Classic

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THE BMW GROUP CLASSIC NEWSLETTER #35.


18 November 2019

90 YEARS OF BMW AUTOMOBILES

THE NEW FACE OF THE BRAND: HOW BMW GOT ITS KIDNEYS.

No other external attribute is so strongly associated globally with BMW as the symmetrically divided kidney-shaped radiator grille. The “kidneys” came into being for the first time when the BMW 303 was presented in February 1933. In other ways, too, this was a truly remarkable vehicle: powered by six inline cylinders, endowed with sporting prowess, and highly sophisticated. The BMW 303 was regarded as the company’s first genuine “driver’s car”. The “kidneys” exerted an exciting impact. Individuals who aren’t dedicated gearheads are rarely able to distinguish the brand of one pre-war car from another. The BMW 303 is a different story – at least when it comes to the front profile.    

MEET BMW GROUP CLASSIC

FAMILY DAY IN THE BMW MUSEUM AND A MARKET FOR CLASSIC-CAR FANS.

A date for a family outing like no other! This coming Sunday on 24 November, BMW is issuing an invitation to a double bill of events that will appeal to the various interests of fans across the age groups. Collectors and fans will come together in the Auditorium of BMW Welt at the Automobilia Market with 130 sales tables and a special exhibition on “60 years of the BMW 700”. (10.00 to 15.00). Meanwhile, the BMW Museum will be all about biathlon. Olympic Gold Medallist Laura Dahlmeier and legendary biathlete Fritz Fischer will answer questions, sign autographs and invite children to take part in a simulator challenge.    

You can find more information here:

60 YEARS OF MINI

CONVERSION OR NEW-BUILD? THE RACING MINI WITH FASTBACK.

A rule of thumb goes like this. There isn’t much that a classic Mini hasn’t been transformed into at one time or another. But a coupé with a sleek, sloping tail end and boasting fully-fledged racing features? Yes, it does exist! Between 1966 and 1968, fewer than 30 of the Broadspeed GTS Mini cars left the small specialist workshop in Birmingham after some serious work with fibreglass at the rear end and lots of effort put into tuning. The real question was: is this still a conversion or a new-build? Whatever the answer, the Broadspeed GTS is – naturally enough – a highly cherished collectable.    

REPLACEMENT PART OF THE WEEK

FRESH CARPETS FOR THE FIRST BMW 3 SERIES CONVERTIBLE WITH NO ROLL BAR.

Three years after the start of the second generation of the BMW 3 Series, the two and four-door saloons were followed by a third coachwork version which was eagerly awaited by lots of fans. The BMW 3 Series Convertible was a sensation with its flat, elegantly extended silhouette and an untrammelled view of the sky. Thanks to particularly robust A pillars and a reinforced windscreen frame, the open-top BMW 3 Series didn’t feature a rollover bar. There had been nothing like this since the full convertible was produced in an edition of just 200 automobiles based on the BMW 02 Series at the beginning of the 1970s. In the meantime, the first “genuine” convertible in the BMW 3 Series has become a coveted classic car. A large selection of original components from the BMW Group Classic Parts Shop makes a big contribution to keeping the airy four-seater spick and span both inside and out. The range now also includes all the carpet fittings in original quality. The anthracite floor carpet is already supplied for the front area of the interior. The carpeting for the rear will follow in December. 

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