Few names in the world of automotive design carry more weight, have more gravitas, and demand more respect than that of Bruno Sacco. The Italian-German designer created some of the most iconic cars the world has ever seen and shaped the way Mercedes-Benz vehicles looked for many years. Now, the man behind cars like the C111 and the 190 has passed on at the age of 90.

Born on November 12, 1933, in Udine, Italy, Sacco developed an early interest in automobiles. He studied engineering at the Polytechnic University of Turin and began his career at Fiat before joining Mercedes-Benz in 1958. His move to the German carmaker marked the beginning of a design legacy that would span decades.

Sacco rose through the ranks at Mercedes and eventually became the head of the design department from 1975 until his retirement in 1999.

During his tenure, he was responsible for some of the most iconic and beloved models in the brand’s history, including the W126, W140, and W220 S-class versions, the R129 SL, the W202 C-Class, the W124 and W210 E-Class versions, as well as the CLK, the SLK and even the M-Class SUV. The model he might be most famous for is the Mercedes 190, and the last Chedeng he ever penned was the R230 SL in 1997.

His design philosophy brought a cohesive and consistent look to the Mercedes lineup that continues to this day. Sacco’s designs weren’t just aesthetically pleasing—they also set benchmarks for safety, aerodynamics, and engineering. Under his watch, the firm became known for building elegant and reliable cars that remain famous for its high build quality.

Throughout his career, Sacco earned numerous accolades for his contributions to the automotive world, and his designs have stood the test of time.

He famously said: “A Mercedes-Benz must always look like a Mercedes-Benz.” And his styling DNA continues to influence designers today, and not only at Mercedes. Sacco spent much of his life, including his retirement, in Sindelfingen, not far from the office where he created his masterpieces.

Bruno Sacco died on September 19, 2024.