Description
By: Graham Robson .
In 80 years, BMW has been transformed — not once but several times. Now one of the world's most famous marques, it has had a turbulent history. Here is the exciting story of the German giant, from the fledgling years when it had to learn its trade from scratch through to today's highly sophisticated company that makes cars with fine engines, advanced engineering and instantly recognisable styling.
Originally the company manufactured aircraft engines for military use. In 1927 BMW began, modestly, to build British Austin Seven cars under licence, and within a decade it had developed state-of- the-art engines, chassis and styling. But, after the Second World War, those factories that were not devastated by Allied bombing had been confiscated, and BMW had to start all over again.
Even in the 1950s, BMW needed to build bubble cars to stay in business, and in 1959 a major financial crisis had to be overcome, principally with new investment from the Quandt family. The 'New Class' saloons proved successful, however, and BMW boomed back to fame and fortune. New ranges, new styles and new sporting M-Type models all contributed to phenomenal growth.
Having absorbed the pride of the British motor industry, the Mini and the Rolls- Royce, BMW now boasts an annual output of more than a million cars, and expansion continues steadily. This story not only discusses the passenger cars, but also the motorsport programmes — especially saloon car racing and the development of Formula 1 engines — that all add to the marque's charisma.
Distinguished automotive historian Graham Robson has owned several BMWs. Years of high-mileage experience of models as various as the 2002 and the 328i, and love affairs with the 328, 507, M1 and M3, make him the ideal author for this complex and fascinating history.
