Hans Trippel

Who was Hans Trippel?

Hans Trippel was a German industrial designer, responsible for the designs of the Mercedes-Benz Gullwing's door, Troll and the Amphicar.

Trippel was born on 19 July 1908 in the Darmstadt area and died 30 July 2001, possibly in Berlin. In 1934 he embarked upon a career as a racing driver. In retrospect he is better remembered for the development of amphibious motor vehicles. Also noteworthy is his membership of the quasi-military SA. As an active supporter of the German regime in 1940 when France was invaded by Germany, Trippel took over control of the Bugatti plant at Molsheim. Following Germany's defeat in 1945, he was interned as a war profiteer by the French authorities for three years until 1949.