The recent passing of Marcello Gandini has cast a somber shadow over the world of automotive design. Gandini, best known for his revolutionary work with Italian car manufacturers such as Lamborghini and Lancia, leaves behind a legacy of timeless and innovative designs that have shaped the automotive industry for decades.
As a photographer deeply passionate about automotive aesthetics, I had the privilege of capturing the essence of Gandini’s genius through my lens. Throughout my career, I had the opportunity to photograph some of the most iconic cars he ever designed, each one representing a chapter in the history of automotive design.
One of the most unforgettable experiences came when I had the privilege to photograph the BMW Garmisch 2002 Ti concept car. This amazing re-creation, unveiled at Villa d’Este in 2019, was a testament to Gandini’s enduring influence on automotive design. The concept car mysteriously vanished following its first public outing back in 1970 at the Geneva Motor Show, but BMW brought it back. Marcello Gandini himself contributed to the revival of the Garmisch by helping BMW replicate key details such as the light champagne metallic paint. Just like the original concept car, it too was coach-built in Turin, Italy. To my delight, I was granted exclusive access to the BMW Classic building, where the car was displayed solely for my benefit. For four unforgettable hours, I immersed myself in capturing every angle and detail.
Among the cars I photographed, each one held a special place in automotive history:
1. BMW Garmisch 2002 Ti
2. Alfa Romeo Montreal
3. Lamborghini Espada
4. Lamborghini Miura
5. Lamborghini Countach
6. Lamborghini Diablo
7. Lancia Stratos
8. BMW 5 Series
9. Maserati Khamsin
10. Renault 5 Turbo
11. Ferrari Dino 308
12. Bugatti EB110 (*Back in the time when the prototype was created, it was too Lamborghini-like. Gandini offered more designs, but eventually, he decided that enough modifications had been made to his initial design, and he would no longer allow his name to be affixed to the car.)
As I reflect on the moments spent capturing these automotive marvels, I am reminded of Gandini’s enduring influence on the industry. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of designers, enthusiasts, and photographers alike, ensuring that his contributions to automotive design will never be forgotten.
In honoring Marcello Gandini’s memory, let us celebrate the beauty and innovation he brought to the world of automobiles, leaving an indelible mark that will resonate for years to come.
