Farewell Bruno Sacco: Mercedes-Benz design legend

Farewell Bruno Sacco: Mercedes-Benz design legend

On September 19, the motoring world, and Mercedes-Benz fans in particular, bade farewell to Bruno Sacco, the man who was responsible for the design of vehicles bearing the three-pointed star for nearly four decades. He was 90.

Born in 1933 in Udine, Italy, Sacco moved to Germany to join Mercedes-Benz’s styling team in 1958. By 1975 he became styling head, a position he held until his retirement in 1999, overseeing and being involved in the design of every Mercedes-Benz car, bus and truck.

Some of Bruno Sacco’s creations included the W123 E-Class (left), W126 S-Class (Coupe shown top right) and R129 SL (bottom right)

His incredible portfolio included S-Classes W126, W140 and W220, E-Classes W123 and W210, the W201 190E, as well as sporting models like the R129 and R230 SLs. Notwithstanding his ground-breaking C111 concept car of the 1970s, it’s evident that the Italian-German quite literally defined the Mercedes-Benz look, forever etched in the memory of an entire generation of people.

It’s one thing to make cars look good; quite another to accurately embody the robust engineering and durability the brand is known for, convey a sense of upright class and prestige, and translate it harmoniously across vehicles of different sizes. Our hats off to you, Bruno, as you drive off into the sunset.

Which is your favourite Bruno Sacco creation and why? Let us know in the comments.

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Jonathan James Tan

While most dream of the future, Jonathan Tan dreams of the past, although he's never been there. Fantasises much too often about cruising down Treacher Road (Jalan Sultan Ismail) in a Triumph Stag that actually works, and hopes this stint here will snap him back to present reality.

 

Comments

  • Pep Guirdola of automotive.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 3
  • Age is just a number..Grab this Merc genius fast on Oct 01, 2024 at 7:39 pm

    Dr.Li of Protong….pls hire this 90 year old dude and sack the P1 designer who does nothing except redesign some lampu or grille of the Geelerised right handed vehicles.
    This 90 year old is like John Williams who can direct the Vienna Philharmonic orchestra.
    The last 10 years of this Merc designer genius…is extremely valuable…don t let him bring it into his coffin.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
    • U r a kerbau on Oct 02, 2024 at 7:58 pm

      LOL How to hire? Ask necromancer to summon his soul up from graveyard to work again? Please let him rest in peace.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • ROTI CANAI on Oct 01, 2024 at 10:49 pm

    R.I.P, w124 is the best e class ever.

    unfortunately the designs of mercedes have fallen lately, they all look the same. still, its not as bad as their unreliable cars.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • Emergency Vehicles on Oct 02, 2024 at 11:42 am

    que that song on every W124 video…

    …..cheri cheri lady, listen to your heart…..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Celup King on Oct 02, 2024 at 12:54 pm

    So he was the reason for Benz peanut headlamps. Eew

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 2
  • Moving forward on Nov 01, 2024 at 1:37 pm

    R129 and W126 for me since childhood.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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