1931 BMW IHLE 600 Sports Roadster

[tomshobby]

I had the opportunity to see this 1931 BMW at the Botham show in 2008. Luckily I asked if I could get closer and take photos and permission was granted.

The story of how it was found in Europe and how it passed through customs was exciting. Then BMW wanted to restore the car properly so they provided nos factory parts and even mad a new aluminum cast fan/pulley for it. When asked why they responded that they planned on owning the car one day. After the happenings in the news article it may be much later than they hoped for.

https://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/doug_moe/article_4144ecca-c679-11e0-a1cb-001cc4c03286.html

 

[aeronca65t]

Very nice! But they certainly didn't leave any patina. :wink:

I'd have to assume that car is related to the Austin 7 somehow. BMW started making the Dixie under license from Austin just before that.

 

[Roger]

I suppose you realise how appropriate it is to show that car in a British context? Those BMWs were LHD versions of the Austin Seven, built in Germany under license, like Bantams over here. Like the Bantam, when they converted to LHD they even handed the engine- the original A7 has its inlet and exhaust on the other side, and the dynamo and distributor mount the other way round too.

I'm interested by the capacity too, 743cc. English Austins were 747cc. Wonder how they lost 1 cc per cylinder?

Lovely little car!


Beat me to it, Nial!

 

[tomshobby]

As I understand it is one of 6 know to exist in the world. I am not knowledgeable of the history. But here are some pics of the poster that was displayed with it.

 

[Sherlock]

I do remember you posting those photos earlier, I'm still jealous that you actually got to see it back then, nothing that special around here... *sigh*

On another note, I think it's a shame when a car like this goes into such a private collection, if it's as rare as they say it is it needs to be seen somewhere as a piece of history, but ultimately the owner can sell to whoever he wants to...