FRANZ BLAM

Franz Blam's Life

Franz Blam was born on January 19, 1935, in the small town of Lend, in Salzburg, Austria to Joseph August Blam and Elizabeth Zitz. Franz passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of August 2, 2025 in Stone Mountain, Georgia with his loving family at his side.

Franz grew up surrounded by and immersed in the beauty of the alps. As a boy, he and his siblings enjoyed all that the majestic mountains had to offer, but his greatest love was skiing—a passion he would pursue his entire life. As a young boy, it was not long before it was realized that he had a penchant for fixing things and making them go faster. The truth could also be said about his body, as he was known for his physical fitness all of his days, and he eventually wound up racing the clock, himself, and fellow competitors as a downhill skier. Amazingly, Franz once out-skied an avalanche and, fittingly, he also enjoyed glazier skiing.

His academic talents were honed as an apprentice in Bischofshofen, Austria, and his high achievement in that role led to the opportunity to study and be trained at the Porsche Factory in Stuttgart, Germany. Ultimately, Franz earned a Masters degree in Automotive engineering in Munich, Germany at the Handwerkskammer für Oberbayern.

Franz married the love of his life, Lotte Diener, on September 8, 1962, in Welkom, South Africa and their union welcomed a daughter and a son to the world. It was while he was in S.A. that Franz began driving in sanctioned races in an MG that he converted from streetcar to race car, before becoming successful racing touring cars for the rest of the time he lived there. Although he was fast behind the wheel, it was not long before those in the paddock recognized Franz’s gift of making cars perform at their very best for other racers. Predictably, he began to be sought after for that skill, and he was officially summoned to Stuttgart to work in Porsche’s factory in 1966.

That winter, Franz and Lotte left South Africa with their babies in tow (to the degree that Thomas had his first birthday while at sea) by way of the ship Africa Lloyd Triestino. The voyage took them up the east coast of Africa, through the Suez Canal, and across the Mediterranean Sea to Venice, Italy. That was the first of many treks the Blams would take with their children, instilling in them a love and curiosity for travel that exists to this day. A year later the family emigrated to Jacksonville, Florida, where Franz spent his days working as a mechanic at a Porsche/Audi dealership, and nights and weekends as a racing mechanic on the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) circuit. In both roles he distinguished himself as one whose eye for ingenuity and attention to detail, combined with an intense desire to be the best at anything his name was associated with, resulted in him being highly regarded among his peers.

In 1969 Franz and family embarked on a 3-month trip around the United States in a Volkswagen camper which Franz modified to enhance its performance. They eventually landed in New York to cross the Atlantic by ship to return to Germany so Franz could complete his master’s degree. Here again, Franz and Lotte turned travel into a wonderful family adventure. That passion for travel and exploration would continue his whole life and be passed down to his children and granddaughter.

Franz’s unparalleled level of achievement led to him being recruited to the Atlanta metro area to be the lead mechanic of its first Porsche/Audi store in 1971, and his stellar reputation subsequently led to him opening his own shop, Franz Blam Racing in 1976. It was behind those walls that Franz’s zeal for competition (and winning) was transferred to race and street cars that came from far and wide—some over oceans, in fact. As a testament to his fortitude, solidity, and ability to succeed in a team environment, FBR was in existence until 2021. Though Franz will always be known for his prowess when it comes to making vehicles (and people—if you’ve ever heard him on the radio with a driver during a race or watched him mentor a mechanic, you know) perform, it is his loyalty to his friends and family that he will be honored for. It is true that, for decades, he was among the most revered mechanics. Yet, Franz always maintained a level of humility and approachability that never wavered. His vast number of friendships were lifelong, and the mere association with his name commanded respect in sportscar racing paddocks everywhere due to his stand-up character. Another element that made him such a treasure to so many was his willingness to escort and assist those who were new to the racing world. Franz’s generosity was always on full display via his actions in his always-active life.

As a husband, father, friend, and mentor, Franz Blam was a loving, kind, and gentle man. A protector, motivator, and a champion… He truly held the keys to victory for all who he loved.

Franz is survived by his wife, Lotte Blam; his daughter, Margot Susanne Blam (Nazeer), and son, Thomas Franz Blam (Elise), both of Atlanta, Georgia; granddaughter, Eliana Blam of New York, New York; and brother, Walter Blam. He is preceded by his sister, Antonia Feurstein; and brothers, August and Siegfried Blam. Franz also leaves nieces, nephews, and a host of friends that he loved dearly.

The Blam family would like to extend a special thank you to Melvin Hodges who assisted greatly in writing this tribute.