Davide Arcangeli

Davide Arcangeli was an influential Italian automotive designer born in Rimini on September 12, 1970. His journey into the world of design began after completing his studies at the Liceo Artistico in Rimini. Driven by a passion for automotive design, he moved to Turin, the heart of Italy’s automotive industry, where he quickly found an opportunity at Pininfarina. Initially joining for a six-month internship, Arcangeli’s talent quickly impressed the company, and within a month, he was offered a permanent role within the design team.

After spending several years at Pininfarina, Arcangeli moved to BMW, where he worked closely with the renowned designer Chris Bangle. This collaboration would prove pivotal in Arcangeli’s career, as he was tasked with designing the BMW 5 Series E60, one of his most significant projects. His work was characterized by a modern approach to design, which, while controversial, was groundbreaking in the automotive world.

Tragically, Arcangeli’s promising career was cut short. In December of the same year he worked on the BMW 5 Series E60, he was diagnosed with leukemia. Just before beginning chemotherapy, he suffered a fatal brain aneurysm, passing away on December 16, 2000, at the young age of 30. His passing was a great loss to the automotive design world, as he was not able to witness the success of his final project, the BMW E60, which began to be seen on roads only two years later.

In recognition of his talents, Arcangeli received the Car Award Design in 1997 at the age of 27. His designs, especially the Peugeot 406 Coupe and the Honda “Argento Vivo” concept, remain iconic. The Peugeot 406 Coupe, designed with a focus on purity of lines and harmony, won several awards and became one of his most successful works. His work on the BMW 5 Series E60 marked a pivotal moment in automotive design, representing a bold shift in style for the brand.

Davide Arcangeli’s legacy continues to inspire the world of automotive design, with his work being celebrated posthumously, including two exhibitions dedicated to him in Rimini in 2018. His designs remain timeless examples of creativity, innovation, and passion for the automotive world.