We’re sad to report the news that automotive icon and design firm head Sergio Pininfarina has died at his home in Turin, Italy, at the age of 85. The son of Carrozzeria Pininfarina founder Battista Farina, Sergio Pininfarina led the company for nearly five decades, and retained the title of Honorary Chairman at the time of his death.
During Pininfarina’s tenure, the design firm strengthened its ties to Ferrari, leading to such iconic cars as the 308/328, the Testarossa, the Enzo and the 458 Italia. Under Sergio’s leadership, Pininfarina also worked with other manufacturers, styling cars like the Alfa Romeo 164, the Mitsubishi Pajero and the Volvo C70.
As Car Design News tells us, Sergio Pininfarina was also a member of Ferrari’s board of directors, a professor of car body design at Turin Polytechnic University and had been appointed as an Italian senator for life in 2005, in recognition of his achievements.
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As Sergio Pininfarina had effectively retired from his leadership role, it’s unlikely his death will impact the company’s day-to-day operations. His passing leaves an undeniable void in the world of automotive design, and we extend our sympathies to the entire Pininfarina family.
Kurt Ernst has been passionate about automobiles and driving nearly his entire life. His early years were shaped working in the family service station, though his real passion was auto racing. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Kurt spent a year club racing with the Sports Car Club of America, before focusing on a business career in marketing and project management. Later, his passion for writing and the automotive hobby found him freelancing for a variety of automotive news sites, including Automotive Addicts and Motor Authority, where his work was syndicated and appeared in several national publications. Recognized as an expert in the automotive field, Kurt joined Hemmings Motor News as an Associate Editor in 2013, and in the years since has progressed to Editor, Hemmings Daily; Managing Editor for Hemmings Motor News, Hemmings Classic Car, Hemmings Muscle Machines, and the Hemmings Daily; and now, Managing Editor, Hemmings Auctions. Kurt was instrumental in organizing the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance from 2013-2019, and has served as a judge at this event and The Vintage Racing Stable Concours d’Elegance. A Skip Barber Racing School graduate and prolific writer, Ernst is also skilled in copyediting, project management, brand development, and public relations.
