In the late 60’s, two young Italian designers by the names of Marcello Gandini and Giorgetto Giugiaro discovered a new design tool. A tool that would revolutionize design and create an automotive design language that would dominate sportscar design for the next two decades. The tool in question was the humble ruler, which helped spawn the now iconic “Wedge” designs of the 70’s and 80’s.
The wedge must have been an absolute shock
When Gandini first showcased the Alfa Romeo Carabo at the 1968 Paris Motor Show it must have been an absolute shock for the crowds. The Futuristic Wedge that was revealed was a huge departure from the curvy Italian designs like the Lamborghini Miura. Which was, of course, the dominant Sports/Supercar of the era. Luckily the design language caught on. For the next two decades, it gave us such iconic vehicles as the Lamborghini Countach, Lancia Stratos, Maserati Merak and Bora, Ferrari 512bb and Dino 308 GT4. Most of which were designed by Gandini or Giugiaro.
It wasn’t just the Italian carmakers that went wedge-crazy. No, the British and Germans also got in on the action. Lotus and Colin Chapman (along with head ruler man Giugiaro) gave us the now iconic Lotus Esprit. A car made even more famous on-screen, by super spy James Bond. The Germans over at BMW wanted their first real Supercar, so they also turned to Giugiaro to design the equally iconic BMW M1.
But why did Wedge shaped automobiles become popular, and still remain popular today?
These designs became almost timeless
Well, for one the simplistic, clean lines looked wildly futuristic. Like something out of a Phil K Dick Novel (the writer of “Do Androids dream of electric sheep” that eventually became the cult classic movie Bladerunner). These vehicles screamed exotica, they looked fast even standing still. The wedge became the focus of every boy (and girls) bedroom wall poster for almost 20 years. The wedge designs were almost timeless, and therefore remained popular. Today they find favour amongst those who had their posters on the walls. And can now afford to own the real thing.
The reason for the simple, clean lines is far less interesting or exotic. It was just a means to ease manufacturing and speed up the production process. Think about it, the sportscars that came before had complex curves and bulges that were meticulously hand formed out of steel by craftsmen and artisans. This is a slow and expensive process, and the world was moving on, so they needed something far simpler. Higher demand meant production had to be sped up.
The wedge design however also necessitated a mid-engine, rear wheel drive layout, the most exciting and exotic layout for vehicles still today. The greatest and most aspirational Hyper-cars of today still use some variation of this layout. Wedge designed sportscar and supercars of the 70’s and 80’s made this layout mainstream.
If it wasn’t for the wedge, the pop-up headlight might never have had its moment
Another necessity for a wedge-shaped vehicle was the pop-up headlights. Simply one of the greatest design elements on cars in the history of the automobile (and you can try to fight me on that). If it wasn’t for the wedge, the pop-up headlight might never have had its moment, and the world would have just been a little bit duller.
Personally, I love the Wedge-shaped cars of the 70’s and 80’s. As a photographer I love shooting those clean, crisp lines with its arrow straight panels. Most importantly, it takes me back to my childhood. It makes me feel 10 years old again, it brings me joy. Which is probably the most important thing about this hobby of ours. It’s why we do it, why we spend the money, why we suffer the frustration of breakdowns, it’s what makes us Petrolheads.
Please remember to LIKE our Facebook Page for the latest updates and posts as they are released!
We also still have a limited number of T-Shirts available in our Store, so make sure to get yours before they are all gone!
