Automotive world loses three legendary Italian designers
In 2024, the automotive world mourned the loss of three renowned designers who gifted us iconic car models. Although all were born in Italy, they crafted their most exceptional works for brands like Lamborghini, Mercedes, and Renault.
Bruno Sacco (1933 – 2024)
On September 19, 2024, the Italian designer Bruno Sacco, born in Udine, passed away. Although he completed his mechanical engineering studies in Milan and took his first professional steps in the legendary Italian studios of Ghia and Pininfarina, his career flourished at Mercedes-Benz. Initially, he did not have high hopes in Germany, but he found the love of his life there and settled permanently with Germany as his new home.
Bruno Sacco initially co-designed projects like the Mercedes 600 (W100) and the 230 SL Pagoda. Over time, he gained more autonomy within the company and began independently crafting cars for the German brand. His first project, over which he had full control, was the company's first station wagon—the W123. The Italian climbed the career ladder to become the head of Mercedes' design studio in Sindelfingen in 1975. From then until his retirement, he was instrumental in defining the aesthetics of all models for the German brand.
It was Bruno Sacco who had a decisive influence on the appearance of iconic Mercedes models such as the E-Class series 124 with all four body variants, the S-Class series 126, including the coupé (cars produced from 1979 to 1992), the Mercedes-Benz 190 (W201), and the SL series R129. The designer himself most valued the W126 line.
- The series 126 models, in all their design forms, are the best thing I did for Mercedes-Benz - he said in one of the interviews.
Paolo Pininfarina (1958 - 2024)
On April 9, 2024, at the age of 65, Paolo Pininfarina—the president of the Pininfarina group—passed away in Turin. He was a descendant of the famous Italian stylist family. His grandfather, Battista, founded the company Carrozzeria Pinin Farina in 1930. The Italian design house had a significant impact on the automotive world. Paolo took over as president of the company in 2008 after his older brother Andrea died in an accident.
Although Paolo Pininfarina had prior experience working for companies like Cadillac, General Motors, and Honda, he also engaged in designing everyday objects and worked in the fields of architecture, the maritime industry, and aviation. It was this diversification of income sources that helped the company survive a difficult market period.
Marcello Gandini (1938 - 2024)
On March 13, 2024, in Ravioli, Italy, Marcello Gandini passed away at 85. While the average driver may not recognize the name, it is synonymous with cars that achieved great success or captured the imaginations of millions. He began working at the Bertone workshop, and over 14 years, cars like the Lamborghini Miura or the concept Lancia Stratos Zero emerged from his hands. The Miura still inspires admiration today, while the Stratos surprises with its bold concept reminiscent of a cross-section of an airplane wing.
However, Gandini's achievements in the field of supercars do not end there. He designed the iconic Lamborghini Countach, which became the epitome of its era with a style that boldly ventured into the realm of extravagance. The Italian was also behind the Lamborghini Diablo design, and for Bugatti, he created the concept for the EB110 model.
The designer also worked for more mainstream brands. For Fiat, he created the remarkable X1/9 model, the second generation of the Renault 5, and the Citroën BX model.
