In later years, he continued to visit historic events. Although his family were successful steel manufacturers, they disapproved of him racing, so Karl-Gunther had to find the money and do it the hard way - this also explains why he raced under the name Bernd Nacke, which he was credited for in one Grand Prix. Best remembered as a very good sportscar driver, Bechem retired after a crash in the Carrera Panamericana left him with a fractured thigh but also doubts about his safety in future events.

Biography last updated 23 Jun 2011