The BMW 328 was one of the most successful sports cars of the 1930s. It was where form and function came together in harmony: systematic lightweight construction, ideal weight distribution, aerodynamic contours, optimum motorisation and perfect road holding merged and were perfectly framed by a body designed with flowing lines. This was the basis that produced a fascinating roadster for the Mille Miglia (“Thousand Miles”) in 1939.

For the prestigious race from Brescia to Rome and back, the “Artistic Creation” under Wilhelm Meyerhuber transferred the flowline to an open two-seater. The designs conveyed pure dynamics and were to undergo further optimisation in the wind tunnel. Distinctive edges on the mudguards gave rise to the vehicle’s nickname of “Trouser Crease Roadster” – and at the Mille Miglia 1940 its design was just as inspiring as its performances.

In 1966, using the “New Class” as the basis, Wilhelm Hofmeister created a version that was 23 cm shorter: the 02 series. The lightweight, compact two-door model impressed with its intricately designed body. Characteristics were the round headlights and corresponding, distinctive round tail lights. Thanks to its systematic lightweight construction, the 02 Series additionally made it possible to combine a sporting and agile driving experience with extraordinary dynamics.

The most successful representative of the series was the BMW 2002, which entered the market in 1968 with 339,000 models. Later it also became the first standard production vehicle in Europe to be equipped with a turbocharger, and enjoyed numerous successes in motorsport. Viewed in terms of development history, the BMW 2002 ultimately became the direct predecessor of the BMW 3 Series.

In 1971, the BMW 3.0 CS was presented to the international public as a continuation in development of the BMW 2008 CS. The design of this breathtaking coupé is characterised by an elegant lightness: the passenger cell appears to almost float above the body of the vehicle.
The delicate roof pillars and the absence of the B pillar contribute just as much to this impression as do the window surfaces with their generous proportions in comparison to the overall size of the vehicle. Due to its lightness and elegance, many experts consider the BMW 3.0 CS and its various model versions to be one of the most beautiful automobile designs of the 1970s. It is the first BMW to unite and embody practically all the characteristic design features and even today it remains an important source of inspiration for the BMW designers.

As long ago as 1971, BMW Chief Designer Paul Bracq presented a spectacular design study with the BMW Turbo. It created a sensation with its numerous technical refinements, gull wing doors and concealed headlights. This emotively designed leader in cutting-edge technology set the course for the start of development in 1976 on the BMW M1: a super sports car, the likes of which the world had not yet seen.

Under the leadership of Giorgio Giugiaro, the body of the study was prepared in a striking manner. Significantly more angular than the BMW Turbo and without gull wing doors, the vehicle was presented in its final form in 1978. The development of the sports car, of which 460 models were built, simultaneously marked the foundation of BMW Motorsport GmbH, which also accounted for the naming of the BMW M1.

With the BMW 507, Albrecht Graf von Goertz succeeded in designing a roadster that is commonly included amongst the most beautiful automobiles of all time. One eye-catching feature is the elegant curve of the side, which in a modified form is still found in the BMW roadsters of today. Other unmistakeable elements are the characteristic grille with cooling slots and the BMW emblem in the fenders.

With its timeless chic, the roadster of which only 252 models were produced inspired the celebrities of the time. Such owners included Alain Delon and Elvis Presley. Its matchless elegance and the low production numbers make the BMW 507 one of the most sought-after collectors’ items among automobile enthusiasts.