He gave all their personality to star icons, many of whom still circulate in our streets and/or fascinate as classics of the brand. If we had to name just one, the most emblematic remains the W124/E-Class and its four body variants. But how can we not also mention the W126/S-Class, his favorite (he used a 560 SEC coupe personally). And of course the popular W201/190 and the masterpiece SL/R129. These models illustrate the common thread that Bruno Sacco has always followed: “A Mercedes-Benz must always look like a Mercedes-Benz”.
Born in Udine (but of German nationality) on November 12, 1933, he obtained the diploma of surveyor, the youngest in Italy, in 1951, then aged 17. The same year he visited the Turin Motor Show. Fascinated, he enrolled at the Polytechnic University of Turin in 1952. In 1955, he joined Carrozzeria Ghia SpA where he acquired solid experience. At the end of 1957, Sacco met Karl Wilfert, head of Mercedes-Benz bodywork testing at the Sindelfingen factory, in Turin. Wilfert had established the new stylistics department, headed by Friedrich Geiger. Paul Bracq was appointed by Wilfert as the first pure automobile designer. After being invited to the Sindelfingen factory, Bruno Sacco was hired as a second stylist in 1958. He participated in crucial projects: the Mercedes-Benz 600 (W100) and the 230 SL “Pagoda”.
“A Mercedes-Benz should always look like a Mercedes-Benz”
He also managed experimental projects with Wankel engines, the famous C 111 (1969) and C 111-II (1970). His commitment gave life to very popular vehicles such as the W123 series (1976 to 1986). Appointed Senior engineer (chief engineer) in 1975, Sacco took over as head of the design department, succeeding Friedrich Geiger. The first vehicle he was responsible for was the W123 station wagon. The last, before retirement, will be the S-Class/W220 (1998 to 2005) and the luxury coupe CL/C215 (1999 to 2006). His ability to harmoniously combine aesthetics and technology has made Bruno Sacco one of the most influential designers in automotive history. Twenty years after his retirement, he still declared: “Mercedes has been my life, and I take one hundred percent responsibility for it”.
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