In 1961, Herrmann drove alongside Dan Gurney and Jo Bonnier in Porsche’s Grand Prix team, here he is in the 718 at the Nürburgring, during the German GP. Photo: Paul Mais
For this special Porsche issue it was only right to interview the man who, in real terms, helped to put the Porsche name firmly in motor racing record books as a marque to be respected and feared. In 1970, together with Richard Attwood—some would say a most unlikely pairing—and from a distant grid position, they defied all the odds to claim Porsche’s first Le Mans overall victory.. At this most defining moment in the marque’s history, Hans Herrmann kept a promise he made to his wife and bowed out of motor racing. Now, at the age of 81, and still having a heavy work schedule, including appearances for both Porsche and Mercedes, we felt privileged that he took time to answer questions from our Mike Jiggle. It has to be remembered that Hans Herrmann speaks little English; therefore, we’d like to take this opportunity of thanking Mr. Giacomo Coppola and Mrs. Ursula Pearson for their kind assistance with translations.
Hans Herrmann Photo: Tom Grunweg
You were a baker by trade. This was quite well removed from motor racing.
