Apparently BMW has too many classic cars in their possession at the museum that they decided to sell a couple of them! They say it is a big leap in the brand’s quest to become more customer oriented. We actually quite like it, as it will give people a chance to own some of the most magnificent machines ever built, you know providing they have huge spare cash. The first models to be auctioned off include a BMW M1 and a BMW 3.0 CS, which will be offered at Bohnams auction in Dubai this October.
“Buying and selling classics is as much a part of our new range of services as the consignment of classics and advice on buying,” says Karl Baumer, Director of BMW Classic. “The auction of these two automobiles is our first move in that direction.” Since the 1990s, both the BMW M1 and the BMW 3.0 CSL have been owned by BMW Classic, and its forerunner BMW Mobile Tradition, where they were progressively restored and made public appearances at special events like the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este.
The auction of these two cars by Bonhams in Dubai will be the first time any model from the company’s own collection has been put up for sale. “I have no doubt that, for this debut, we have made the right choice in terms of the location and our partners,” declares a confident Baumer. Further purchases and sales will follow.
“Documenting BMW’s heritage and our deployment potential for events naturally form the spearhead of our collection strategy, but beyond that we want to give BMW enthusiasts the opportunity to purchase classics directly from the manufacturer in Munich,” explains Ralf Vierlein, General Manager Sales and Aftersales at BMW Classic. “At the same time we are consolidating our presence in the Middle East – a region where we see a great deal more potential specifically on the classic car front,” adds Vierlein.