BMW: The Classic Cars of the 1960s and 70s tells the story of the German marque's rise from almost certain bankruptcy in the late 1950s to its present, much vaunted position.
The excellent reputation now enjoyed by BMW as a maker of quality motor cars was hard-won. Known prior to World War Two for their innovative sports cars and saloons, they combined fine engineering with stylish bodywork which culminated in the late 1930s with the 328 two-seater sports car.
After the Second World War the company attempted to recreate its pre-war products, but the 'Baroque Angels' were too big and expensive for ordinary Germans in those austere years, and their high price made export next to impossible.
By the mid-1950s the motorcycle division was supporting the motor car division, and it was the diminutive Isetta that kept the company afloat during the fuel crisis of the mid-1950s.
By 1959 BMW were heading for bankruptcy as the profit margins on Isettas were low, and a saviour was needed. This came in the form of Germany's famous Quandt family, who injected large amounts of capital for the purpose of building a modern range of cars.
The 1500 saloon of 1962 put BMW back on the path to recovery and set the standard of excellence for which the company has been known ever since. In 1968, the company launched two new cars that would be hailed as classics in the years ahead, the immortal 2002 and 2800CS coupe, the latter being firmly aimed at Germany's premier carmaker, Daimler Benz.
Production of these cars was backed by a highly successful motor racing programme and in 1973 this culminated with the release of the world's first production turbo-charged sports saloon, the 2002 Turbo.
In the 1970s, BMW galvanized its position as a manufacturer of fine sports saloons with a series of both 4- and 6-cylinder cars that, through development, led to the huge and loyal following the marque enjoys today.
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