Automotive Hall of Fame | Pininfarina Celebrates 90 Years

By Nick Gargaro, Alumni Relations

The storied Italian design house, Pininfarina S.p.A proudly celebrates 90 years from its founding in 1930 by the legendary Battista “Pinin” Farina. Since its humble beginnings in Turin, Italy, Pininfarina has seen much change and growth. Paolo Pininfarina, grandson of the founder, is now at the helm of the company.

Sergio and Battista Pininfarina. Photo courtesy of Pininfarina (left). 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, aesthetic sensitivity capable of creating timeless beauty, 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.”

AT THE HALL: FROM THE ARCHIVES

At the Automotive Hall of Fame, our collections include many diverse objects celebrating the numerous accomplishments of our inductees. One of these is a landscape watercolor painting by 1989 Inductee Soichiro Honda, founder of Honda Motor Company. In his later years, Honda became a highly accomplished artist. He also enjoyed skiing, golf, racing cars, hang gliding and ballooning.

Photo courtesy of The Automotive Hall of Fame

VISIT THE WEBSITE

STAFF PICK: DETROIT STYLE EXHIBIT

By Brian Baker, Principal Historian

A few of us remember the original exhibition in 1984 at the Detroit Institute of Arts called Detroit Style. It was a grand affair that honored the first half century of the art of automobile design. This sequel is worthy of the first. It is filled with the design talent that populates the Automotive Hall of Fame.

Photo courtesy of Brian Baker

As the exhibit begins, 1986 Automotive Hall of Fame Inductee Harley Earl styling leadership is ending, and 1995 Inductee Virgil Exner is creating the finned “forward look” at Chrysler. The swinging 60s features 1993 Inductee Bill Mitchell’s groundbreaking 1958 Stingray Racer. The next gallery highlights the iconic mid 60s Mustang and 1970 Hemi Cuda. In the 80s, the aerodynamic invasion of 1992 Inductee Jack Telnack’s Probe IV and 2012 Inductee Tom Gale’s Portofino and Chrysler Atlantic concepts. Ford rounds out the exhibition with two Ford GTs from 2004 and 2019.

LEARN MORE

THE HALL AT HOME: ED WELBURN LECTURE

The 2019 - 2020 Automotive Hall of Fame Honoree Lecture Series has continued on Zoom through the challenges of the recent months.

On November 5, we welcomed 2017 Automotive Hall of Fame inductee Ed Welburn and former head of GM design. Welburn shared details of his inspirational automotive design career in a presentation entitled “Tunnel Vision.”

Photo courtesy of The Automotive Hall of Fame

WATCH THE LECTURE

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

This has been a challenging year, filled with stories that we will undoubtedly be telling for years to come. Many of us have persevered through hardships and heartbreaks. My thoughts and reflections are with you and our global community.

For institutions like the Automotive Hall of Fame, challenging times require us to take advantage of new opportunities when things seem impossible. Fortunately, we have some great examples of perseverance in our awardees. Some of these examples are highlighted here in this newsletter.

Richard E. “Dick” Dauch supported manufacturing education as a tool for industry success; Battista and Sergio Pininfarina followed their vision and launched Carrozzeria Pinin Farina and expanded it globally; Soichiro Honda found opportunity in the wreckage of WWII; and Ed Welburn who fell in love with Cadillac at 5 years old and never lost sight of his dream to work at General Motors.

We have taken these lessons to heart. When we postponed the 2020 Induction and Awards Ceremony, we pivoted to focus on developing and preserving our heritage collection by launching a broad effort to bring our archives and assets online. With an 81-year history of awarding and collection of historic materials, this will be a multi-year project to bring all our full collection to you virtually. This year, we were also able to bring you honoree interviews, lectures, scholarships, and new content drawn from our collection.

We know that 2021 will be equally challenging. Our goals include celebrating our class of 2020/2021 Honorees – Mong Koo Chung, groundbreaking leader of Hyundai, Tom Gallagher leader of Genuine Parts, Jay Leno founder of Jay Leno’s Garage, and Helene Rother, the first female designer hired by General Motors. We are planning to continue our Honoree Lecture Series for students aspiring to automotive careers and are developing additional awardee interviews to share with you virtually.

I’m excited to celebrate with you in person at the Induction and Awards Ceremony on July 22, 2021.

Sarah Cook

President

Automotive Hall of Fame