1938

Formed in 1916, BMW built aircraft engines. The design of their famous badge is based on the rotating blades of an aeroplane, painted blue and white, the state colours of Bavaria. Car manufacturing started when BMW bought the Dixi Motor Company, which had a licence to build the Austin 7. From 1928 it was badged as the BMW 3/15. In 1937 BMW needed an elegant sports tourer to fill the gap between the competition-bred 328 roadster and the more sedate 326 model. Engineered by Fritz Fielder, the 327 was a combination of existing BMWs – the 326 donated steering, brakes, wheels and a 55bhp two-litre six-cylinder engine, while the rear suspension and gearbox came from the 328.