The Designer Who Guided Bertone Into a New Era
Marc Deschamps may not be as universally famous as Marcello Gandini or Giorgetto Giugiaro, but his influence on automotive design during the 1980s and early 1990s was
enormous. The Belgian designer became one of the key creative forces at Bertone after the departure of Gandini in 1979, helping shape a new generation of futuristic
concept cars and production vehicles.
Deschamps had already worked with several French manufacturers before joining Bertone, gaining experience with companies such as Renault, Peugeot, and Simca. His early
work displayed a sharp geometric style that perfectly matched the dramatic design language of the late 1970s and 1980s.
At Bertone, Marc Deschamps became design director during a difficult transitional period. Rather than simply copying Gandini’s aggressive wedge-shaped style, he evolved
it into something more architectural and futuristic. His designs often featured smooth integrated surfaces, hidden details, advanced glass treatments, and striking proportions
hat pushed concept car styling into a more modern direction.
For Lamborghini enthusiasts, Deschamps is best known for the stunning Lamborghini Athon, a dramatic open-top concept based on the Lamborghini Silhouette. The Athon combined
sharp Bertone styling with elegant sculpted surfaces and became one of the most memorable Lamborghini concepts of the 1980s. He also oversaw the creation of the extraordinary
Bertone Genesis, a radical luxury minivan powered by a Lamborghini Countach V12 engine, one of the boldest concept cars ever produced.
Beyond Lamborghini, Deschamps played a major role in the design of several important production cars and concepts. His influence can be seen in vehicles such as the Citroën BX,
Citroën XM, Volvo 780, and many experimental Bertone showcars of the era. Under his leadership, Bertone continued to be one of the most innovative design studios in the automotive world.
Marc Deschamps worked with Bertone mainly from 1979 until the early 1990s, although he had an earlier shorter period with the company in the early 1970s. During that time, he
helped guide Bertone through a changing automotive industry while keeping the studio’s reputation for bold and unconventional ideas alive.
Today, Marc Deschamps is remembered as one of the key figures who carried the Bertone legacy forward after the Gandini era. His work bridged the dramatic wedge designs of the 1970s
with the cleaner, more technological styling trends that would define the 1990s.
Lamborghini Models and Concepts
Marc Deschamps was mainly involved with Lamborghini through his work at Bertone during the 1980s. His Lamborghini-related projects were mostly concept cars and styling studies rather
than mass-production models.
Lamborghini Projects
Lamborghini Athon — Designed by Marc Deschamps at Bertone; one of his most famous Lamborghini concepts.
Bertone Genesis — Radical Bertone concept using a Lamborghini Countach V12 engine.
Lamborghini Jalpa Speedster — Related Bertone experimental design influenced by the Athon styling language.
Citroën
Marc Deschamps had a major influence on Citroën styling during the Bertone years.
Citroën Models and Concepts
Citroën BX — One of the best-known Bertone/Citroën collaborations of the 1980s.
Citroën XM — Luxury flagship developed during the Deschamps era at Bertone.
Citroën Zabrus — Futuristic shooting brake concept designed by Marc Deschamps at Bertone.
Volvo
Volvo 780 — Elegant grand tourer styled during Deschamps’ leadership period at Bertone.
Renault
Before his Bertone years, Marc Deschamps also worked in France.
Renault Projects
Renault 5 Turbo — Deschamps contributed to the design development while working in France.
Bertone Concept Cars
Marc Deschamps was also responsible for many experimental Bertone showcars during the 1980s.
Chevrolet Ramarro
Mazda MX-81 Aria
Chevrolet Nivola