Rudolf Karl Wütherich (August 5, 1927 – July 22, 1981), most commonly known as Rolf Wütherich, was a German Luftwaffe mechanic and pilot, and later an automotive engineer and racer who was riding in James Dean's Porsche during Dean's fatal car crash on September 30, 1955. He experienced many personal difficulties as a result of the crash and himself died in a car accident 26 years later.
Wütherich was born in Heilbronn, Germany in 1927. He served as a Luftwaffe glider pilot, paratrooper, and aircraft mechanic before joining the Daimler-Benz (a.k.a. Mercedes) factory racing department. In 1950 he joined the Porsche factory, becoming the second employee of their racing department. Wütherich participated as a factory team member at the 24 Hours of Le Mans races in 1952, 1953, and 1954. Wütherich was also a factory team member for the Porsche endurance racing and formula racing team at the AVUS, Mille Miglia, 12 Hours of Reims, and 6 Hours of Nürburgring races.
Subject ID: 53277
MoreRudolf Karl Wütherich (August 5, 1927 – July 22, 1981), most commonly known as Rolf Wütherich, was a German Luftwaffe mechanic and pilot, and later an automotive engineer and racer who was riding in James Dean's Porsche during Dean's fatal car crash on September 30, 1955. He experienced many personal difficulties as a result of the crash and himself died in a car accident 26 years later.
Wütherich was born in Heilbronn, Germany in 1927. He served as a Luftwaffe glider pilot, paratrooper, and aircraft mechanic before joining the Daimler-Benz (a.k.a. Mercedes) factory racing department. In 1950 he joined the Porsche factory, becoming the second employee of their racing department. Wütherich participated as a factory team member at the 24 Hours of Le Mans races in 1952, 1953, and 1954. Wütherich was also a factory team member for the Porsche endurance racing and formula racing team at the AVUS, Mille Miglia, 12 Hours of Reims, and 6 Hours of Nürburgring races.
Subject ID: 53277
Subject ID: 53277