Otto Mathé

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Otto Mathé's Berlin-Rome car on the Nürburgring, 1981

Otto Mathé (born July 31, 1907 in Zillertal ; † November 29, 1995 in Innsbruck ) was an Austrian entrepreneur and racing driver .

Mathé was born in the Zillertal and grew up in Innsbruck. Mathé already competed in his first motorcycle races at the age of 16. In 1934 he fell so badly during a race in Graz that his right arm was paralyzed from then on. Two years after his accident, Mathé founded a petrol station and a lubricants business in Innsbruck. Because of the difficult supply situation, Mathé developed various fuel additives during the Second World War . The most successful product was the Mathé Universal Additive , which had the reputation of being able to extend the oil change intervals of an engine considerably.

From 1948 Mathé competed in car races. To this end, he bought a Berlin-Rome car from Ferdinand Porsche in 1949 . With this car, as well as a Porsche 356 and a self-made monoposto with a Porsche engine, Mathé dominated racing in Austria. Niki Lauda repeatedly referred to Mathé as the idol of his childhood.

In 1982 he was awarded the Sports Badge of Honor by the City of Innsbruck.

literature

  • Gabriele Geutebrück, Johann Kofler: His heart beat for Porsche: Otto Mathé. Image and text documentation of a fast-paced life. Berenkamp, ​​Innsbruck 2004. ISBN 978-3-85093-134-2 .

Web links

personal data
SURNAME Mathé, Otto
BRIEF DESCRIPTION Austrian motor sportsman and inventor
DATE OF BIRTH July 31, 1907
PLACE OF BIRTH Zillertal
DATE OF DEATH November 29, 1995
Place of death innsbruck