Ernst Loof (4 July 1907 in Neindorf near Oschersleben – 3 March 1956 in Bonn) was an automotive engineer and racing driver from Germany.

He retired with fuel pump failure after two metres of racing, which remains the record for the shortest Formula One career.

[2] Loof was also a motorcycle racer and designer, and scored numerous successes in pre-war years for Imperia of Bad Godesberg and for BMW.

He later became one of the founders of the Veritas company, successful in Formula Two with the Meteor racer in the immediate post-war period.

He was hired by BMW in styling and body engineering and worked there until he retired due to illness.