Famed Ferrari Designer Sergio Scaglietti died at his home Novemer 20, 2011 at the age of 91. Scaglietti and his coachworks, Carrozzeria Scaglietti, are credited with designing some of the most stunning “prancing ponies” of all time, including the 250 Testa Rossa, 250 California Spider, and 250 GTO.
Scaglietti’s company opened in 1951 and was nearly across the street from the Ferrari factory. Scaglietti’s work so impress Enzo Ferrari that Carrozzeria Scaglietti was contracted to design and build the 1954 Ferrari 250 Monza. After the success of that collaboration Scaglietti went on to design some of the most notable Ferrari’s of all time. His coachworks later was absorbed into the Ferrari factory. To underline his unique relationship with the coachbuilder from Modena, Chairman Montezemolo dedicated him the 612, the 2+2 seater Berlinetta.
“Today is a sad day for Ferrari. We lost a friend, a travel companion, a man who had his name forever connected to the Prancing Horse. Sergio Scaglietti leaves behind the legacy of an artist who with his talent created some of the most beautiful cars of our history. Who had the luck to know him like I did will also remember him as a straightforward and honest man, completely dedicated to his work. We will miss him.”
These are the words of Ferrari Chairman Luca di Montezemolo regarding the death of Sergio Scaglietti, the legendary Ferrari coachbuilder, who created some of the most famous models from the manufacturer from Maranello, such as the Ferrari California, the 250 Testa Rossa, the 250 GTO and the 750 Monza.
Sergio Scaglietti was a real and natural talent who made cars with his hands and with his eyes, as he liked to say.
Soon the Carrozzeria Scaglietti started to collaborate with the Scuderia Ferrari and a great friendship was born between Enzo and Sergio.
“He was one of my father’s best friends,” said Piero Ferrari. “He was next to me with Marco Piccinini also the day my father died and stayed with me the whole night until the funeral. I loved him and he was a very important part of my life. My life will be emptier without Sergio.”
Original Scaglietti designs include:
- 1958 250 Testa Rossa
- 1955 Ferrari 410 Sport
- 1955 Ferrari 500 Mondial Series II
- 1954 Ferrari 250 Monza
- 1956 Ferrari 290 MM
- 1956 Ferrari 860 Monza
- 1958 Chevrolet Corvette Scaglietti Coupe
Bodies executed by third party design:
- 1957 250 California Spider
- 1962 250 GTO
- 1955 Ferrari 250 GT Tour de France