Sergio Sartorelli

Sergio Sartorelli, born in Alessandria on May 7, 1928, and passed away in Turin on November 28, 2009, was an Italian engineer and car designer known for his contributions to some of the most iconic vehicles in Italian automotive history.

After graduating in mechanical engineering from the Polytechnic University of Turin, Sartorelli began collaborating with various Italian car manufacturers. His technical and creative talents became evident early in his career.

During his time working with Ghia and OSI (Officine Stampaggi Industriali), he was involved in the creation of innovative and distinctive automotive designs. One of his most notable works from this period was the Alfa Romeo Scarabeo, an experimental car with bold, futuristic lines that reflected a forward-thinking vision for sports car design.

He spent many years at Fiat’s Centro Stile, where he contributed to projects that deeply influenced the Italian automotive market. Among his achievements were the Fiat 126, a compact and practical car that became a favorite for millions of drivers, and the Fiat Ritmo, a model with modern, innovative lines that defined the automotive aesthetic of the 1970s and 1980s.

Sartorelli’s work was characterized by a pragmatic approach that skillfully balanced technical requirements with distinctive aesthetics. While he often worked behind the scenes without widespread recognition, his contributions were vital to the evolution of Italian car design, particularly during the economic boom and the rise of mass motorization.

He is remembered as a highly skilled and humble professional whose work left a lasting impact on the international automotive landscape.