RIP Sergio Pininfarina 1926–2012

Sergio Pininfarina died last night at his home in Turin. He was 85 years old.

Born in Turin on 8 September 1926 to Pininfarina's founder Battista Farina, Sergio was instrumental in growing the company during his almost 50 years at the helm of the most famous Italian design house. He held the position of Honorary Chairman.

Perhaps his most widely known achievement was the management of the now inexorable link between Pininfarina and Ferrari, a relationship that has produced some of the most desirable and recognizable cars, all bearing the iconic Pininfarina script on their flanks. Indeed he served as a member of the Ferrari board from 1969 to 2011.

However, Sergio was also a great businessman, a promoter of automotive safety and an accomplished designer in his own right, serving as a professor in car body design at his alma mater Turin Polytechnic University from 1974 to 1977. He was appointed an Italian senator for life in 2005 for his contribution to Italian society.

Sergio had handed responsibility to his son Andrea before his tragic death in 2008. Paulo Pininfarina continues as Chairman and CEO.

By Owen Ready