Filippo Sapino

Filippo Sapino, an Italian automobile designer, had a dynamic career that spanned several influential automotive design houses and manufacturers. His journey began at Carrozzeria Ghia, where he received his first significant opportunity. In 1963, Ghia hired him, and his initial design project was a one-off Renault R8 Coupe. In 1965, Alejandro De Tomaso commissioned Ghia to design a Shelby 427 Cobra Roadster, and Sapino was the designer of this unique vehicle.

From 1967 to 1969, Sapino moved to Pininfarina, where he worked on the Ferrari 512S, one of the lowest cars ever produced, marking a notable achievement in his career. In 1969, Sapino joined Ford of Europe as part of a newly established design studio. Two years later, in 1971, Ford acquired Ghia, which brought Sapino back to work under the Ghia brand. In 1973, he became the Director of Ghia.

His collaboration with Ford continued through several notable projects, including a redesign of the AC ME3000 in 1981, although AC reverted to their original design. In 1984, Sapino worked on the design of the Ford RS 200, responding to the Group B Rally Cars, which became another significant milestone in his career.

Sapino’s time at Ford saw him rise through the ranks, particularly as the head of the design studio in Bruino, which is often regarded as the first outsourced design office in automotive history. Under his leadership, Ghia became a powerhouse of creativity. This era marked a fruitful collaboration with his design counterpart, Tom Tjaarda, as well as other talented designers like Paul Breuer and Marilena Corvasce. Together, they transformed Ghia into a think tank of innovation, contributing to numerous advanced concepts that shaped Ford’s global lineup for decades.

As General Manager of Ghia Operations from 1976 to 2001, Sapino played a key role in a wide range of Ford concepts, including the GT 70, Megastar, Quicksilver, Ghia Barchetta, Lagonda Vignale, and Streetka Concept, among many others. His designs, especially the advanced concepts, left a lasting impact on Ford’s designs and influenced the automotive industry worldwide.