Robert Coucher

A personal thanks to Giorgetto Giugiaro for an all-time great

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Giorgetto Giugiaro is regarded as one of the best automobile designers of all time. Unlike the more audacious of his ilk, such as Giuseppe Figoni (of coachbuilder Figoni et Falaschi), Harley Earl (former overlord at GM) and Marcello Gandini (maestro of the supercar), Giugiaro's designs are understated and timeless. Yes, he was a leader in the 'folded paper' look of the '70s, but many of his creations still appear contemporary.

Like Alec Issigonis (Mini) and Dante Giacosa (Fiat 500), Giugiaro created some world cars of real importance, including the Alfasud, Volkswagen Golf Mk1 and Fiat Panda, providing quality motoring for the masses. Of course, he could not resist a flourish with the beautiful Maserati Ghibli, Iso Grifo, even the DeLorean. Then, of course, there's the gorgeous Alfa Romeo 105-series Giulia Sprint GT.