The history of BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke) begins with two separate companies started by Gustar Otto and Karl Rapp. One built aeroplanes and the other marine and aviation engines. The two companies remained separate but cooperative entities until 1922 when a Viennese banker by the name of Castiglioni bought them both. The new company’s’ first venture after the merger was the production of motorcycles. Although the mechanical layout, i.e. transverse twin cylinder engine with combined gearbox and drive shaft was not original it was original for it to be incorporated into a motorcycle.. BMW motorcycles still retain this basic layout to this day.

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BMW moved into the production of four wheeled drive vehicles in 1928 when the company acquired the Dixi Company and its rights to produce the British Austin 7 under licence. BMW quickly enjoyed its first competition successes with this model, winning the team prize in the 1929 Alpine Trial and a class win in the Monte Carlo Rally in 1930! By 1932 BMW had sold over 32,000 Dixi’s. In this year the company produced the first car of its own design the 3/20PS, which gradually over the next four years was developed into the world famous innovative 328 sports model. This car was dominant in class in pre war motor racing. Post war production did not resume at the Munich BMW factory until 1952, but the Eisenach plant was nationalised and produced the 320/321 saloon and 326/327 BMW pre war designs. These were badged EMW. Eisenach Motoren Werke. We have been fortunate enough to work on these models, both a 328 which we later passed on via our sales service and an EMW (327) drophead which is a regular visitor to our works and owned by an elderly lady who was given the car by a friend (see sunbeam, gallery section) and calls the car “the Monster”