SHARP END OF THE WEDGE

The lasting influence of the Countach – and its creator (pictured) - is remembered by designer Peter Stevens

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ONE OF THE problems that car designers have when visiting a motor show is talking to other designers. Not about the weather but about each other's work. Former students in senior positions at well-known car companies still enjoy the validation of the Prof, hoping to hear me say ‘Well done’ or ‘That has come out well, despite the CEO.’ I have a tendency to comment bluntly if I think something is derivative, or that the designers have lost control of surfaces and detailing. Occasionally a few good friends used to sit around after hours and discuss a famous designer who seemed to have lost the plot. Some of us still do this, particularly online. There was always a general opinion that Giorgetto Giugiaro had produced very good work, mostly his rational output - Fiat Panda, VW Golf - but less so such projects as the twin-cockpit Aztec. Yet when it came to Marcello Gandini, rarely did anyone put their hand up in praise.