Price: $43.49
From the Publisher
Celebrate more than 100 years of Germany’s best two- and four-wheeled rides!
BMW R90S, 1973
Perhaps the biggest ever advance in the public perception of BMW motorcycles came with the debut of the R90S (above) in 1973. As the flagship of the /6 series, it added not only a five-speed gearbox and disc front brakes but also a potent 67-hp engine of 900cc—the biggest boxer unit so far. Much more significant, however, was the influence of designer Hans Muth, who developed a smooth, integrated look, with an elegant dual seat and a sleek handlebar fairing giving a sporty cockpit feel. It was all impeccably turned out in shimmering metallic paint finishes and, at a stroke, BMW’s “old man’s bike” image vanished and a new, highly desirable identity was born.
BMW 507, 1955–1959
The 507 two-seater roadster has become one of BMW’s most famous models thanks to its gorgeous Goertz-inspired body, advanced V-8 engine, and impeccable hand-built construction. It has come to represent all the sporting and aesthetic values that BMW stands for, and it has taken on huge significance despite the tiny numbers sold during its short and deeply loss-making few years in production. Built on a new, shorter chassis with wishbone front suspension and improved location for the rear axle, the 507 enjoyed 150 hp from its high-compression V-8 with polished ports and a high-lift camshaft. In contrast to the 502 sedan and 503 coupe, the 507 had a direct floor shift. However, hampered by high prices, it never sold in the hoped-for numbers.
1955: Debut at IAA show in Frankfurt.
1956: First deliveries begin.
1959: Disc-brake version shown; production halted in December with just 252 examples made.
The M Cars
Two events in 1972 would have a big bearing on the way the BMW brand evolved during the next forty years and beyond. The first and the most publicly celebrated was the unveiling of the BMW Turbo design study created by Paul Bracq, powered by a 2-liter engine from the BMW 2002 and boosted to produce 200 hp, with the potential to go even higher. The second was the formation of BMW Motorsport GmbH to further BMW activities in motorsport.
Publisher : Motorbooks; 2nd edition (July 19, 2022)
Language : English
Hardcover : 240 pages
ISBN-10 : 0760373779
ISBN-13 : 978-0760373774
Item Weight : 3.33 pounds
Dimensions : 10.1 x 1.2 x 12.4 inches
Price: $43.49
