(1960 BMW 700 CS Coupe)
BMW – was well known as a manufacturer of motorcycles and aircraft engines. In
1929 BMW acquired the Dixi car factory, which sold a range of different car models,
But BMW only continued to build the small Dixi, which was built under license from
the British Austin Seven.
During 1932 BMW launched the first of their own cars, although they still looked
similar to the Dixi. In 1933 they added a new 1’200cc engine, but the big step forward
was the introduction of the models 309, 315 and 319, of which the sports convertible is
particularly sought after today. While the 309 still had a four cylinder engine of 845cc,
the 315 and 319 were equipped with 1’490cc and 1’911cc overhead valve engines.
With these models BMW was well on their way to producing close to 10’000 cars
every year.
This also encouraged BMW to venture into the upmarket launch of the elegant 326,
into a segment which was dominated by Mercedes-Benz at the time. This model
became a huge success, particularly with the 328 sports car version. They won the
Eiffel race on the Nürburgring with the average speed of 101km/h in 1936. The
following year they won the Mille Miglia and the 24-hour Le Mans races. In 1940
they had a huge win with first, third, fifth and sixth place in the Mille Miglia.
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