Luigi Colani's GT: A Flashback to 1960s Bio-Design Brilliance

Maestro WORKS - Embarking on a journey into the innovative world of industrial design, Luigi 'Lutz' Colani stands out as a true virtuoso. In our exploration of his remarkable legacy, we uncover the realm of bio-design, a concept he boldly pioneered during the 1960s.

Colani unveiled the Colani GT, a kit car that officially hit the roads in 1962 based on Volkswagen Beetle 1200. (Picture from: Auta5p.eu)

Luigi Colani, renowned for his design brilliance, carved a niche by mimicking various dynamic forms found in nature. His bio-design language, characterized by exaggerated roundness, breathes life into objects, infusing them with dynamism and vitality. The result is a collection of designs that are both quirky and uniquely captivating.

The construction of the Colani GT Spyder involved three distinct pieces—front, rear, and central parts—underscoring Colani's commitment to simplicity. (Picture from: AutoRevue.at)

Colani's creative journey took root after his studies in sculpture in Berlin and aerodynamics at the Sorbonne in Paris from 1946 to 1948. Transitioning into the role of a styling consultant for Fiat in the mid-1950s, he briefly explored the Californian aeronautical industry before venturing into racing boat design, including a noteworthy catamaran. Notably, he contributed to the styling concept of the BMW 700 in 1959.

Inside the Colani GT, the vintage VW steering wheel, streamlined dashboard, adjustable original Colani seats, and well-executed switchgear, dash lights, and center tunnel carpeting are all nicely done by the looks of things. (Picture from: AutoRevue.at)

In 1960, Colani unveiled the Colani GT, a kit car that officially hit the roads in 1962. This low-slung, tear-drop-profiled open sportscar, and later rebranded as the Colani Whippet in 1964, rode on a standard Volkswagen Beetle platform, featuring either a rear-mounted Volkswagen or Porsche 356 engine.

Besides embodying speed, agility, and efficiency, the Colani GT was envisioned as the epitome of a compact, lightweight, and uncomplicated sportscar. (Picture from: AutoRevue.at)

The Colani GT, embodying speed, agility, and efficiency, was envisioned as the epitome of a compact, lightweight, and uncomplicated sportscar. Inside, 356 gauges continue the Porsche theme, and a the shifter is topped with a wooden T-handle knob. Original Colani seats appear to be on sliders, and switchgear, dash lights, and center tunnel carpeting are all nicely done by the looks of things.

In 1964, Colani enhanced his GT's design by incorporating a Perspex roof and distinctive canopy doors, including several with Gull-wing doors.. (Picture from: Story-Cars)

The construction of the Colani GT Spyder involved three distinct pieces—front, rear, and central parts—underscoring Colani's commitment to simplicity. Introduced in l'Automobile Magazine in December 1962, this compact sports coupe became a reality in the sixties as a kit car by Canadur, with 1,700 units built on the VW Kafer platform.

The then-35-year-old avant-garde industrial stylist and visionary, Luigi Colani, and his first prototype at the bottom of the impressive cliffs of the circuit of the Avus. (Picture from: Leroux.Andre.Free.fr)

In 1964, Colani enhanced his GT's design by incorporating a Perspex roof and distinctive canopy doors, including several with Gull-wing doors. This transformation led to the model's rebranding as the Colani Whippet.

Young Luigi Colani behind the wheel of his inaugural GT prototype, showcasing the incorporation of a Perspex roof and distinctive canopy doors in his groundbreaking design. (Picture from: Story-Cars)

These modifications significantly boosted the car's appeal, rof esulting in the sale of hundreds of units until 1968. This metamorphosis turned ordinary Beetles into attention-grabbing, stylish vehicles that frequently adorned German concours events.

The 1965 Colani Whippet featured with a unique Gull-wing styled doors. (Picture from: Leroux.Andre.Free.fr)

It also marked the commencement of a prolific series of experimental models. In 1967, Colani patented the 'C-Form,' featuring an upturned wing enclosed in pontoon-like structures, essentially laying the foundation for the 'wing car' concept that gained prominence in Formula 1 a decade later.

The Colani GT model evolved into the Colani GT 2 by 1974, serving as a sports version of the basic VW that Colani personally drove through the Indian subcontinent during that period. (Picture from: CarStyling.ru)

This innovative shape inspired various models and rolling prototypes, including the GT80, BMW M2, New RS, and more. Then in the 1970s, Colani laid the foundations for bio-design, whose organic shapes would influence design in the decades that followed.

The Colani GT 2 is said to be a 1987 model with a green finish, while sitting on display at the Luigi Colani Museum. (Picture from: CarStyling.ru)

Meanwhile the GT model continued its evolution, transforming into the Colani GT 2 by 1974, a sports version of the basic VW that Colani personally drove through the Indian subcontinent. This vehicle was equipped with a world receiver and various extras such a unique Gull-wing styled doors. It's said that several Colani GT 2 models were produced until 1987.

The Colani GT 2 is said to be a model made in 1987 which is finished in maroon, while sitting on display at the Luigi Colani Museum. (Picture from: CarStyling.ru)

Nevertheless, there is no conclusive information available on this matter; it's plausible that the unit, potentially from 1974, underwent restoration and experienced multiple color changes, transitioning from the original white to green and then maroon, or vice versa. What remains certain is that the unit persists to this day.

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Saturday, December 30, 2023

Luigi Colani's GT: A Flashback to 1960s Bio-Design Brilliance