Automotive Design Icon Ercole Spada Passes Away
Renowned Designer Behind Iconic BMW and Alfa Romeo Models
Acclaimed automotive designer Ercole Spada, a pivotal figure in shaping the aesthetics of numerous celebrated vehicles, has died. His prolific career, though often behind the scenes, left an indelible mark on the automotive landscape.
A Legacy of Distinctive Designs
Ercole Spada was born in Busto Arisizio in June 1937. His formative design years began at the Zagato studio in 1960. During his tenure, he spearheaded crucial projects that defined an era, including the Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato, Lancia Fulvia Zagato, and the Alfa Romeo TZ and Giulia TZ models.
Career Path Through Automotive Giants
Spada’s talent took him through several of the world’s leading automotive design houses. After leaving Zagato in 1969, he contributed his vision to Ford’s Ghia studio before moving to Audi. His impactful work continued at BMW, where he was instrumental in the design of the BMW 7 Series E32 and the highly praised BMW 5 Series E34.
Caranddriver.com lauded his creations, stating:
“In particular, the E34 model is almost a timeless example of design, especially for a modern car. This generation of M5 is simply stunning.”
—Caranddriver.com
A notable statistic highlights the lasting impact of such designs: the average lifespan of a car model in production has decreased significantly, with many models being updated or replaced every 5-7 years. Yet, cars like the E34 M5 remain desirable classics, a testament to enduring design principles, as reported by MotorTrend in 2023.
Return to Italy and Later Ventures
In 1983, Ercole Spada returned to Italy, joining the i.de.a. Institute. His work there from 1983 to 1992 included the Fiat Tipo, Alfa Romeo 155, and the Lancia Delta. He later returned to Zagato to design the Ferrari FZ93, a striking concept based on the Ferrari 512 TR.
In his later years, Ercole Spada collaborated with his son to establish Paraczancept, a company that extended its design expertise beyond the automotive sector into broader industrial applications. His contributions, while perhaps not as publicly recognized as some contemporaries, were foundational to automotive design history.
