BMW Antique, Vintage and Classic Cars For Sale

Bavarian Motor Works History (Continued from top)

BMW Logo  

Karl Rapp was an aircraft engine manufacturer, which is why the BMW logo symbolizes a spinning white propeller. After World War I, the Treaty of Versailles prohibited Germany from making aircraft so BMW made railway brakes. The first BMW motorcycle was introduced in 1923 and by 1933 they were producing cars. During World War II BMW produced engines, jet engines and weapons for the German army and the factory suffered major damage from allied bombs.

The first post-war BMW was produced in 1952 but they were too expensive for the market and sales were low. In 1959 BMW considered selling out to rival Daimler-Benz but new money from investors saved the day. Between 1994 and 2000 BMW bought the Rover Group which built the Rover, Mini and Land Rover brands and had the rights to the Austin, Morris, Riley, Triumph and Wolseley marques. In 2000 BMW sold their interest in the Rover Group but kept the rights to Mini, Rover, Triumph and other marques.