RAUPP GÜNTER
For 85 years the name Pininfarina has stood for first-class Italian design and unmistakable style. Founded in 1930 by Battista "Pinin" Farina, the firm initially made its name as a coachbuilder. But in the years after World War II the company became better known for its design workespecially for Ferrari. Since the two companies began working together in 1951, virtually all of Ferraris production GT cars have been designed by Pininfarina.
But Pininfarinas close ties to Ferrari didnt prevent from creating classic designs for cars made by Lancia, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Peugeot and others. And in more recent years the company has expanded into non-automotive fields such as industrial design, architecture, and mass transit.
The Pininfarina Book captures the sweep and variety of the designers work through scores of new and historic photos, concept drawings, and design sketches. Much of the focus is on Italian cars: the 1945 Cisitalia 202 honored by New Yorks Museum of Modern Art; the classic Ferrari and Alfa spiders of the 1950s and 1960s; and such contemporary supercars as Ferraris F12berlinetta and 458 Speciale. But the book also looks at Pininfarinas innovative work designing trains and boats; consumer products and furniture; and even ultra-modern architecture and interior design.
No matter what the project, Pininfarinas designs achieve a high standard of elegance, and a synthesis of function and form resulting in a strong aesthetic personality. After nearly a century, the Turin company remains the ultimate purveyor of Italian design. With its stunning images, massive scale, and bold presentation, The Pininfarina Book is a fitting tributea book for design aficionados and professionals, photography lovers and car fans, and everyone who enjoys true elegance.
