It’s few men who have entered the lexicon of auto design, fewer still are names that have acquired mythical status-and Giugiaro is one of the latter. His contributions transcend simple cars to influence entire generations of driving machines, from humble hatches to head-turning Italian sports cars. Having been named “Designer of the Century” by a jury of over 120 automotive writers, Giugiaro’s designs came to epitomise stylish pragmatism and enduring innovation.

Working with the best designers from across the car industry Giugiaro had been working for them for nearly 5 decades in his career. Then in 1968 Giugiaro established Italdesign in 1968, this enabled Giugiaro to pursue original designs that broke convention in order to innovate new automotive concepts. The Giugiaro styling was about the soul of a make, a design concept that would help redefine motoring trends and continue to inspire design artists in the years that followed.

From the genius in everyday solutions offered by the Volkswagen Golf to the pure cool drama of the DeLorean DMC-12, Giugiaro’s body of work represents a fantastic road trip across the evolution of cars. Every car design is proof that the magic comes in the blending of aesthetic with the engineering necessities of production cars, but importantly, to produce the real magic the connection between humans and machine.

1. Volkswagen Golf

Though the original Volkswagen Golf is not a visually striking supercar, it will always be one of Giorgetto Giugiaro’s most significant and relevant. A vehicle that has the enormous job to carry the legacy for the people’s car that the original VW Beetle had taken on 1974 is The Golf that made the switch to an totally opposite concept, that is a compact, front engine and front-wheel-drive hatchback and the two-box design principle applied so intelligently to allow as much passenger space as possible whilst keeping the car modern and crisp looking.

A Hatchback That Changed The Industry:

• Practical design maximised interior space
• Front-wheel drive improved everyday usability
• Simple styling created timeless appeal
• GTI added performance excitement
• Influenced generations of compact cars

The Golf established a new formula for the sensible car. It had to be economical, inexpensive, sensible and live with. A crisp line and perfect pro portions still made it stand out and feel more than just sensible and later when the sportier GTI format arrived it proved that a sensible hatchback could be quick to.

The success of the Golf changed the car industry, and led to what we know today as the modern day hatchback. Not only was it a hugely popular success in Europe, it is arguably testament to Giugiaro’s talent as a car designer that millions across the world and future generations could connect with its design. The Golf was not simply a successful model; it was, the template for generations of compacts.

2. Lotus Esprit

For the replacement of the Europa, the Lotus founder Colin Chapman was after something truly show-stopping but also representative of the company’s lightweight sports car ethos. He commissioned Giorgetto Giugiaro for the job and this came in the shape of the Lotus Esprit in 1976. One of the most iconic sports cars of the decade, with its hard, wedge-like edges, sharp angles and distinct profile.

A Wedge Design That Became Iconic:

• Sharp styling created instant recognition
• Italian influence blended with British engineering
• Lightweight philosophy shaped its character
• Film appearance increased global fame
• Giugiaro design became a classic

Giugiaro’s design also made for the definitive look the Lotus craved; that car looked set for the future more than many of its contemporary opposition, mixing Italian design inspiration with good old-fashioned British engineering expertise. But while the performance didn’t quite live up to expectations raised by that visual wow factor back in the day, that looks well.

The worldwide reputation of this car was sealed when an example was used in the 1977 James Bond movie ‘The Spy Who Loved Me’, modified to the iconic “Wet Nellie” submersible car and shown entering the water, from the famous and timeless underwater. That film ensured that the Esprit became an international sports-car celebrity instead of merely a sports-car curiosity and its overall design remains one of Giugiaro’s finest moments.

3. DeLorean DMC-12

Of all vehicles produced only a few cars became recognizable as iconic of the 20th century culture more so than the DeLorean DMC-12 and this was owed in large part to the iconic styling and visual statement created by Giorgetto Giugiaro. Unmistakably designed with an stainless-steel body, low slung sports car and eye popping gullwing doors the DeLorean could and looked like no other car of the period it was in many ways representative of cars to come although perhaps not technologically so.

A Futuristic Design With Lasting Fame:

• Stainless-steel body created uniqueness
• Gull-wing doors became instantly iconic
• Futuristic styling shaped its identity
• Movie fame expanded global recognition
• Design impact surpassed performance limits

The DeLorean DMC-12 was cemented in pop culture by being refitted as a time machine in the Back to the Future movies; its unique, futuristic appearance made it the ideal vehicle for a time traveling conveyance, ensuring that its name was etched into the collective consciousness even after its production run had ceased.

Behind the showy design, however, the story of the DeLorean was also messy: technical failures, problems during manufacturing and timid sports performances prevented the car from succeeding as one of the innovative sports cars predicted to many. However, his appearance was so striking that he also canceled those other deficiencies, and made him one of the most remembered creations by Giorgetto Giugiaro.

4. BMW M1

The BMW M1 One of the most interesting stories BMW has ever penned, is the of its very first true supercar, the M1. On the surface, it’s a distinctly German product from BMW, but upon closer inspection, a distinctly Italian flavour underlies the design and development of this machine. BMW turned to Italian design mogul Giorgetto Giugiaro and his Italdesign firm to create its proper supercar with angular styling that expressed its intent in unmistakable terms.

Italian Design Meets German Engineering:

• Giugiaro created BMW’s first supercar
• Italdesign shaped its iconic appearance
• Motorsport goals influenced development
• Straight-six engine delivered strong performance
• Rarity increased collector value

This had not been an easy gestation and as it turned out the originally specified partnership with Lamborghini never came to fruition. Italdesign was then heavily contracted in by Auto Italia to produce the body panels and manage certain elements of the build, with the actual final assembly taking place in Germany.

The engine of the BMW M1 A 3.5-litre straight-six that made 277hp It may have be an expensive automobile that it was it never enjoyed a great commercial run, but in time its rareness, a significance of engineering and those lovely lines by the late Giugiaro, M1 secured a special position as highly collectible one BMW models with performance heritage ever and became a legend in its own right.

5. Maserati Ghibli

While Maserati was desperate for something fresh in 1967 it wouldn’t find the sort of excitement it craved until Giorgetto Giugiaro unveiled the Maserati Ghibli. Designed when he was at Ghia, it completely revitalized the brand with flowing roof, long bonnet and balanced proportions that have never been bettered for its time.

A Grand Tourer Defined By Elegance:

• Giugiaro created a timeless silhouette
• Long bonnet enhanced visual drama
• Flowing lines reflected Italian craftsmanship
• Powerful engines added sporting appeal
• Design revived Maserati’s image

What the Ghibli had was that styling. Underneath those skin the underpinnings may not be totally new as much of the mechanical package came from the existing Maserati parts bin, but visually that styling was unlike anything you have seen before. It’s aerodynamic contours and substantial muscularity proved enough for the vehicle to assert itself within the ultra-competitive GT landscape and also put Maserati back into focus.

To really punch things up, and transform the stylish gran turismo into a genuine threat on the road, the higher-performance Ghibli SS model, with its powerful 335 horsepower engine was introduced. Bearing a name taken from the warm desert wind, it was the elegant, strong character that the Ghibli brought that etched its place as an icon among Giugiaro’s earliest designs.

6. Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GT

When Giorgetto Giugiaro designs his first masterpiece in 1960, a young designer at Bertone with only 22 years at age but with a sense for elegant line as always no more than to know that his will be an ideal expression for a racing car Alfa Romeo. The coupe will enjoy and is today counted among the most elegant cars Europe has ever seen.

A Young Designer’s Lasting Masterpiece:

• Giugiaro created an iconic early design
• Elegant proportions defined its character
• Alfa Romeo’s identity was strengthened
• Racing success enhanced its reputation
• Styling blended beauty with performance

More than an exceptionally gorgeous car. The Giulia Sprint GT wasn’t just pretty to look at. Giugiaro managed to use that emotion to build an Alfa Romeo design icon that has inspired countless future models. If you look into every detail of this machine and especially its classic roof line and contours of its panels you can see Giugiaro was brilliant in balancing that emotive look with engineering.

Success on roads followed well with the arrival of its famous racing brother GTA. Lightweight sport, prepared to go fast everywhere, did outstanding success on the European and American racing circuits, the models prove the great stylistic solutions also allow to achieve high performance in terms of automotive.

7. Lancia Delta

The Lancia Delta began its life as a smart and versatile family hatchback, designed by the very talented Giorgetto Giugiaro. When it was first released back in 1979 it quickly made a splash with its sharp box-like shape, well balanced proportions and resourceful use of space just another masterstroke in Giugiaro’s playbook.

A Hatchback That Became A Rally Legend:

• Boxy design maximised practicality
• Italian styling added premium character
• European Car of the Year winner
• Rally success transformed its reputation
• Balanced design supported performance upgrades

Following the positive reception for the Volkswagen Golf, a major success which showed there was an appetite for the compact hatchback type, Lancia aimed for a competitive competitor with true Italian soul. Giugiaro supplied a distinctive shape that had the character for quality at this level while also remaining usable as an everyday car. The Delta was later awarded European Car of the Year in 1980.

The impact of the Delta continues even when you add the context of motor sport. In the shape of the screaming Delta Integrale it went on to become a world conquering rally machine taking six consecutive Group A World Rally Championships to cement the nameplate firmly into motor sport legend, though the original Giugiaro designed chassis was a marvel that allowed it to dominate in racing form while retaining its ability for everyday use.

8. Iso Grifo

The Iso Grifo was the ultimate, Italian styling + American muscle combo. This gt’s flowing body style was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, giving it the Italian good looks in disguise. This would become the perfect example of how European engineering, paired with the best American powertrains could produce an incredibly hot package.

Italian Elegance With American Power:

• Giugiaro created a timeless silhouette
• American V8 engines delivered performance
• Bizzarrini shaped engineering excellence
• Limited production increased exclusivity
• Collector interest preserved its legacy

For engineering Giugiaro teamed up with the automotive engineering icon, Giotto Bizzarrini, who lent his talents having worked as development engineer at Ferrari with the iconic 250 GTO. The marriage of Giugiaro’s styling with Bizzarrini’s engineering, with those potent big-block American V8 engines (often with Chevrolet power plants) came to produce the stunning automobile.

If the Iso Grifo was not a real commercial success then, today a number of surviving cars means collecting. Only small amounts of cars from 1965 to 1974 survived that is why the Iso Grifo keeps you on a wonderful time when small car factories built unforgettable cars with character.

9. Volkswagen Scirocco

Even before the Volkswagen Golf achieved an iconic place in automotive history, Giorgetto Giugiaro prepared a worthy companion for the Brand: the Scirocco. In the summer of 1974, a year before the Golf, a sportily styled coup was presented, which incorporated many features already applied to the Volkswagen bestseller.

A Sporty Coupe For Everyday Drivers:

• Sharp styling created strong appeal
• Practical design improved usability
• Efficient engines broadened accessibility
• Volkswagen gained a sportier image
• Giugiaro influenced compact car design

The Scirocco mixed efficiency, practicality and driving pleasure for an audience looking for something slightly more than a standard economy car. Its neat styling and rakish line helped it stand out, while efficient engines make driving it sporty for almost all.

Styling was also, far and away, the main reason for many customers buying their Scirocco a finding born out by VW consumer research. It all goes to show how powerfully Giugiaro’s creations could stir a buyers’ emotions. Even before that much more than half a millionth car was built, in any case, the Scirocco had already set a precedent: even useful cars can have a massive amount of character and curb-appeal.

10. Maserati 3200 GT

The Maserati 3200 GT played a crucial role in bringing the brand into a new era. Introduced in 1998, it replaced the more traditional styling of previous Maserati models with a smoother and more modern design language created by Giorgetto Giugiaro. The result was a grand tourer that looked elegant, sophisticated, and ready to compete in the modern luxury sports car market.

A Modern Design That Revived Maserati:

• Giugiaro created a fresh identity
• Boomerang lights became iconic features
• Modern styling attracted new buyers
• Grand touring character balanced luxury
• Design connected heritage with innovation

One of the car’s most memorable features was its unique boomerang-shaped LED rear lights. At the time, this technology was highly innovative and helped the 3200 GT stand apart from other vehicles on the road. The design choice demonstrated Giugiaro’s willingness to experiment and introduce elements that would later become common across the automotive industry.

Although the model experienced criticism for reliability issues related to its electronics and mechanical components, its importance cannot be overlooked. The 3200 GT helped rebuild Maserati’s identity and created a stronger connection between the brand’s heritage and its future direction. Its design remains one of Giugiaro’s significant contributions to modern automotive styling.

11. Gordon-Keeble GT

Among Giugiaro’s many famous creations, the Gordon-Keeble GT is one of the lesser-known but most fascinating examples of his early talent. Designed when he was just 21 years old, the car showcased his ability to create elegant and sophisticated shapes even at the beginning of his career. The prototype was completed in only four months for the 1960 Geneva Motor Show, where it attracted considerable attention.

An Early Showcase Of Giugiaro’s Talent:

• Young designer created an elegant shape
• European styling met American power
• Limited production increased rarity
• Prototype impressed industry observers
• Early work revealed future brilliance

The Gordon-Keeble followed a formula that would later appear in cars such as the Iso Grifo: combining European styling with American V8 power. Its elegant bodywork was paired with a 327-cubic-inch Chevrolet V8 engine, creating a unique blend of luxury, performance, and character.

Unfortunately, production problems and delays prevented the car from achieving the success it deserved. By the time deliveries began in 1964, competition had moved forward, and the company struggled to survive. With only 99 examples officially built, the Gordon-Keeble GT has become a rare piece of automotive history and an early demonstration of Giugiaro’s extraordinary design ability.

12. Ferrari GG50

To celebrate five decades of designing some of the world’s most memorable vehicles, Giorgetto Giugiaro created something truly personal: the Ferrari GG50. Unlike a typical concept project, the GG50 was developed as an official Ferrari creation following discussions between Giugiaro and Ferrari leadership. It represented the designer’s own vision of what a more practical Ferrari could be.

A Personal Vision Of Ferrari Design:

• Created to mark Giugiaro’s career milestone
• Practicality blended with Ferrari performance
• Based on the 612 Scaglietti platform
• Redesigned body improved usability
• Unique concept reflected personal creativity

Based on the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti, the GG50 retained the spirit of the original car while introducing several practical improvements. Giugiaro redesigned the rear section, increased roof height to improve rear-seat access, created additional luggage space, and even added a hatchback-style rear opening for greater usability.

The GG50 may not have achieved the fame of some of Giugiaro’s earlier designs, but its personal connection makes it especially meaningful. It was a rare opportunity for one of the world’s greatest automotive designers to create a Ferrari that reflected his own needs, ideas, and understanding of how performance and practicality could coexist.