BRUNKENSEN, Germany — Albrecht von Goertz, the legendary designer and German aristocrat, died on October 27 at age 92. Goertz was responsible for the design of such classic automobiles as the BMW 507 and the Datsun 240Z, as well as such well-known industrial designs as the Mont Blanc fountain pen.

As an associate of Raymond Loewy and later as a New York-based freelance designer, Goertz designed furniture, cameras, appliances, boats, apparel, musical instruments and other products for such clients as Agfa, Custom Craft, Fuji, Polaroid, Puma and Rowenta. But it was his work on the 507 and later the BMW 503 that raised his stature in the automotive world.

Goertz would again gain acclaim as the talent behind the design of the original Z-car. His name also has been linked with the equally stunning Toyota 2000GT.

BMW design chief Chris Bangle paid tribute to Goertz: "The entire design fraternity bids farewell to one of its most passionate champions, a man who was not only a car designer heart and soul but also creative and successful in every field of design."

What this means to you: Goertz's reputation put him on par with the great Italian designers.