German racer Paul Pietsch, the last surviving driver of the prewar Silver Arrows era and the oldest living Grand Prix racer, has died at the age of 100. His family confirmed his May 31 passing, just three weeks short of his 101st birthday. The former Auto Union works driver was a unique living link to the days of Tazio Nuvolari and Bernd Rosemeyer.
Pietsch spent his early career as a privateer. He started with a Bugatti in 1932, before getting his hands on an Alfa Romeo. He showed enough promise to interest both Mercedes and Auto Union, signing for the latter after a test at the end of 1934.
As teammate to Rosemeyer, Hans Stuck Sr. and Achille Varzi, Pietsch drove for Auto Union in six races in 1935. His best result was 3rd in the Italian GP, where he shared his car with Rosemeyer. He left the team after his wife famously had an affair with Varzi, and following a divorce, Pietsch sat out the 1936 season.
He returned in 1937, mainly driving private Maseratis. In perhaps his most famous race he drove for the works Maserati team in the 1939 German GP, briefly leading ahead of the fancied Silver Arrows. He eventually finished 3rd after mechanical problems delayed him.
Following WWII, he resumed his career, making three World Championship starts between 1950 and 1952. He drove a works Alfa Romeo in his home race in 1951, but his day ended in an accident. Pietsch was equally well known off track for founding a famous motoring publishing company.
