Former Mercedes-Benz racing driver Dieter Glemser dies aged 87

Dieter Glemser, a legendary Mercedes-Benz racing driver and brand ambassador, has died at the age of 87. He passed away in the early hours of 10 June 2026. Glemser rose to prominence in the 1960s as a member of the Mercedes-Benz works team, piloting the iconic “racing tailfins” of the Mercedes-Benz 220 SE (W 111) and 300 SE (W 112) to nearly 100 victories in national and international events. His early career included a debut at the Schorndorf hillclimb in 1960, followed by class wins in hill and circuit races. In 1963, he claimed victory in the Poland Rally alongside co-driver Martin Braungart in a Mercedes-Benz 220 SE (W 111), also finishing second in the Germany Rally and the Gran Premio de la República Argentina. The following year, he again finished second in Argentina as part of a Mercedes-Benz 1-2-3 sweep alongside Eugen Böhringer/Klaus Kaiser and Ewy Rosqvist/Eva-Maria Falk in a grueling 3,800-kilometre endurance event. After leaving active competition, Glemser continued to contribute to motorsport as a driving instructor, mentor, and organiser. He worked as a manager for Ford’s Zakspeed team and advised Renault and Ford, while also helping launch the Porsche 944 Turbo Cup in 1986. From 1990 to 2000, he served as a key figure in the Mercedes-Benz Motorsport team, overseeing organisation. Later, he contributed to safety and driver training programs for Mercedes-AMG and DaimlerChrysler AG (later Daimler AG) from 2001 to 2008. Glemser also founded the popular “Speeddays” events at Hockenheim, where he and other experienced drivers guided customers in high-performance sports cars. A familiar face at classic car events, he represented Mercedes-Benz Classic as a brand ambassador, regularly demonstrating historic Mercedes-Benz models to enthusiastic crowds. Born on 28 June 1938 in Kirchheim/Teck, Glemser’s passion for motorsport began near the Stuttgart headquarters of Daimler-Benz AG. His analytical approach and mechanical insight made him a respected figure in the paddock, earning praise from peers and rivals alike. Marcus Breitschwerdt, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Heritage GmbH, reflected on Glemser’s legacy: “Mercedes-Benz remembers Dieter Glemser with great appreciation as an outstanding racing driver and beloved brand ambassador. His successes on the track and his tireless dedication to our brand make him a permanent part of our history. He was not only a fast driver but also an inspiring mentor and approachable human being. With passion and knowledge, he shaped generations of motorsport fans and drivers.”