William Dredge; Former Times Auto Editor

William C. Dredge, auto editor of The Times from 1959 to 1962 who then became the public relations executive credited with bringing race driver Andy Granatelli and the STP Corp. together for a lengthy commercial relationship, died Sunday in San Diego.

Dredge was 76 and family spokesman Deke Houlgate said he died after a long illness.

He was a combat correspondent during World War II who became a Times reporter before becoming auto editor. He helped establish the newspaper’s Grand Prix race.

Survivors include his wife, Helen; six children; 12 grandchildren; a sister and a brother, who requested contributions to the San Diego Hospice, 3840 Calle Fortunada, San Diego 92123.