The storied Italian design house, Pininfarina S.p.A proudly celebrates 90 years from their founding in 1930 by the legendary Battista “Pinin” Farina, who was inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame in 2004. Since its humble beginnings in Turin, Italy, Pininfarina S.p.A has seen much change and growth. Paolo Pininfarina, grandson of the founder, is now at the helm of the company. In his own words Paolo describes the significance of this anniversary.

“In its genes, Pininfarina today is the same as it was in the 30s: the central role of design, an aesthetic sensitivity capable of creating timeless beauty, a constant striving for innovation, the strength of a tradition that brings together industry, technology and stylistic research, the capacity to interpret the client’s requirements thus maintaining its brand identity, and a propensity for long-term collaborations. These values, together with the commitment of the entire Group, will enable us to build a bridge towards the future.”

Pininfarina’s excellence in the design and crafting of exclusive cars found a new expression in the Battista, the electric hypercar launched at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show by Automobili Pininfarina, the new sustainable luxury car brand controlled by Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. Named after the company founder, the Battista represents the best possible application of Pininfarina’s ability to offer turnkey projects. The car was designed in Cambiano, Turin, where Pininfarina has established its design center and headquarters, and will be hand-built in very limited numbers at the Pininfarina studio. A special version named “Anniversario” was released in 2020 to celebrate 90 years of Pininfarina.

Paolo Pininfarina commented on the importance of this fully electric vehicle, saying: “It’s not only about a good design, but it’s about a wise design. So we not only design for beauty, but also we design for a sense of social responsibility.” Pininfarina believes the Battista will change the Pininfarina narrative and possibly the world of electric hyper-cars.

The Italian Ministry of Economic Development issued a series of stamps dedicated to Pininfarina’s 90th anniversary. Designed by Pininfarina, the stamp features the “Modulo” concept Pininfarina-designed Ferrari, which debuted 50 years ago at the 1970 Geneva Auto Show.