French designer Paul Bracq is a living legend, having penned some of the most iconic automobiles in the world like Mercedes’ 230 SL and 600 limousine, as well as BMW’s first 5-Series (E12) and 3-Series (E21), among many other models.
He shaped the design directions of both brands for many years to come, which for soccer fans is like playing both for Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. Paul Bracq was BMW’s head designer from 1971 to 1974 and during this period he also designed the brand’s first concept car, the gullwinged Turbo Concept Giorgetto Giugiaro took inspiration from when designing the M1.
BMW honors the 81-year-old designer in a video released recently in which Paul Bracq talks about his time in Munich and recalls his projects. The man is truly an inspiration: although he could have retired many years ago, he is still working and says he’ll continue to work as long as his head and hands function properly.