Unless you are a student of car design, it is quite possible that the name Marcello Gandini means little to you. You will however, recognise iconic car names such as Countach, Miura and Stratos. 

Gandini was the design genius behind these and many other iconic models and was renowned not only for the design of beautiful vehicles, but also some of the most innovative, forward thinking and competitive designs of the day.  

He died suddenly in Rivoli earlier this week and tributes have been paid from all over the automotive industry. 

Gandini was passionate about design and engineering from an early age. He created his first concept car when he was 20 and joined design house Gruppo Bertone at 27. During 14 years with the company he rose through the ranks to become the style director overseeing 100 projects. These included the Lamborghini Miura, a classic of the 60’s and Countach the original 70s supercar as well as Alfa and Maserati models.   

The Miura, sometimes described as the most beautiful car ever made, was also seriously innovative as the first mid-engine supercar. He was also instrumental in the wedge design of the classic Lancia Stratos Rally car and was the pioneer of scissor door design. 

Many other manufacturers, including BMW and Ferrari also sought out the assistance of Bertone to take advantage of Gandinis’s creativity. 

He established his own Clama company in 1979 and worked on projects for Renault, Nissan and Toyota among many others.