Fredy Lienhard

Fredy Lienhard (born 1947) is a Swiss entrepreneur and former racing driver. He is widely recognized for his leadership of the Lista Group, a global manufacturer of storage systems and office furniture, and for his extensive involvement in motorsport, both as a successful competitor and as the founder of the Autobau Erlebniswelt museum.

Early Life and Business Career

Fredy Lienhard was born in Switzerland in 1947. He is the son of Alfred Lienhard, who established the Lista Group in 1945. Following in his father's footsteps, Fredy Lienhard took over the management of the family business. Under his stewardship, the Lista Group expanded significantly, becoming a prominent international player in the manufacturing of high-quality workshop equipment, industrial storage solutions, and office furniture. The Lista Office LO brand, in particular, flourished under his guidance. In 2012, Lienhard sold a majority stake in the Lista Group, though he retained ownership of specific parts of the business, including substantial real estate holdings.

Motorsport Career

Lienhard cultivated a long and distinguished career as a privateer racing driver, primarily focusing on sports car and endurance racing. His passion for motorsport led him to compete in numerous high-profile events and series globally.

• 24 Hours of Daytona: One of his most notable achievements was an outright victory at the prestigious 24 Hours of Daytona in 2002. He triumphed in a Dallara SP1-Judd, co-driving for Doran-Lista Racing alongside Didier Theys, Max Papis, and Mauro Baldi. He was a frequent participant in this iconic endurance race.
• Rolex Sports Car Series: Lienhard was a regular and successful competitor in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series in North America, often driving prototype machinery. He achieved multiple podium finishes and victories throughout his tenure in the series with teams such as Doran-Lista Racing and Lista Racing.
• 24 Hours of Le Mans: He also competed multiple times in the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans, the pinnacle of endurance motor racing.
• Other Series: His racing endeavors also included participation in the IMSA GT Championship, the FIA Sportscar Championship, and various national and international prototype races, consistently demonstrating his skill and dedication behind the wheel.

Autobau Erlebniswelt

After his active racing career and the restructuring of his business interests, Lienhard consolidated his profound passion for automobiles into the creation of the Autobau Erlebniswelt. Located in Romanshorn, Switzerland, and opened in 2009, Autobau is a unique car museum and event venue that houses his vast collection of classic and contemporary sports cars, racing vehicles, and motorcycles. The facility is designed to provide visitors with an engaging and interactive journey through automotive history, technology, and design.

Legacy

Fredy Lienhard is recognized as an astute entrepreneur who successfully expanded a family business into an international enterprise. Concurrently, he established himself as a respected figure within the global motorsport community. His Autobau Erlebniswelt serves as a lasting testament to his lifelong enthusiasm for engineering, design, and competitive racing.