91 replies to this topic

[uechtel]

Private Porsche 550 I think were still quite a rarity in 1954.

Perhaps more likely that they used the team´s 356?

[Hugo Boecker]

Yes you cann't rule that out, but I think there must be a report or something like that, that indicates a spider type car used by Merkel/Buchberger. But Wimpfen gives the Flowers/McMillen car #38 as a Porsche 550 too. But on page 161 in Time and Two Seat is a picture showing #38 defintivly as a Porsche 356!

[sweeks]

All . . . thank you very much for the thanks for the pictures I posted. But I am just the "messenger". These are all Ingrid's pictures . . . I just scanned them for her and did the upload/ImageShack.com thing. The captions I put on the various pictures were based on notes that Ingrid made on the back of the pictures. Some didn't have notes, but you were able to fill in many details. She may have more pictures that I didn't scan and upload. When she gets back from Germany in a few weeks we'll check that out.

I just did a "google" for "Harry Merkel wiki" and I see that there is a very brief description there. I know it is too much to ask but does anyone have a "complete" race history and does anyone feel inclined to update that description on Wikipedia? Couldn't that Wikipedia entry be linked to this thread on TNF?

[uechtel]

Obviously the link ist already there (see the discussion page for the article). Of course meant is the English language wikipedia, I didn´t find him in the German one.

Unfortunately - as expected - they list him as Formula One driver...

[sweeks]

Originally posted by uechtel
Obviously the link ist already there (see the discussion page for the article). Of course meant is the English language wikipedia, I didn´t find him in the German one.

Unfortunately - as expected - they list him as Formula One driver...

Yes ... didn't look on that discussion page. Now I see the link. And also you had already listed races and Udo had also done that earlier in the thread. That ought to do it. Thanks.

[uechtel]

Well, I have only done the entries. I am not so familiar with the smaller sports car classes. There are other experts here on this...

[Hugo Boecker]

Racelog Harry Merkel (Harry Erich Merkel)
10.01.1918 Leipzig - 11.02.1995 Australien

28.04.51 Mille Miglia					TC 750  #2126 Dyna-Panhard				  113. (5.cl)  (co.Gunzenhauser)

04.05.52 Mille Miglia					SC 750  #2340 Dyna-Veritas Sp.			  dbf		  (co. Kaspar)

25.05.52 Eifelrennen, Nürburgring		SC 750  #  71 Dyna Veritas Sp.			  2.

25.05.52 Eifelrennen, Nürburgring		SC1100  #  54 Porsche 356				   4.

25.05.52 Eifelrennen, Nürburgring		F2	  # 133 Krakau-BMW					practiced ?

20.06.52 Gruga Preis, Essen			  SC1100  #  54 Dyna Veritas Sp.			  6. 

03.08.52 GP DEUTSCHLAD				   F2	  # 134 Krakau-BMW					DNS

26.04.53 Mille Miglia					SC2000  # 434 Porsche 356				   dnf		  (co: Buchberger)			 

31.05.53 Eifelrennen, Nürburgring		SC1100  # 158 Porsche 356				   dnf

12.07.53 AVUS-Rennen					 SC1100  # 158 Porsche 356				   4.

02.08.53 Nürburgring GP				  SC1100  # 158 Porsche 356				   result unknown

09.08.53 Schauinsland Hillclimb		  SC1100  # 158 Porsche 356				   result unknown

30.08.53 ADAC 1000 KM Nürburgring		SC1100  #  81 Porsche 356				   dnf		   (co:Vianden)

15.04.54 Bahnrennen Krieau, Wien		 track   #  12 Porsche-Spezial 1,1		   1.cl

16.05.54 Scheibner Holz,Leipzig		  SC1500  #  23 Porsche-Spezial 1,1		   not know if ran  

23.05.54 Eifelrennen,Nürburgring		 SC1500  #  69 Porsche-Spezial 1.1		   9.

27.06.54 GP Oporto					   SC1500  #  19 Porsche-Spezial 1.1.		  5. (2.cl)

04.07.57 Gr.Bäderpreis, Wien			 SC1300		Porsche-Spezial 1.1		   1.cl

01.08.54 Rheinland-Pfalz Preis , N’ring  SC1500  #  54 Porsche-Spezial 1.1		   11. 

08.08.54 Halle-Saale-Schleife			SC1500  #  23 Porsche-Spezial 1,1		   not know if ran  

15.08.54 Sachsenring Rennen			  SC1100  #  46 Porsche-Spezial 1,1		   dnf

05.09.54 Dessau						  SC1500		Porsche-Spezial 1,1		   (race cancelled)

11.09.54 Tourist Trophy, Dunrod		  SC1500  #  50 Porsche 356 or Spezial		dnf		  (co: Buchberger)

26.09.54 Bernau Schleife				 SC1100		Porsche-Spezial 1,1		   4.

01.05.55 Mille Miglia					GT1300  # 235 Porsche 356				   64. (6.cl)   (co: Busch)

15.05.55 Dessau						  SC1500		Borgward					  result unknown

25.06.55 GP Oporto					   SC1500  #  11 Borgward					  DNA

28.08.55 Nürburgring 500 km			  STC1000	   Panhard

27.05.56 ADAC KM Nürburgring			 SC1500  #  35 Kieft						 DNA		  (co: Trouis)

26.05.57 ADAC 1000KM Nürburgring		 GT1300  #  85 Porsche 365A				  42. (7.cl)   (co: Knippel)

01.06.58 ADAC 1000KM Nürburgring		 SC1500		Porsche 550 RS				dna		  (co: Knippel)

27.05.62 ADAC 1000KM Nürburgring		 GT1600  #  83 Porsche 356B				  21.  (5.cl)  (co: Kahlkuhl)

19.05.63 ADAC 1000KM Nürburgring		 GT1600  #  23 Porsche 356-1600GS Carrera	37.  (5.cl)  (co: Libl)

06.06.63 AVUS Rennen					 GT1600		Porsche 356-1600GS Carrera	2.

and there must still be a lot more race we havn't spot till now.

[uechtel]

I knew what I was talking about ;)

[sweeks]

Originally posted by Hugo Boecker
Racelog Harry Merkel (Harry Erich Merkel)
10.01.1918 Leipzig - 11.02.1995 Australien

28.04.51 Mille Miglia					TC 750  #2126 Dyna-Panhard				  113. (5.cl)  (co.Gunzenhauser)



. . .



06.06.63 AVUS Rennen					 GT1600		Porsche 356-1600GS Carrera	2.

and there must still be a lot more race we havn't spot till now.

Wow!



The Mille Miglia scarf on the right wall behind the (to quote uechtel) "wonderful Dyna Veritas (Panhard chassis with bodywork made by Baur). " is the same as the one below taken in Australia:



The scarf in the upper two pictures is from 1951. The Mille Miglia XVIII



This scarf is from the Mille Miglia XXII, 4 years later in 1955 ... the one that Ingrid has.

Now, with your race list and results, the "big picture" starts to come together, based on all the little pictures.

The captions to the original pictures need correction here and there but now the pictures can be linked to the race results.

Just amazing.
.

[sweeks]

Originally posted by uechtel
I knew what I was talking about ;)

Yes you did!! . . .

From Hugo's list:

15.04.54 Bahnrennen Krieau, Wien track # 12 Porsche-Spezial 1,1 1.cl

Also here:



As you said above:

Same event as above I think (Krieau, 25. April 1954).
According to my records the race was won by Koresch in his Veritas, so maybe either a trophy for a podium rank or for a class victory.

So it was April 15 or April 25, 1954.

[sweeks]

Ingrid is back from Germany. Below are a few more details on the description of one picture. She will add more herself this weekend.


Rechts: Heini Walter, Europa Bergmeister at Pitstop 1000km Rennen 1960/61 - Won 3 times 1500 Sportscar Klasse with Porsche 1500 Spider
Mitte: Harry Merkel, center left, Ingrid Merkel (daughter), lower left, Ruth Merkel (daughter), center bottom

[Hugo Boecker]

Surprising that Walter was managed by Merkel, never heard of this. Can you tell us some more? I thought the relation between Merkel and Walter weren't as good after the "cheating-deal" with the 1100/1300cc Porsche engine in 1955 which cost Walter a Suisse Championship.

[Ingrid Mancini]

Originally posted by Hugo Boecker
Surprising that Walter was managed by Merkel, never heard of this. Can you tell us some more? I thought the relation between Merkel and Walter weren't as good after the "cheating-deal" with the 1100/1300cc Porsche engine in 1955 which cost Walter a Suisse Championship.

In answer to the "cheating-deal" in 1955 - yes, it cost Heini Walter the Swiss Championship. However, I called Heini today in Switzerland and spoke with him in length since this "cheating- deal" remark was upsetting to me. Heini told me that neither he nor my father were aware of the engine size. As you can see, about five years later (see message 61), the Merkel family were with Heini Walter in 1960 at the Pit Stop of the 1000km Rennen.

I want you guys to know that my father was not an auto mechanic! He was not mechanically inclined and did not build cars.

HE LOVEd CARS!!!! And he loved the challenge and the excitement of driving those cars in races!

I do remember, as a very young girl, my father would hope it would rain on race day since he felt his driving skills would make up for not always having the best car. Even though he was slightly overweight in those days he loved the "Le Mans Start" since he was very fast and agile.

Thank you very much, Hugo, for taking the time and listing all those races and results. I don't know how you did it all. I can think of a few more races my father drove in and will get back later with the names and locations.

[Hugo Boecker]

Hi Ingrid, sorry for upsetting you. That was not my intention. There was a lot of myth about this deal. It was confusing. I glad you can put this misunderstanding it in the right contents.

[Tuboscocca]

Hello alltogether,
I'm a new member and came across the Harry Merkel story.
What I can add is that in the Mille Miglia 1951 he drove, as already said, with Hermann GUNZENHAUSER in a Dyna Panhard (Start# 2126) 4-door saloon. Gunzenhauser was a very famous dirt-track driver before and just after WW2 (even European champion??). I ever wondered that two Germans , just after the war (1951) drove a french car, but thanks to TNF I learned that Harry Merkel dealed with that marque.
BTW , by accident, I was able to purchase the MM-trophy from Gunzenhauser (wonderful silver!!).
When I have learned all the TNF rules -I'll post a photo (after polishing the trophy!!

very best regards Michael

[Ingrid Mancini]

Hello Michael:

I remember Mr. Gunzenhauser very well. I believe my father participated in dirt track races after WWII also.

I identify with you wanting to polish the trophy from Mr. Gunzenhauser. I went to visit my dad once in Australia in 1975 and took it upon myself to polish all his trophies displayed in a large cabinet while he was out on some errands. You can imagine how this pleased him when he returned.

[r.atlos]

By the way, did we ever identify this photo ?



It's the Porsche 718 RSK of Heini Walter and Walter Losinger during the 1960 1000km race at the Nürburgring.

[eukie]

Originally posted by 275 GTB-4
[...] he ran a number of dealerships, with the franchises for Guzzi's, Lancia's, Panhard's & Triumph's amongst many others.

... and for Autodynamics Formula Vee racecars, too. Just another snippet from 1966:


source: ONS Mitteilungen 1/1966

[sweeks]

Ingrid just told me that Heini Walter passed away yesterday.

The following are images of two cards that he signed and mailed to her last Fall. He sent these so they could be shared here.


Front of Card



Back of Card


Photo

[fines]

Very sad news!

My condolences to the family.

RIP.

Edited by fines, 14 May 2009 - 07:08.

[Hieronymus]

Heini Walter actually passed away on 12 May.

[Richard Jenkins]

One after another isn't it, right now? That's what.. 5 or 6 dead in the last month?
Can't say I'm very surprised due to his failing health, but I am very sad to hear this. RIP.

[ReWind]

One after another isn't it, right now? That's what.. 5 or 6 dead in the last month?

From here the passings which happened in the last quarter of a year up to date (which – sadly – means just yesterday) :

2009
Feb 20   Larry Miller              (USA)   64    26/04/44    Miller Motorsports Park founder
Feb 24   Maynard Bodine            (USA)   75    31/07/33
Feb 28   Reg Skeels                (GBr)   77    18/09/31
Feb 28   Dorothy Smith             (NZl)   92        1916    Ken’s mum
Feb ??   Steve Fleck               (GBr)

Mar 01   Antonio Bellentani        (Ita) c.77        1931    Ferrari chief mechanic
Mar 06   Bill Herzog               (USA)   88    18/10/20
Mar 09   Takayoshi Ohashi          (Jpn)   67    15/03/41    MazdaSpeed founder
Mar 11   Stub Fadden               (USA)   75    19/10/33
Mar 16   Art Rousseau              (USA)   87    05/08/21
Mar 22   Austin Miller             (Aus)   85    16/09/23
Mar 23   Lloyd Ruby                (USA)   81    12/01/28
Mar 23   Peter Wherrett            (Aus)   72    09/06/36
Mar 24   Hans Klenk                (Ger)   89    28/10/19
Mar 28   Peter Cooper              (GBr) c.86        1922
Mar 30   Jackie Pretorius          (SAf)   74    22/11/34
Mar 31   Peter Bryant              (GBr)   71    03/04/37 _linenums:0'><strong class='bbc'>2009</strong>Feb 20   Larry Miller              (USA)   64    26/04/44    Miller Motorsports Park founderFeb 24   Maynard Bodine            (USA)   75    31/07/33Feb 28   Reg Skeels                (GBr)   77    18/09/31Feb 28   Dorothy Smith             (NZl)   92        1916    Ken’s mumFeb ??   Steve Fleck               (GBr)Mar 01   Antonio Bellentani        (Ita) c.77        1931    Ferrari chief mechanicMar 06   Bill Herzog               (USA)   88    18/10/20Mar 09   Takayoshi Ohashi          (Jpn)   67    15/03/41    MazdaSpeed founderMar 11   Stub Fadden               (USA)   75    19/10/33Mar 16   Art Rousseau              (USA)   87    05/08/21Mar 22   Austin Miller             (Aus)   85    16/09/23Mar 23   Lloyd Ruby                (USA)   81    12/01/28Mar 23   Peter Wherrett            (Aus)   72    09/06/36Mar 24   Hans Klenk                (Ger)   89    28/10/19Mar 28   Peter Cooper              (GBr) c.86        1922Mar 30   Jackie Pretorius          (SAf)   74    22/11/34Mar 31   Peter Bryant              (GBr)   71    03/04/37

2009
Apr 01   Peter Miller              (GBr)   81    28/04/27
Apr 04   Chuck Gaa                 (USA)   63    22/02/46    GaaCo founder
Apr 08   Brian Tracey              (NZl)
Apr 09   Farakh Yusuf              (Ken) c.54
Apr 10   Bob Burcham               (USA)   73    22/08/35
Apr 14   Terry Briggs              (GBr)   63    05/12/45
Apr 14   Jack McCoy                (USA)   72    29/03/37
Apr 15   Franco Ambrosio           (Ita)   76    18/09/32    Arrows co-founder
Apr 15   Graham Watson             (Aus)   61    13/03/48
Apr 20   „Hervé“                   (Sui)   91    30/09/17
Apr 22   Cliff North               (NZl)   79    23/07/29
Apr 23   Chet Herbert              (USA)   81    04/03/28
Apr 26   Danny Kladis              (USA)   92    10/02/17
Apr 28   David Poole               (USA)   50    14/03/59
Apr 29   Günter Lambert            (Ger)
Apr ??   Giovanni Centenari        (Ita) c.60
Apr ??   Jean Py                   (Fra)   86    26/07/22

??? ??   Bill Morris               (GBr)
May 02   Riyaz Kurji               (Ken) c.46        1963
May 02   Allan Staniforth          (GBr)   84    14/06/24
May 04   Harbhajan Saimbi          (Ken) c.59
May 06   Kevin Grubb               (USA)   31    19/04/78
May 06   Klaus Steinmetz           (Ger)   74    19/10/34
May 07   Tony Marsh                (GBr)   77    20/07/31    6-times British hill climb champion
May 12   Heini Walter              (Sui)   81    28/07/27
May 13   Joe Tandy                 (GBr)   26    01/01/83 _linenums:0'><strong class='bbc'>2009</strong>Apr 01   Peter Miller              (GBr)   81    28/04/27Apr 04   Chuck Gaa                 (USA)   63    22/02/46    GaaCo founderApr 08   Brian Tracey              (NZl)Apr 09   Farakh Yusuf              (Ken) c.54Apr 10   Bob Burcham               (USA)   73    22/08/35Apr 14   Terry Briggs              (GBr)   63    05/12/45Apr 14   Jack McCoy                (USA)   72    29/03/37Apr 15   Franco Ambrosio           (Ita)   76    18/09/32    Arrows co-founderApr 15   Graham Watson             (Aus)   61    13/03/48Apr 20   „Hervé“                   (Sui)   91    30/09/17Apr 22   Cliff North               (NZl)   79    23/07/29Apr 23   Chet Herbert              (USA)   81    04/03/28Apr 26   Danny Kladis              (USA)   92    10/02/17Apr 28   David Poole               (USA)   50    14/03/59Apr 29   Günter Lambert            (Ger)Apr ??   Giovanni Centenari        (Ita) c.60Apr ??   Jean Py                   (Fra)   86    26/07/22??? ??   Bill Morris               (GBr)May 02   Riyaz Kurji               (Ken) c.46        1963May 02   Allan Staniforth          (GBr)   84    14/06/24May 04   Harbhajan Saimbi          (Ken) c.59May 06   Kevin Grubb               (USA)   31    19/04/78May 06   Klaus Steinmetz           (Ger)   74    19/10/34May 07   Tony Marsh                (GBr)   77    20/07/31    6-times British hill climb championMay 12   Heini Walter              (Sui)   81    28/07/27May 13   Joe Tandy                 (GBr)   26    01/01/83

[sweeks]

Ingrid is not able to login so that she can reply.

She wanted to say that she is leaving Sunday morning, from San Diego, California, for Aesch (flying into Zurich) to attend the funeral on behalf of the Merkel family.

[Hugo Boecker]

Ingrid Mancini Merkel, Harry’s daughter asked me to post this on TNF.

I hope the following will clear up some of the questions and inquiries made regarding my father's, Harry Merkel, racing days.

Often times my father did not register for the races under his name. The reasons for this were as follows:

My father opened a very nice Auto Dealership in the Schwanthalerstrasse - Auto Merkel - in Muenchen in the early Fifties with Franchises for several Italian Brand cars. The pictures of the opening of this business are featured previously on this website. The president of the ADAC was present at the opening. Unfortunately, due to very tough and hard times in the Automobile business from 1953 to 1955 and a credit taken out with a Foreign Bank with a pay back date coming due suddenly, my father was unable to pay back this loan so quickly and had to declare bankruptcy. Additionally, we also remember that the import taxes for cars shipped from Italy went up very high at that time which did not help during these difficult days.

After the closing of this business my father continued racing and had to use an associates or friends name in order to get the much needed starting money. Mr. Gunzenhauser and Mr. Buchberger come to mind. Both these gentlemen were Mechanics and also may have driven at one time or other. Mr. Buchberger had a small shop behind an apartment building in Munich and it could be that is were the body for the "Brett" car was created. Ingrid visited this shop often in the Fifties with Harry.

We are sorry to not be able to report more details exactly because all of this being so many years ago. We do know Harry raced in many more races than mentioned in the nice report prepared on the Atlas F1 website by Mr. Hugo Boecker. We will try to forward some more names of races in the future. Monza, Ireland, LeMans, Portugal are some names that may not have been mentioned yet.

The above explanation is the result of Ingrid's recollections in conjunction with information received from the Merkel's family long time loyal friend and supporter in Munich, Ms. Edelgard Schiefner, now age 88, formerly also from Leipzig.

Hope this will clear up some of the mystery.

ingrid merkel-mancini
edelgard schiefner

So this openes new fields for us to find some traces of Harry Merkel's racing career.

In 1962 he put a Porsche in a lake at a German national race at Hamburg Frahmsen. In 65 he built a F3 special based on Opel-parts called Panther. Maybe, with Ingrid hints we kcan fiend a little more.

So this is my latest racelog

28.04.51 Mille Miglia					TC 750  #2126 Dyna-Panhard				  113. (5.cl)  (co.Gunzenhauser)
04.05.52 Mille Miglia					SC 750  #2340 Dyna-Veritas Sp.			  dbf		  (co. Kaspar)
25.05.52 Eifelrennen, Nürburgring		SC 750  #  71 Dyna Veritas Sp.			  2.
25.05.52 Eifelrennen, Nürburgring		SC1100  #  54 Porsche 356				   4.
25.05.52 Eifelrennen, Nürburgring		F2	  # 133 Krakau-BMW					practiced ?
20.06.52 Gruga Preis, Essen			  SC1100  #  54 Dyna Veritas Sp.			  6. 
03.08.52 GP DEUTSCHLAD				   F2	  # 134 Krakau-BMW					DNS
26.04.53 Mille Miglia					SC2000  # 434 Porsche 356				   dnf		  (co: Buchberger)			 
31.05.53 Eifelrennen, Nürburgring		SC1100  # 158 Porsche 356				   dnf
12.07.53 AVUS-Rennen					 SC1100  # 158 Porsche 356				   4.
02.08.53 Nürburgring GP				  SC1100  # 158 Porsche 356				   result unknown
09.08.53 Schauinsland Hillclimb		  SC1100  # 158 Porsche 356				   result unknown
30.08.53 ADAC 1000 KM Nürburgring		SC1100  #  81 Porsche 356				   dnf		   (co:Vianden)
15.04.54 Bahnrennen Krieau, Wien		 track   #  12 Porsche-Spezial 1,1		   1.cl
16.05.54 Scheibner Holz,Leipzig		  SC1500  #  23 Porsche-Spezial 1,1		   not know if ran  
23.05.54 Eifelrennen,Nürburgring		 SC1500  #  69 Porsche-Spezial 1.1		   9.
27.06.54 GP Oporto					   SC1500  #  19 Porsche-Spezial 1.1.		  5. (2.cl)
04.07.57 Gr.Bäderpreis, Wien			 SC1300		Porsche-Spezial 1.1		   1.cl
01.08.54 Rheinland-Pfalz Preis , N’ring  SC1500  #  54 Porsche-Spezial 1.1		   11. 
08.08.54 Halle-Saale-Schleife			SC1500  #  23 Porsche-Spezial 1,1		   not know if ran  
15.08.54 Sachsenring Rennen			  SC1100  #  46 Porsche-Spezial 1,1		   dnf
05.09.54 Dessau						  SC1500		Porsche-Spezial 1,1		   (race cancelled)
11.09.54 Tourist Trophy, Dunrod		  SC1500  #  50 Porsche 356 or Spezial		dnf		  (co: Buchberger)
26.09.54 Bernau Schleife				 SC1100		Porsche-Spezial 1,1		   4.
01.05.55 Mille Miglia					GT1300  # 235 Porsche 356				   64. (6.cl)   (co: Busch)
15.05.55 Dessau						  SC1500		Borgward					  result unknown
25.06.55 GP Oporto					   SC1500  #  11 Borgward					  DNA
28.08.55 Nürburgring 500 km			  STC1000	   Panhard
27.05.56 ADAC KM Nürburgring			 SC1500  #  35 Kieft						 DNA		  (co: Trouis)
26.05.57 ADAC 1000KM Nürburgring		 GT1300  #  85 Porsche 365A				  42. (7.cl)   (co: Knippel)
01.06.58 ADAC 1000KM Nürburgring		 SC1500		Porsche 550 RS				dna		  (co: Knippel)
27.05.62 ADAC 1000KM Nürburgring		 GT1600  #  83 Porsche 356B				  21.  (5.cl)  (co: Kahlkuhl)
17.06.62 Bahnrennen Frahmsen						   Porsche					   dnf Unfall im Teich gelandet
19.05.63 ADAC 1000KM Nürburgring		 GT1600  #  23 Porsche 356-1600GS Carrera	37.  (5.cl)  (co: Libl)
06.06.63 AVUS Rennen					 GT1600		Porsche 356-1600GS Carrera	2.

[Ingrid Merkel-Mancini]

08.08.54 Halle-Saale-Schleife SC1500 # 23 Porsche-Spezial 1,1 not know if ran
15.08.54 Sachsenring Rennen SC1100 # 46 Porsche-Spezial 1,1 dnf

Hello Hugo I finally figured out how to log on again. I had to reregister, etc. Regarding the above two races, I do recall the following:
Halle-Saale- Schleife, 1954. Harry Merkel received the starting permission at the last minute since he had defected from the former East Germany - Leipzig. He led three rounds and then dropped out of the race due to engine problems. It was laster discovered that this was caused by sabotage - sugar in the gas tank. I was present at this race sitting in the stands. This is a vivid memory since I still remember the great disappointment my father felt. He wanted to do well in his old "Heimat". I am not 100% positive that it was at Halle-Saale Schleife (90% sure) because I remember the race starting with the letter "H". It might have been at the next race were you have him as did not finish.

Thank you for posting all the races again. There might be more since I remember my parents always travelling to Monza and Monte Carlo every year in those days.

ingrid

[uechtel]

I am also quite sure he ran at Halle, I found the car in 8th position of the grid on a photo:



So thanks for the background information about his retirement in that event. In the East German press his presence had not been mentioned at all...

[Ingrid Merkel-Mancini]

Hello Uechtel:

As usual, I am amazed how you can find all this information and thank you for posting the photo of the race in Halle. The press may not have mentioned anything about Harry Merkel, because as I had mentioned, my father got permission at the last minute to start in this race.

[Ingrid Merkel-Mancini]

Hello All:

This is information I obtained in Aesch, Switzerland, after the funeral of Heini Walter, regarding the whereabouts, etc., of "Das Brett". This car was originally built for my father, Harry Merkel, and later he sold it to Heini Walter. Very flat body (gespachteld) und not attractive, however, my father was very successful driving it in many races, often times in the larger 1500 cc class. Mr. Walter was also very successful with this car. I still don't know who built the car originally - I suspect it was built in the Buchberger shop in Munich. I was told in Aesch that it had a VW Kaefer-Chassis.

Heini Walter sold the car in 1956:
A prospective buyer wanted to take the car on a test drive in Aesch, Switzerland. However, after approximately 20 meter from the Walter residence, the car was hit by a small truck (Kleinlaster) and the whole side and front of the car was pushed in. The buyer still went ahead and purchased the car because of the famous race history. Mr. Bauman also from Aesch, Switzerland, constructed a brand new streamlined body for the Brett. The buyer was a Mr. Waelchle from Biel, Switzerland. He belonged to the "Switzerland Auto Club".

[uechtel]

Thank you very much. Every piece to reconstruct the car´s history is always welcome.

For its origin I have some supect, that it might have been the car of Richard Trenkel in 1952. There were quite some similiarities in the shape, but I have not found proof for this yet.

[ottomathe]

Hello All:

This is information I obtained in Aesch, Switzerland, after the funeral of Heini Walter, regarding the whereabouts, etc., of "Das Brett". This car was originally built for my father, Harry Merkel, and later he sold it to Heini Walter. Very flat body (gespachteld) und not attractive, however, my father was very successful driving it in many races, often times in the larger 1500 cc class. Mr. Walter was also very successful with this car. I still don't know who built the car originally - I suspect it was built in the Buchberger shop in Munich. I was told in Aesch that it had a VW Kaefer-Chassis.

Heini Walter sold the car in 1956:
A prospective buyer wanted to take the car on a test drive in Aesch, Switzerland. However, after approximately 20 meter from the Walter residence, the car was hit by a small truck (Kleinlaster) and the whole side and front of the car was pushed in. The buyer still went ahead and purchased the car because of the famous race history. Mr. Bauman also from Aesch, Switzerland, constructed a brand new streamlined body for the Brett. The buyer was a Mr. Waelchle from Biel, Switzerland. He belonged to the "Switzerland Auto Club".

Dear Ingrid,

do you have any more information about the white Porsche looking car you were sitting in? Is it true that it was originally a car from Berlin? When was it modified?

Best Regards
Thomas

[Ingrid Merkel-Mancini]

Dear Ingrid,

do you have any more information about the white Porsche looking car you were sitting in? Is it true that it was originally a car from Berlin? When was it modified?

Best Regards
Thomas

Hi Thomas:

I am very sorry but I do not know where this white Porsche was from or who owns it now. My father was in the car business and I am not sure if he owned this car or was reselling it for someone. The photo was taken around the corner Munich, in the Schiesstaedt Strasse, near Gollier Strasse. My father had rented a lot with some garages on it there to park some cars. Sorry I cannot be of help with this. Very good hearing from you. I believe Mr. Mathe raced in some races with my father.

best regards,
ingrid

[uechtel]

Ingrid, I would like to come back with some questions about the shop in Munich. Around 1950 the Veritas company had come to an agreement with Panhard to become kind of German distributor with three "sales centers" at Baden-Baden, Essen and Munich. I have no imagination of how big these shops have been. Now I wonder whether your father was involved in this enterprise and whether perhaps "Auto Merkel" was in fact the Munich Veritas representation?



Your description of this photo is, that it shows the opening of the shop. Do you have a date for this and perhaps also an address? I have information, that the Veritas people had also shops at the Brienner Strasse and at the Dachauer Strasse.

[Ingrid Merkel-Mancini]

Ingrid, I would like to come back with some questions about the shop in Munich. Around 1950 the Veritas company had come to an agreement with Panhard to become kind of German distributor with three "sales centers" at Baden-Baden, Essen and Munich. I have no imagination of how big these shops have been. Now I wonder whether your father was involved in this enterprise and whether perhaps "Auto Merkel" was in fact the Munich Veritas representation?



Your description of this photo is, that it shows the opening of the shop. Do you have a date for this and perhaps also an address? I have information, that the Veritas people had also shops at the Brienner Strasse and at the Dachauer Strasse.

[Ingrid Merkel-Mancini]

Hello Uechtel:

Sorry I have not replied sooner. I can only tell you the approximate location of "Auto Merkel" in the Schwanthaler Strasse. It was located on the same side of the street as the "Deutsche Theater" on the way to the Harras square - between the Deutsche Theater and Harras Square. I believe some kind of Motorcycle or Auto Zubehoer Store or something like that was in there recently. The cars, Dyna Panhard and Dyna Veritas were always in the conversations as I can remember. The Auto Merkel must have opened as I estimated before around 1952. We also owned a used car business behind the Koenigsplatz in Munich on a street starting with the "B" letter. Everything was still in ruins and ashes in those days. Must find my Munich map to see if I can figure oout the street name or ask Ms. Schiefner in Munich if she remembers.

I will go by these locations, especially Schwanthaler Str. next time I am in Munich, which should be about mid June 2010 and get the actual house number of the business then. I will be able to recognize it still , I am sure. At the used car lot near Koenigsplatz there was nothing around (all bombed out in the war) and I remember only a little hill and dirt roads.

I was only a small child then and am so sorry I cannot help more.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all the forum members a Merry Christmas. Thank you so much for all your hard work and interest in motor sports.

This is all so interesting for me, I have learnt a lot from all of you. After attending Heini Walters funeral this year, my driving skills were even tested by his brother Jonny Smidlin. Jonny does not know that I noticed as I was following his family with my rental car over some mountains and he stepped on it pretty good. I was able to keep up with the Smidlin's car. I love he challenge of driving mountain roads myself still thanks to my father teaching us how to really drive!!! I want you all to know that the beautiful Swiss Community of Aesch treated me like gold during my short stay. I miss them all.

ingrid merkel-mancini

[uechtel]

Hello Ingrid, thanks for your explanation about the Munich locations. That´s already very helpful, because on google maps one can see, that the Merkel shop can not have been identical to the Dyna-Veritas sales center.

Also as a late christmas present I found a brief report about your father´s participation in the 1951 Mille Miglia:
"This year´s Mille Miglia led over 1564 km and was run under apalling wheather conditions. The only Germans to participate were speedway driver Gunzenhauser together with Merkel from Munich on a Dyna-Panhard. In spite of having no knowledge about the track they succeeded in taking the lead in their class (750 cc). But because of a crash with a vehicle, which had no lights, they had to repair the car and dropped down to 35. position. On the remaining nearly 800 kilometers they managed to catch up to sixth place again! A nice success." (Motorsport + Motorradwelt, No 11/1951)

Edited by uechtel, 26 December 2009 - 10:35.

[uechtel]

Addition to the race log:
1st International Rallye Travemünde, 6.-9.6.1951
Merkel / Jühlke (Munich) on Dyna-Panhard, 2nd in class 750cc, 10th overall.

[sweeks]

Also as a late christmas present I found a brief report about your father´s participation in the 1951 Mille Miglia:

Hello Uechtel:
Thank you very much for the updates on the additional races. I just watched a show on Television. It was a report on the Mille Miglia race as it is now. Sure a lot easier than it was in the 1950's. No staying in a hotel during the race, etc. in those days. It was an adventure to just participate and a great success to finish a race. I am at my friends computer right now because my internet connection is down.

Happy New Year.
ingrid merkel-mancini

[Ingrid Merkel-Mancini]

Hello All:
Just a short note from San Diego since we have not logged in for a while. Must report unfortunately that my long time friend, Steve Weeks, who worked so hard to post all those photos from my father Harry Merkel and some regarding Heini Walter is now in the hospital wih a terminal illness. If anyone needs any particular copy of a photo, etc. please let me know per email. I will be coming to Munich some time within the next six months also and could bring them. Hope you are all well. Mr. Weeks is only 61 and we were friends for 37 years.
Respectfully,
ingrid mancini (merkel)
8019 "G" Caminito De Pizza
San Diego, CA 92108
001-619-294-7741 phone
ingridmancini@san.rr.com

[uechtel]

It´s very sad to hear this, and I wish the best, nevertheless.

A meeting at Munich would be a good idea, I could see some other friends as well.

[Paul Taylor]

I think this was the Krakau Special, as it seems that he started for the team of Krakau and Rieß (information yet to be confirmed, so a good question perhaps...). Also I do not know whether he actually took the start as some sources give also von Hanstein taking over the cockpit of #133 in that race and on this picture from the start I think I can recognize the baron´s crash helmet (it´s the car two rows behind Wharton, just in front of the "Shell" monument).

 

Not the best photo, but the Krakau BMW at the Eifelrennen. Merkel or von Hanstein?

 

[uechtel]

Well, if you can recognize the face...