RIP Sergio Pininfarina – 1926-2012

It is a sad day for the design world, especially industrial and car design.

Sergio Pininfarina, president of Pininfarina from 1966, has died at his home in Turin. He was the son of the company's founder, Batista Farina, and was serving as honorary chairman of the company at the time of his death.

After graduating in mechanical engineering from the Polytechnic of Torino in 1950, Sergio began his career in the family business, Carrozzeria Pinin Farina. By 1960 he was General Manager, then in 1961 became Managing Director. Come 1966, and after his father's death, he took over chairmanship of the company.

During his stewardship, Sergio oversaw the design of some of the world's most iconic sports cars, including the Ferrari Enzo and Maserati Quattroporte. Which probably explains why his award cabinet's almost as heavy as his CV - he's won more than 20 major design awards and received four honorary degrees in recognition of his contribution to design.

Determined to change the common perception of cars as merely functional, he rose to stardom with beautifully sculptured and blood red Ferraris, from the 410 SA to the Dino Berlinetta Speciale, Ferrari F40 and Enzo Ferrari. He also applied his talents to less exotic models like Peugeots and Mitsubishis.

Born Sergio Farina, he was head of Italy’s business association Confindustria from 1988 to 1992 and was named senator for life in 2005.