Bruno Sacco, who designed some of the most beautiful Mercedes models, has died

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Bruno Sacco, who designed some of the most iconic and beautiful Mercedes-Benz models, has died, Mercedes has confirmed.

The Italian-German designer died last week in Sindelfingen. He was 90 years old.

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He leaves behind an incredible legacy. Born in northeastern Italy in 1933, he graduated at the age of 17 and enrolled in 1952 at the Polytechnic University of Turin. A few years later, he joined Ghia, gaining experience both in “futuristic aircraft but also in elegant everyday automobiles”.

It was the latter which marked his time at Mercedes-Benz, which began in 1958, where he was hired as a second stylist. He worked in pre-body development, then as head of body design and dimensional concepts – when Merc produced beauties like the W100 600 series and the W113 SL.

Interestingly, it was Sacco who took charge of the C111 and C111-II Wankel safety and experimental concept exhibits. Mercedes said its “involvement created widely used vehicles such as the mid-range 123 model series.”

In 1975, Sacco assumed the role of “Oberingenieur” and became head of the “Styling” department. Its first complete car was the magnificent W123 series unveiled in 1977 – what we would later know as the E-Class.

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A few years later, its W126 S-Class models – perhaps one of the most beautiful executive cars ever designed – sat alongside the coupe. Indeed, Sacco cited this as his personal triumph. “The 126 model series, in all its forms, is the best thing I have done for Mercedes-Benz,” he once remarked.

(Merc said Sacco was so proud of it, “during his retirement, a sleek dark blue 560 SEC was proudly kept in his double garage.”)

One of his ideas was to ensure that his creations did not age with the advent of the next generation, while “every Mercedes-Benz should be recognizable as a representative of this brand throughout the world.”

Later in his career at Merc, he would introduce the W201 – the 190 – aimed at a younger audience, which we would later know as the C-Class. During the 90s, Sacco also oversaw the A-Class, the M-Class, the CLK, the SLK and even the V-Class. The last car he competed in before retiring was the S220 and the CL.

“Bruno Sacco left a lasting mark on the company with his iconic designs and passion for aesthetics,” said current Mercedes design boss Gorden Wagener. “In Bruno Sacco, we have lost an extraordinary personality and an impressive esthete. Our deepest condolences go to his family and friends.

Wagener’s colleague in the classics department – ​​Marcus Breitshcwerdt, head of Mercedes-Benz Heritage, added: “Mercedes-Benz will always remember this extraordinary stylist and yet humble person.

“Bruno Sacco defined the shape of many Mercedes-Benz icons. Many of them can still be seen in everyday road traffic today or fascinate as brand classics.

Absolutely true. Sacco’s governing philosophy while working at the famous German manufacturer was simple: “A Mercedes-Benz should always look like a Mercedes-Benz.” »