BMW’s Motorsport Heart & Soul

BMW has long followed a policy of racing cars and engines derived from production vehicles. Until BMW entered Formula One with Williams using its V10 unit in 2000, every single engine raced by BMW had been derived from a production unit. As the company celebrates its centenary, it seems appropriate to examine its competitive heartland—touring cars.

Following pre-war glory with its iconic 328, the 1940s and 1950s brought BMW to its knees. While the 328’s six-pot engine formed the basis of many a German racing car, including AFM and Veritas, the factory itself was struggling to survive the war’s devastation. In fact, its first post-war car, the Baroque Angel 501, did not arrive until 1951. Motor racing took a back seat in favor of corporate survival. There were some efforts to race and rally the 501, and its 502 V8 sibling, and even the 507 was modified in-house for Auto Union star Hans Stuck to challenge for hillclimb success. Heavens, one enthusiast even placed his trust in the diminutive Isetta for the 1956 Mille Miglia, but none of this could seriously be considered a factory sporting engagement.