Germany’s defeat in the First World War, the ban on producing aircraft and engines obliged the company directors to reconvert the company into producing engines for motorcycles, trucks and cars.
It was only in 1928, with the acquisition by BMW of the German Dixi constructor, that the first car was assembled in Eisenach, an English Austin Seven for which Dixi held the licence. In 1933, BMW also built the first six cylinder in-line engine (1173cc) never included in the 303 model. It is the beginning of a long and successful story, both on the commercial and sporting fronts. One only needs to recall BMW’s numerous victories at the 24 Hours of Francorchamps as also that at Le Mans in 1999.
Autoworld’s exhibition is the ideal opportunity to retrace the major stages of a highly successful history !
© AutoWorld
Pictures Jonas Gilles
