November 20, 2024
Daniel Rufiange
Spartanburg, South Carolina – Last week we were in Spartanburg, South Carolina. This is where BMW established itself in North America 30 years ago. Initially, its facilities were modest, but they have grown significantly since then.
During our first evening there, where the company’s 30th anniversary on American soil was being celebrated, we had the opportunity to see some classic models which were on display in the reception room. We weren’t going to miss the opportunity to take a few photos to present them to you.
Our series of photos presents, in order, the following vehicles:
1 — BMW Z1 1989
The Z1 was designed as a pilot project at BMW, with the aim of presenting the vehicle of the future. This roadster featured an avant-garde design, notably with these doors which slide vertically downwards to practically disappear. The project had the approval of the leaders of the time for limited production. In total, some 8,000 examples were manufactured between 1989 and 1991. Under the hood, a 2.5-liter inline 6-cylinder good for 168 horsepower.
2 – Ihle Dixi 1930
This is a BMW that is really not known. Yet the direction that design took at BMW at the time is largely attributable to the work that had been done with the Dixi, as can be seen with the grille. The model, which was intended to be a racing roadster, was modified for production. It was offered to the public from 1930 to 1933. It was, at the time, the second model sold in the history of the brand. A 4-cylinder producing 15 horsepower was responsible for powering this vehicle, which could reach speeds of 80 km/h.
3 — BMW 3 Series (1994-1998)
The 3 Series produced from 1994 to 1998 was the first car to be manufactured at BMW’s Spartanburg plant. She paved the way for a success story that continues.
4 — BMW Z3 GoldenEye
The Z3 captured the imagination because of its eye-catching design and the driving pleasure it gave its owners. It also marked the imagination of fans of the James Bond film series, when it was used by the famous secret agent in the GoldenEye component. This was the first time James Bond drove a BMW. The model intended for the film was the first in the Z3 series, and was given the serial number 007. In total, BMW produced 297,088 Z3s between 1995 and 2002.
5 — BMW M3 1986
The debate will always rage as to which is the most beautiful BMW in history. The author of these lines likes the M5 from the 80s, but the M3 from the mid-80s is also a superb creation. This car was developed for use in touring-style racing series, but public reaction resulted in a production version, which was not the original plan. A legend was born.
6 — BMW Isetta
Here’s one that needs no introduction. The BMW Isetta was launched in the mid-1950s. This chip was revolutionary and it played an important role in the history of BMW. It met the need for cheap mobility in a difficult post-war economy in Europe. Its main features come down to a single-cylinder engine and its front-door design. Above all, thanks to its compact size and low consumption, the Isetta allowed BMW to survive difficult financial times.
7 — BMW Z8 1999
Looking at the BMW Z8 up close, it’s incredible to think that this car was designed a quarter of a century ago. Its lines are still spectacular, the sign of a successful and timeless design. Produced for only three years, it quickly rose to the status of myth, and today requires a small fortune to acquire. Inspired by the 507 of the 1950s, the Z8 responds to the orders of a 5.0-liter V8 which offers 394 horsepower. Its 0-100 km/h time is around 4.5 seconds. Only 5703 Z8s were made.
8 — BMW 319 1934
In the 1930s, BMW achieved incredible success in motor racing with the 315 roadster. The company then decided to make a production version, which would be modified to become the 319, a car that would launch BMW into the cursed decade. pre-war. A 6-cylinder engine offering 45 horsepower fitted the model. The 319 was offered with five different body styles, including 3029 versions of the model which is on display at the Zentrum Museum in South Carolina. The 319 was assembled from 1934 to 1937.
9 — BMW X5 4.6is
BMW’s history is rich, and it also has more recent classics, like this first-generation X5. The X5 has been produced in South Carolina since its beginnings and it represents an important model for the history of the brand in North America. In fact, without the success of utility models, one wonders whether BMW’s growth on our continent would have been the same.
