Paul Bracq´s career began in the design studio of Philippe Charbonneaux, where he served as Charbonneaux´ assistant in 1953 and 1954. During this period, the studio produced the designs for the French Presidential limousine built by Citroen and other automotive designs. Subsequently he worked for Daimler-Benz, heading the design studio in Sindelfingen, where he styled the Mercedes 600, 230SL/250SL/280SL roadster, the 220S coupe, the 250 and 220D, the W108 and W114 coupe series, and the W115. Upon his return to France in 1967, Bracq worked for Brissonneau and Lotz, where he worked on the design of the TGV high-speed passenger train. During this time, Bracq was also responsible for prototypes of a sports car based on the BMW 1600Ti and a coupe based on the Simca 1100. In 1970, Bracq was appointed design director of BMW, where he was responsible for the 7-Series. His work with Peugeot beginning in 1974 included the interiors of the Peugeot 604 and the Peugeot 505.