Pininfarina: The Design Group Behind Your Favorite Italian Cars

Man in a suit with white hair and glasses standing next to several cars ready to be worked on in a warehouse — Battista Farina—Shaping the identity of one of the largest brands in automotive history.
Source: Autocar

Pininfarina, founded by Battista “Pinin” Farina in 1930 in Turin, Italy, is one of the world’s most iconic design firms. Initially rooted in coachbuilding, the company crafted bespoke car bodies for luxury vehicles, blending artistic elegance with automotive functionality. Over the decades, Pininfarina became synonymous with Italian design, revolutionizing the appearance of numerous vehicles. Their strong connection with Ferrari began in the 1950s, shaping the brand’s identity through timeless designs like the Ferrari 250 GT.

black and white photo of two men in suits next to one another and in front of a car assembly line — Battista Farina & Enzo Ferrari created a longstanding relationship as the two brands grew in the 50’s!
Source: Automotive Hall of Fame

Man with white hair in a gray suit looking off to the side standing in front of an assembly line — Battista Farina (Pininfarina’s Past)

black and white photo of a man holding a pen in his hand smiling straight toward the camera — Battista Farina (Pininfarina’s Past)

#10 1954 Lancia Aurelia B24 Spider

Red Lancia Aurelia B24 Spider car parked on a pathway in a park with grass on other side of it — Seems a bit like Ferrari make? Nope, it’s a Lancia!
Source: Classic Trader

Designed by Battista “Pinin” Farina, the 1954 Lancia Aurelia B24 Spider embodies elegance and advanced engineering. Its smooth, flowing lines, low profile, and curvaceous fenders capture classic Italian styling. Powered by a pioneering 2.5-liter V6 engine producing around 110 horsepower, the B24 Spider offered an exhilarating driving experience. Its minimalist interior, crafted with premium materials, reflects Pininfarina’s commitment to blending sportiness with refinement, securing its place as an iconic collector’s item.

Beige interior of a red Lancia Aurelia car

engine shot of a grey metal carburetor stamped with the word Nardi & C on top of it

#9 1984 Ferrari Testarossa

Red Ferrari Testarossa parked on wet sand with blue sky in background — *Enzo’s Testarossa which translates to “Red-Head” as the valve covers*
match the vehicles iconic Ferrari Red.
Source: Ferrari

The Ferrari Testarossa, designed by Leonardo Fioravanti and Pininfarina’s team, was introduced in 1984 as a bold statement of their design philosophy, merging functionality with striking aesthetics. Its wide, low-slung stance and signature side strakes became instantly iconic, channeling air to cool the 4.9-liter flat-12 engine. The sharp lines and pop-up headlights captured the forward-thinking spirit of the 1980s. Inside, the Testarossa showcased luxury alongside performance-focused design, solidifying its status as a defining model of Pininfarina and Ferrari’s collaboration.

Red Ferrari Testarossa parked in a room with a black background — *Source: Ferrari*

#8 1947 Cisitalia 202 Gran Sport

Red Cistalia 202 Gran Sport driving on the road with people in the inside of the car — Large circular dome headlights and a large grill cover to match!
Source: Federico Vandone Dell’Acqua

Designed by Battista “Pinin” Farina, the Cisitalia 202 Gran Sport stands as a masterpiece of post-war Italian automotive design, showcasing a harmonious blend of form and function. Its elegant, flowing lines and rounded fenders emphasized aerodynamics. Powered by a 1.5-liter inline-four engine with around 75 horsepower, the car delivered spirited performance within a lightweight chassis. The luxurious interior exemplified Pininfarina’s meticulous attention to detail, influencing the future of automotive design and securing its place as a revered classic.

#7 1960 Pininfarina X

Grey Silver Pininfarina X concept car parked in a showroom floor — Incoming flight, “Pininfarina” now boarding!
Source: Hyman LTD

Unveiled in 1960 and designed by Franco Martinengo, the Pininfarina X was a bold experiment in aerodynamics and engineering. Its radical diamond-shaped configuration—two narrow front wheels and two wide rear wheels—enhanced stability and reduced drag. Powered by a modest 1089cc Fiat engine, the Pininfarina X emphasized efficiency with a remarkably low drag coefficient for its time, symbolizing Pininfarina’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of automotive design.

Black worn interior with a wood grain steering wheel that has a large X on the horn button

rear side of silver Pininfarina X car with high tails above the taillights of the car

#6 1955 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider

White Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider with a man behind the driver wheel driving on the road — One of the most iconic Alfa’s! Call her “Giulietta”.
Source: Hagerty

Introduced in 1955 and designed by Franco Martinengo under Battista Pininfarina’s direction, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider highlights Pininfarina’s artistry and engineering prowess. With elegant lines and a distinctive front grille, the Giulietta Spider epitomized the beauty of post-war Italian cars. Powered by a 1.3-liter inline-four engine producing around 80 horsepower, it delivered spirited performance within a lightweight chassis, establishing Alfa Romeo as a key player in the sports car market.