Bernd Rosemeyer

["Grand Prix Racing Driver", "European Champion", "Auto Union Pilot"]

Born Oct 14, 1909

Lingen (Ems), Germany

Passed Away Jan 28, 1938 Frankfurt-Darmstadt Autobahn (near Morfelden), Germany

Lifespan 28 years old

0 views

Notice / Correction

"Speed does not frighten me; it is the natural pulse of living on the outer edge of possibility."

Archival Overview

Fearless German Grand Prix driver who mastered the mid-engine 500-horsepower Auto Union Grand Prix car, winning the 1936 European Drivers' Championship before perishing at age twenty-eight in a speed record attempt.

Biographical Record

Bernd Rosemeyer (1909–1938) transitioned from DKW motorcycle racing directly into the cockpit of Ferdinand Porsche's radical, notoriously difficult 16-cylinder mid-engine Auto Union. Lacking conventional front-engine habits, Rosemeyer embraced its oversteer with blinding reflex speed.

In 1936, Rosemeyer swept the German, Swiss, and Italian Grands Prix to claim the European Championship, also winning the prestigious Vanderbilt Cup in New York. On January 28, 1938, attempting to surpass Caracciola's record at over 430 km/h on the Autobahn, a sudden wind gust caused a catastrophic crash.

Key Life Milestones

1936

European Drivers' Championship Crown

Swept major European Grands Prix to become the undisputed champion in the Auto Union Type C.

1937

Vanderbilt Cup Victory in America

Traveled to Roosevelt Raceway in New York, crushing American and European rivals in dominant fashion.

Memorial Guestbook & Tributes

0 messages recorded

Leave a Respectful Tribute

Select a sentiment or reaction (optional):

Rest in Peace Forever remembered and cherished Your legacy lives on in all of us With deep gratitude for your life and light

Your Name / Title *

Your Email (Private, for anti-abuse)

Tribute Message *

No tributes recorded yet. Be the first to leave a message in honor of Bernd Rosemeyer.

Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial

Waldfriedhof Dahlem
Berlin, Germany

                         GPS: 52.4633, 13.2986                    

View on Memory Atlas

Archival Standards PastLegacies adheres to strict neutral biographical guidelines and legal standards of remembrance. Next-of-kin may request modifications or removal at any time via our expedited process.

Read Governance Policy →