The automotive world is saddened today by news of the passing of Andreas Pininfarina, CEO of the renowned Italian design house responsible for everything from the Peugeot 403 to the Ferrari Enzo.
Pictured here is the Honda HP-X, unveiled at the 1984 Turin Motor Show. It’s powered by a 2.0L Formula 2 V6 mounted midship, just behind the two seats and wrapped in a sleek, Pininfarina-penned body.
Andreas Pininfarina was the grandson of founder Battista “Pinin” Farina, who in 1930 opened a small auto body shop that went on to become one of the most famous design studios in the world. The firm designed cars for a wide range of manufacturers, including Ford, Cadillac, Citroën, Volvo, BMLC, Jaguar, Rolls Royce and of course, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Maserati and Ferrari.
Pininfarina’s cause of death was a motor scooter accident near Turin and he is survived by his wife and three children. His father Sergio is an honorary chairman of the company.
That is sad news. Hopefully the studio can stay in business and continue producing beautiful cars without him.
The HP-X concept car that is pictured is a great example of how influential Pininfarina is. Compare it to Honda’s new FCX, built nearly 25 years later, and you’ll see a lot of similarities.
Sad news indeed, almost all my favorite cars have been styled by Pininfarina, esepcially those gorgeous everyday Citroen and Peugeots. He will be greatly missed.
We all are going to miss him. He was a special auto designer with a lot of great ideas.
H ewill be sadly missed RIP