The German Girl and the Motorcycle Mechanic: My Life with Heinz Gietz and the Introduction of Mercedes-Benz to America Paperback – July 31, 2024

An extremely powerful story of a German family's life from being in a Soviet prison camp to living the American Dream. I truly enjoyed reading the love this family shared amongst themselves and with their community. This is a story of hard work, German virtues, great intuition and dealing with the struggles of life. This generation is soon to be gone and to be able to read their words is a gift we will all miss.

This is a beautifully inspiring story about a family pursuing the 20th century American Dream. I enjoyed learning about Heinz and Ilse's cultural journey from Germany to The United States, the origin story of their business, and how they brought their passion for German automobiles to La Jolla, CA.

This is a true love story of how two people, through fate & belief, found each other in a time of turmoil and war. Ultimately, leading each of them to continue to trust themselves, despite everything and every one, and do whatever they could to not only survive, but live... to THRIVE!I hope the strength, love and deep belief written on these pages will inspire hope for so many, as it did me.

Best enjoyed if you read this with an accent with your favorite comfort beverage. Absolutely like listening to your favorite family member tell the tales of a time that’s truly hard to imagine. So so glad to have been able to take some time and read this amazing book!

Thoughtfully written, poignant, and true to the nature of a man I had the privilege of calling “Opa” in the final Autohaus days. Mrs. Gietz captures the gentleman and the mechanic that was Heinz Gietz. A charming read, deep history, and an amazing family legacy. Sure to inspire and delight readers; future mechanics and romantics alike!

The tale of a young lady, a dashing military mechanic and an unlikely love story. Not a biography so much as a memoir of a family that moved from post-war Germany to America and the opportunities it presented to an enterprising couple. With unexpected twists, and the result being a business that spanned three generations, this books is highly recommended.

What a great story about love and how Mercedes Benz came to America. For anyone who loves cars, history of automobiles, or just a sweet story about a young lady who wrote as a pen pal to a man serving his county.. who later fell in love and the rest is history.. love this.