Sergio
Pininfarina
This weekend we honor a man as well as a family tradition, a practice of excellence with simplicity of line that began in 1905. In that year the Farina family established themselves as bodybuilders or carrezzeria in Turin, Italy.
The direct line to our honoree was established by his father, Battista Pinin Farina, as he formed his own design company in 1930. In 1961 the name Pinin Farina became Pininfarina.
Graduating in 1950 from Polytechnic of Torino as a mechanical engineer, Sergio Pininfarina immediately began his career with the family firm. Once started, this dynamo has never stopped. Only five years later his grasp of the design strength inherent in Pininfarina was so vivid that he began planning for the expanded modern company located at Grugliasco.
Ten years after graduation, he became managing director of the company and upon his father's death in 1966, he became president.
To appreciate his accomplishments, we have to stand at the end of a long line. Perhaps the depth of his talent for design is best expressed by his receiving the title of Cavaliere del Lavoro, the Legion of Honor Award and the Honorary Royal Designer for Industry Award by the Royal Society of Arts in London--the very same awards given previously to his father who obviously passed on the tradition of excellence.
Periodically leaving the drawing board, Sergio Pininfarina was President of the Industrial Association of Turin as well as President of the International Organization of Automotive Manufacturers. He has also experienced the world of politics as a deputy of the European Parliament for nine years. As a business leader he is a member of the Board of Directors of such diverse organizations as banks, the Association for the Monetary Union of Europe and Ferrari.
Returning to the automotive field, while he is universally associated with Ferrari designs, Sergio Pininfarina is further known for his work with Lancia, Alfa Romeo and others.
In America, many people have been raised on a cereal called Farina. Therefore, as you examine his sculptured legacy before you, consider this Italian Farina. Indeed, the cars of Pininfarina have fed and nourished automotive dreams around the world. This tradition continues today with the Mythos and the Chronos, two of his latest design studies.
No doubt you'll be drawn toward the exotic Ferrari F40 being displayed. As you admire the car, note the rectangular badge on the side of the body. It says: PININFARINA.
