1. Motorsports
  2. Drivers
  3. W - Z
  4. Walb, Willy

Willy Walb

Willy Walb
  • Surname
    Walb
  • First name
    Willy
  • Date of birth
    12.03.1890
  • Date of death
    27.06.1962

Walb, a native of Heidelberg, started as an engineer at Benz & Cie. on 5 October 1914. He initially worked there in the aircraft engine department. After the First World War, he succeeded Fritz Erle as head of the experimental department. He also coordinated racing events and actively participated in events himself. From 1923 to 1925, he achieved some notable successes as the driver of the legendary Benz teardrop racing car, which he co-developed as the world's first mid-engined racing car.

As a works driver for Mercedes-Benz, he finished third in the German Grand Prix in 1927 in a Model S and the following year with an SS. Walb's further entries resulted in successes at the Freiburger Berg- und Flachrennen, the Hohentwiel and Feldberg races in 1925, the ADAC-Reichsfahrt in 1926 and the Solitude races in 1926 and 1927.

In 1934, Walb moved to Auto Union, where he took over the position of racing manager and was involved in the development of the mid-engined racing cars designed by Porsche. After Auto Union's unsatisfactory performance in the European Grand Prix Championship, Walb was replaced as race director and moved to the Auto Union authorities department in Berlin. After the Second World War, he worked as a customer service manager at a VW and Porsche dealership in Stuttgart.

Back
Loading