The oldest living Grand Prix driver for some while until his death, he made a return to the Formula 1 paddock at the Nurburgring to compare his Mercedes with then occupants of the 1996 spec, Mika Hakkinen and David Coulthard. His last public appearance was in 2000, to celebrate his 90th birthday. He replaced Neubauer as head of Mercedes' racing division from the mid 1950's onwards, having joined Mercedes in 1928. Kling served in the Luftwaffe as a mechanic during World War Two in the only break from service with the car concern. In 1961 he competed in his last race, which he won, the Algiers-Cape Town rally, before then taking over Mercedes' rally division before eventually retiring in 1970.

Biography last updated 26 Dec 2015