Longtime competitor, easily best known for his road racing (Targa Florio) and his sportscar attempts. He stopped full-time racing in 1973 to concentrate on his architectural career, but briefly raced again in 1981, and has from time to time appeared in historic racing in many cars; most recently he has raced a Chevron B16. Giampaolo kept his racing links in his chosen profession, however, as he designed, at the end of the 1980s, the Bugatti plant in Campogalliano. He was then appointed vice president of the company with a mandate to follow the styling and development of the coachwork. When Lotus became Italian property, Benedini became Corporate Styling Director and helped give birth to the Elise and other interventions on Esprit and other projects. He left when the company changed hands but still remains linked with the sport as he has been involved with the Aprilia and Moto Guzzi factories. For a while now, Giampaolo has dedicated his time to restore historic buildings and to design numerous products, mainly for the family company, Agape Design. An engineer, who runs a civil and industrial restructuring and restoration business, he also specialises in interior design. Benedini also serves on the municipal administration council of Mantova, where he has spent most of his life.

Biography last updated 4 Apr 2020