Scaglietti, who was born on January 9, 1920, in Modena, possessed a raw talent and ability turn dreams into reality was utterly synonymous with Ferrari, and his death early yesterday has plunged the "Prancing Horse" world into mourning. He died yesterday in his hometown, and Modena's mayor, Giorgio Pighi, said: With Scaglietti's death a symbol of Modena has been lost." The mayor added that Scaglietti, was an "artist" who created "motoring jewels that have been proven across the world."

Scaglietti made cars which he liked to say were the work of his "hands and with his eyes", and he crafted many of the evocative machines that have long since taken their place in the history books as the most desirable of all Ferraris, such as the California, the 250 Testa Rossa, the 250 GTO and the 750 Monza.

The story of Scaglietti and Enzo Ferrari started when the former was still in his teens and he repaired Alfa Romeo wings for the "Commendatore". The young Scaglietti's budding skills were immediately noticed by all and thus began a long friendship that saw him remaining always a part of Enzo's inner circle which carried on all the way to Ferrari's death when he was at the bedside with the family and a few close friends. "He was one of my father's best friends," said Piero Ferrari yesterday. "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. The world is emptier without Sergio."

Scaglietti set up his famous "Carrozzeria Scaglietti" factory at the start of the 1950s, and, starting with designs such as the 500 Mondial, he proceeded to fashion some of the most famous road and racing cars ever to wear the Ferrari badge. He was assisted in his craftsmanship by his sons. The facility was eventually acquired by Ferrari in 1975 and is today used to produce bodies.

The legendary craftsman's long lasting affect on Ferrari's rich history is laid out clearly by his name being applied to two latter-era road cars, firstly to denote a special edition of the 456 GT, and then in 2004 Ferrari Chairman Luca di Montezemolo chose to honour Scaglietti's unique contribution by applying his name to the Pininfarina-designed 612 "gran tourer" berlinetta; it was the greatest tribute to a living figure. Most recently his name was used to denote Ferrari's customisation and personalisation programe, "Carrozzeria Scaglietti".

On hearing the news of Scaglietti's passing yesterday, Montezemolo said: "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."