Fans of Germany’s four-wheeled treasures will want to mark November 23rd in their calendars as RM Sotheby’s is set to return to Motorworld Munich with a dazzling array of the greatest hits from Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Audi, and of course BMW. It’s the latter’s incredible back catalogue that we’ll be taking a deep dive into today, tracing the marque’s evolution from the timeless elegance of the 328 right up to the modern classic V8-powered Z8. Take a look below to discover seven of Bavarian Motor Werks’ finest masterpieces.
1937 BMW 328 Roadster
This stunning 328 Roadster is rolling proof that BMW has been producing stylish automobiles since the very start. First owned by the Prince of Leiningen, this 328 was confiscated during World War II before stints spent in the United States and United Kingdom. Believed to boast period racing history, this 328 benefitted from a restoration between 1993 and 1996 and currently presents in the fabulous colour combination of dark green over a black leather interior. If you want to experience BMW’s roots, this 328 Roadster offers a fantastic vintage driving experience.
1963 BMW 3200 CS
Often overlooked in favour of BMW’s more recent heavy hitters, there’s a lot to love about this extremely rare 3200 CS. An expensive sports car in its day, only 603 examples were built between 1962 and 1965, each featuring gorgeous bodywork courtesy of Giorgetto Giugiaro during his tenure at Bertone. Despite the demure exterior, this 3200 CS features a 3.2-litre V-8 engine paired with a four-speed manual gearbox, producing around 160 horsepower and allowing this lithe coupe to reach 200 km/h!
1972 BMW 3.0 CSL
It’s incredible to see just how much BMW evolved in the decade between the 3200 CS above and this amazing 3.0 CSL. This car is one of a mere 500 right hand drive examples of perhaps BMW’s best-looking homologation special. Finished in the rare shade of Ceylon Metallic, this 3.0 CSL boasts lovely period-correct Scheel sports seats, Petri three-spoke steering wheel, plus electric rear windows. Any collection of BMW’s greatest hits would not be complete without one of these beauties!
1979 BMW M1
Every single one of the 399 units of BMW’s original M halo car are bonafide head turners, but this particular M1 is even more of a jaw-dropper thanks to its unique paintwork styled by the legendary artist Walter Maurer. Nestled behind the driver’s seat, you’ll find a matching-numbers 273 horsepower 3.5-litre inline-six, and when not enjoying that glorious engine note, you’ll be able to savour some of Giorgetto Giugiaro’s finest pen work. Currently showing just 33,862 km, this is an unmissable opportunity to acquire one of the most desirable examples of arguably the ultimate Bavarian poster car.
1988 BMW M3
The E30 M3 is about as synonymous with collectible BMWs as they come, and you’ll be hard pressed to find a better specimen than this left-hand-drive Japanese-specification example. Finished in the timeless combination of Alpine White II over a black leather interior, this M3 packs some added eye-candy in the form of its rare 16-inch split wheels. Powered by a numbers-matching 2.3-litre, four-cylinder S14 engine capable of 212 horsepower, this M3 currently shows just 63,082 km on the clock and has had just two previous keepers.
1995 BMW 850 Ci
Our penultimate collector car is one of the best grand tourers ever to wear the BMW badge. Boasting popup headlights, arresting Klaus Kapitza-designed bodywork, and a silky smooth 5.0-litre V12, this 850 Ci would be an excellent cross-continental cruiser. Originally ordered new in the amazing combination of Orient Blau over a blue leather by a Sheikh in Saudi Arabia, it was promptly snapped up Finnish expat after the Sheikh cancelled his order. Equipped with Gulf-specific options such as improved air conditioning and catalytic converter delete, this would make for an amazing modern classic daily.
2000 BMW Z8
Last but certainly not least, we arrive at this Titansilber Metallic BMW Z8. Unveiled at the 1997 Tokyo Motor Show, it wasn’t long before the Z8 found its way onto the silver screen, starring alongside James Bond two years later in ‘The World Is Not Enough’. Just 5,703 of these retro-modern millennium roadster ever left Bavaria, and this is a gorgeous example of the breed, thanks to its low mileage of 48,946 km and matching engine. While convertibles and winter typically aren’t the best match, this Z8 would be an excellent road trip companion when Summer rolls around next year!
Munich, 23 Nov
