...
, widely known for his work with the automotive design house Gruppo Bertone, notably his design of the Lamborghini Countach
Lamborghini Countach
The Lamborghini Countach is a mid-engined supercar that was produced by Italian automaker Lamborghini from 1974 to 1990. Its design both pioneered and popularized the wedge-shaped, sharply angled look popular in many high performance sports cars...
. Together with Giorgetto Giugiaro
Giorgetto Giugiaro
Giorgetto Giugiaro is an Italian automobile designer responsible equally for a stable of supercars and several of the most popular everyday vehicles driven today...
and Leonardo Fioravanti, Gandini forms a noted triumvirate of Italian car designers, all born in 1938, within months of each other. Gandini currently continues to work on automotive and aviation design.
In a 2009 interview with Robert Cumberford, editor at Automobile Magazine
Automobile Magazine
Automobile magazine is an automobile magazine in the United States and is owned by Source Interlink. It was founded by a group of former employees of Car and Driver magazine, led by that publications’s former editor, David E. Davis, and originally published by News Corporation...
, Gandini indicated "his design interests are focused on vehicle architecture, construction, assembly, and mechanisms - not appearance."
Early life
The son of an orchestra conductorConducting
Conducting is the art of directing a musical performance by way of visible gestures. The primary duties of the conductor are to unify performers, set the tempo, execute clear preparations and beats, and to listen critically and shape the sound of the ensemble...
, Gandini was born in Turin, Italy on August 26, 1938.
Bertone
In 1963, Gandini approached Nuccio BertoneNuccio Bertone
Giuseppe Bertone, called "Nuccio", was a famed automobile designer and constructor...
, head of the Gruppo Bertone company, however Giorgetto Giugiaro
Giorgetto Giugiaro
Giorgetto Giugiaro is an Italian automobile designer responsible equally for a stable of supercars and several of the most popular everyday vehicles driven today...
, then Bertone's chief designer, refused to work with him. When Giugiaro left Bertone two years later, Gandini was hired, and worked for the company for fourteen years.
Creator of Stile Bertone in Caprie
Caprie
Caprie is a comune in the Province of Turin in the Italian region Piedmont, located about 35 km west of Turin. As of April 2011, it had a population of 1,925 and an area of 16.35 km²....
, Gandini served as general manager of the styling house, designing show car
Show car
A show car, sometimes called a dream car, is a custom-made automobile created specifically for public display, rather than sale. They are shown at auto shows and other exhibitions.Show cars generally fall into one or more of three categories:...
s as well as managing the construction of prototype automobiles.
Lamborghini Miura
The Lamborghini Miura was a sports car produced by Italian automaker Lamborghini between 1966 and 1972. The car is widely considered to have begun the trend of high performance, two-seater, mid-engined sports cars...
and Countach
Lamborghini Countach
The Lamborghini Countach is a mid-engined supercar that was produced by Italian automaker Lamborghini from 1974 to 1990. Its design both pioneered and popularized the wedge-shaped, sharply angled look popular in many high performance sports cars...
and many practical cars as well, including the Citroën BX
Citroën BX
The Citroën BX is a large family car that was produced by the French manufacturer Citroën from 1982 to 1994. In total, 2,315,739 BXs were built during its 12-year history. The hatchback was discontinued in 1993 with the arrival of the Xantia, but the estate continued for another year.-History:The...
, the first-generation BMW 5-series, the Innocenti Mini
Innocenti Mini
The Innocenti Mini is an automobile introduced by Leyland Innocenti in 1974. The vehicle was a rebodied, 3-door hatchback version of the Mini, styled by Bertone....
, and the Renault Supercinq
Renault 5
The Renault 5 was first unveiled on 10 December 1971, being launched at the beginning of 1972.The Renault 5 was styled by Michel Boué, who died before the car's release, the R5 featured a steeply sloping rear hatchback and front dashboard...
. He introduced the concept of scissor doors
Scissor doors
Scissor doors are automobile doors that rotate vertically at a fixed hinge at the front of the door, rather than outwardly as with a conventional door.- History :The first vehicle to feature scissor doors was the 1968 Alfa Romeo Carabo concept car, designed...
with the Alfa Romeo 33 Carabo
Alfa Romeo 33 Carabo
The Alfa Romeo Carabo is a concept car first shown at the 1968 Paris Motor Show. It was designed by Marcello Gandini, working for the Bertone design studio. Carabo name is derived of Carabidae ground beetle , as evoked by the car's iridescent green and orange coloring.The prototype was built on the...
prototype, while the Lancia Stratos
Lancia Stratos
The Lancia Stratos HF, widely and more simply known as Lancia Stratos, is a car made by Italian car manufacturer Lancia. The HF stands for High Fidelity...
supercar
Supercar
Supercar is a term used most often to describe an expensive high end car. It has been defined specifically as "a very expensive, fast or powerful car"...
was another Gandini design.
Gandini left Bertone in 1980, pursuing freelance automotive, industrial and interior design.
Non-automotive work
Although best known for his work in the field of automotive design, Gandini has produced works in other areas, including home architectureArchitecture
Architecture is both the process and product of planning, designing and construction. Architectural works, in the material form of buildings, are often perceived as cultural and political symbols and as works of art...
, the design of a nightclub
Nightclub
A nightclub is an entertainment venue which usually operates late into the night...
interior, and the body styling of the Heli-Sport CH-7
Heli-Sport CH-7
|-See also:...
helicopter.
Designs
Gandini designed many classic automobileAutomobile
An automobile, autocar, motor car or car is a wheeled motor vehicle used for transporting passengers, which also carries its own engine or motor...
s, including:
- Alfa Romeo MontrealAlfa Romeo MontrealThe Alfa Romeo Montreal is a 2+2 coupé automobile produced by the Italian manufacturer Alfa Romeo from 1970 to 1977.-Concept car:The Alfa Romeo Montreal was introduced as a concept car in 1967 at Expo 67, held in Montreal, Canada. Originally, the concept cars were displayed without any model name,...
- Alfa Romeo 33 CaraboAlfa Romeo 33 CaraboThe Alfa Romeo Carabo is a concept car first shown at the 1968 Paris Motor Show. It was designed by Marcello Gandini, working for the Bertone design studio. Carabo name is derived of Carabidae ground beetle , as evoked by the car's iridescent green and orange coloring.The prototype was built on the...
- BMW 5 SeriesBMW 5 SeriesThe BMW 5 Series is a mid-size / executive car manufactured by BMW since 1972. The car, now in its sixth generation, is sold in sedan and touring body styles....
(first gen) - Bugatti EB110Bugatti EB110The Bugatti EB110 is a mid-engine sports car from Bugatti Automobili SpA. It was unveiled on September 15, 1991, in both Versailles and in front of the Grande Arche at La Défense in Paris, France, exactly 110 years after Ettore Bugatti's birth....
- Citroën BXCitroën BXThe Citroën BX is a large family car that was produced by the French manufacturer Citroën from 1982 to 1994. In total, 2,315,739 BXs were built during its 12-year history. The hatchback was discontinued in 1993 with the arrival of the Xantia, but the estate continued for another year.-History:The...
- Cizeta Moroder V16T
- De Tomaso PanteraDe Tomaso PanteraThe Pantera was a sports car produced by the De Tomaso car company of Italy from 1971 to 1991, the last one being delivered to a customer in 1992.The word "Pantera" is Italian for "Panther".-History:...
90 Si - Ferrari Dino 308GT4
- Fiat 132
- Fiat X1/9Fiat X1/9The Fiat X1/9 is a two-seater mid-engined sports car designed by Bertone and manufactured by Fiat from 1972-1982 and subsequently by Bertone from 1982-1989....
- Iso LeleIso LeleIso Lele was a sports coupé produced by the Italian automobile maker Iso Rivoltabetween 1969 and 1974. The Lele, being a 2+2-seater, filled the gap between the Grifo and the...
- Lamborghini CountachLamborghini CountachThe Lamborghini Countach is a mid-engined supercar that was produced by Italian automaker Lamborghini from 1974 to 1990. Its design both pioneered and popularized the wedge-shaped, sharply angled look popular in many high performance sports cars...
- Lamborghini DiabloLamborghini DiabloThe Lamborghini Diablo is a high-performance mid-engined sports car that was built by Italian automaker Lamborghini between 1990 and 2001. It was the first Lamborghini capable of attaining a top speed in excess of . After the end of its production run in 2001, the Diablo was replaced by the...
- Lamborghini EspadaLamborghini EspadaThe Lamborghini Espada is a grand tourer which was built by Italian car manufacturer Lamborghini between 1968 and 1978.Based on the Marzal show car, displayed at the 1967 Geneva Auto Show, and the Bertone Pirana, a radically rebodied Jaguar E-type, it was to fill the spot of a true four seat car in...
- Lamborghini JaramaLamborghini JaramaLamborghini Jarama is a sports coupé which was built by Lamborghini between 1970 and 1976. It was designed by Bertone designer Marcello Gandini. Feruccio Lamborghini was concerned the car would be thought to be named after the Jarama racing circuit near Madrid, while he meant the car to be named...
- Lamborghini MiuraLamborghini MiuraThe Lamborghini Miura was a sports car produced by Italian automaker Lamborghini between 1966 and 1972. The car is widely considered to have begun the trend of high performance, two-seater, mid-engined sports cars...
- Lamborghini UrracoLamborghini UrracoThe Lamborghini Urraco was a sports car manufactured by Italian automaker Lamborghini in the 1970s. It was introduced at the Turin auto show in 1970 but wasn't available to buyers until 1973....
- Lancia StratosLancia StratosThe Lancia Stratos HF, widely and more simply known as Lancia Stratos, is a car made by Italian car manufacturer Lancia. The HF stands for High Fidelity...
- Maserati KhamsinMaserati KhamsinThe Maserati Khamsin was a sports car introduced as a Bertone prototype in 1972 at the Turin Auto Show. In 1973 it was put on display at the Paris Motor Show, where it was badged as a Maserati...
- Maserati GhibliMaserati GhibliThe Maserati Ghibli is a Gran Turismo car produced by Italian manufacturer Maserati in two generations: first from 1966–73, and again as the Maserati Ghibli II from 1992–97.- Ghibli I :...
- Maserati QuattroporteMaserati QuattroporteThe Maserati Quattroporte is a luxury four-door saloon made by Maserati in Italy. The name translated from Italian literally means "four doors". There have been five generations of the car, each separated by a period of roughly five years....
IV (1994–2001) - Maserati ShamalMaserati ShamalThe Maserati Shamal is a compact, two-door coupé introduced by Italian automaker Maserati on December 17, 1989. It is named after shamal, a hot summer wind that blows in large areas of Mesopotamia. The Shamal was designed by Marcello Gandini, who is famous for designing the Lamborghini Countach and...
- Renault 5Renault 5The Renault 5 was first unveiled on 10 December 1971, being launched at the beginning of 1972.The Renault 5 was styled by Michel Boué, who died before the car's release, the R5 featured a steeply sloping rear hatchback and front dashboard...
Supercinq - De TomasoDe TomasoDe Tomaso Automobili SpA is an Italian car-manufacturing company. It was founded by the Argentine-born Alejandro de Tomaso in Modena in 1959. It originally produced various prototypes and racing cars, including a Formula One car for Frank Williams' team in 1970. The company developed a reputation...
Biguà, Qvale, and MangustaDe Tomaso MangustaThe De Tomaso Mangusta is a sports car from Italian automobile manufacturer De Tomaso produced between 1967 and 1971.-History:The Mangusta replaced the Vallelunga model, on which its chassis was based. The word "Mangusta" is Italian for "Mongoose", an animal that can kill cobras...
Gandini also designed concept car
Concept car
A concept vehicle or show vehicle is a car made to showcase new styling and or new technology. They are often shown at motor shows to gauge customer reaction to new and radical designs which may or may not have a chance of being produced....
s like for instance the Bertone Pirana
Bertone Pirana
The Bertone Pirana was a concept car created by Bertone for the 1967 London Motor Show at Earl's Court. The sleek 2+2 GT car was based on the chassis and powertrain of the 4.2 litre Jaguar E-type but was re-bodied with a unique steel monocoque body and luxurious interior...
.
External links
- Fiat X1/9 web site
- BMW Designers Marcello Gandini on the page with an overview of automotive designers working for BMW.