Bonhams will hold an auction comprised entirely of BMW produced and powered automobiles, motorcycles and related automobilia on October 1, 2011 at the BMW Museum in Munich. The Power by BMW sale represents the first BMW only event since the successful 100% sold auction by Bonhams of the Willy Neutkens Collection of BMW Motorcycles at the BMW Museum in Munich in 2009.
The BMW brand is synonymous with motorsport, from the innovative BMW 328s that dominated their class pre-war, to the CSL Batmobiles that fought off strong competition in the golden age of Saloon car racing, and the Le Mans winning BMW powered McLaren F1s.
The same can be said for motorcycles with the legendary Georg Meier riding a works BMW Kompressor and becoming the first foreign winner of the Isle of Man Senior TT in 1939, which marked the pinnacle of pre-war BMW successes.
In addition, aircraft engines make up an important part of BMW’s history. The BMW logo to this day depicts the blades of an aircraft propeller.
Philip Kantor, Head of Bonhams European Motoring Division, comments, “The BMW brand encompasses all that one would want from one of the world’s top luxury motoring manufacturers – a long history of innovative and attractive design, motorsport success, and how can we ignore those great engines! Power by BMW will present the finest examples of BMW produced and powered machines in the surroundings of the BMW’s own museum in Munich.”
Robert Glover, Business Manager of Bonhams European Motoring Department, said, “As our hugely successful annual Aston Martin auction demonstrates, one marque sales allow a focus and clarity of brand not allowed in mixed marque sales, and world record prices are often achieved alongside near 100% sale rates. We are extremely excited about this new venture and would like to extend our thanks to BMW Classic and the BMW Museum for their support thus far.”
Already consigned for the auction is the 1976 Le Mans 24 hour class winning and 1976 Spa Francorchamps 24 hour overall winning, 1976 BMW 3.0 Litre CSL ‘Batmobile’ Competition Coupé. Estimate: €325,000 – 375,000.
For more information, visit www.bonhams.com/cars or call +33 (0) 142 61 10 11.
[Source: Bonhams]
