Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Today, we know that BMW is one of the most respected car brands in the world. Since its founding in 1916, the company has gone from making aircraft engines to building some of the most admired cars ever created. Over the decades, BMW has built a strong reputation for combining performance with beautiful design, and many of the most beautiful BMW models have become true icons of automotive history.
From a classic pre-war car era to modern models, here are 10 of the most beautiful BMW cars ever made.
1. BMW 507 (1956–1959)
The BMW 507 is widely considered one of the most beautiful cars ever made, not just by BMW but by any manufacturer. Designer Albrecht Goertz gave it a long hood, smooth curves, and a hand-built aluminum body. Its rarity adds to its charm, as only about 253 were ever produced, and one of them was famously owned by Elvis Presley. Today, a well-kept 507 can sell for millions of dollars.
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2. BMW 328 (1936–1940)
The BMW 328 was a remarkable sports car for its time. It had a lightweight body, a strong six-cylinder engine, and a design that looked far more modern than most cars of the 1930s. It also proved itself on the track, winning the legendary Mille Miglia race in 1940. With only 464 ever built, it is no surprise that experts named it one of the top 25 Cars of the Century in 1999.
3. BMW Z8 (2000–2003)
The BMW Z8 was BMW's attempt to bring the spirit of the classic 507 into the modern era. Designer Henrik Fisker gave it long, flowing lines, elegant chrome details, and a powerful 4.9-liter V8 engine borrowed from the E39 M5. The original 507 designer himself once said that if he were to design the 507 today, it would look just like the Z8. Only 5,703 were ever made.
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4. BMW M1 (1978–1981)
The BMW M1 holds a special place in BMW history as the brand's first and only mid-engine production car. Its low, wedge-shaped body was the work of the celebrated Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, who gave it a look that felt closer to an Italian exotic than a German sports car. It was also the first car ever produced by BMW's M division. Only 453 were built in total.
5. BMW E24 6 Series (1976–1989)
The BMW E24 6 Series is one of the most elegant grand tourers BMW has ever produced. Designer Paul Bracq created a sharp, forward-thrusting front end that enthusiasts quickly nicknamed the "Shark Nose," giving the car a look that remained fresh for over a decade. The top-of-the-range M635 CSi even shared its engine with the BMW M1 supercar, making it as thrilling to drive as it was to look at.
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6. BMW 2002 Turbo (1973–1975)
The BMW 2002 Turbo made history as the first turbocharged production car in Europe. Beyond its technical achievement, it also turned heads with bold fender flares, a front air dam, and the now iconic BMW Motorsport stripes in blue, purple, and red, which appeared on a BMW for the very first time here. Despite being launched just weeks before the global oil crisis hit, it remains one of the most important BMWs ever made.
7. BMW 3.0 CSL "Batmobile" (1972–1975)
The BMW 3.0 CSL earned its legendary "Batmobile" nickname thanks to its massive rear wing, wide fender flares, and aggressive aerodynamic bodywork. It was built primarily for racing and went on to win the European Touring Car Championship in 1973. On the road, it was just as dramatic to look at as it was on the track. Only 167 of the full aero versions were ever produced, cementing its status as one of the rarest BMWs in existence.
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8. BMW E46 M3 (2000–2006)
The BMW E46 M3 is often described as the purest M3 ever made. Its design is clean, muscular, and timeless, and it has aged remarkably well compared to many of its rivals from the same era. At its heart was a naturally aspirated 3.2-liter inline-six engine that many enthusiasts still regard as one of the finest ever built. The lightweight CSL variant, released in 2004 with a carbon fiber roof, made an already great car even more special.
9. BMW 1 Series M Coupé (2011)
Despite being based on the compact 1 Series, the BMW 1 Series M Coupé was anything but ordinary. BMW gave it dramatically flared fenders, large air intakes, and a twin-turbocharged inline-six engine producing 340 horsepower, all packed into a small and aggressive body. Many enthusiasts see it as a spiritual successor to the beloved E30 M3. Because it was only produced for a single year, it has already become a sought-after collector's car.
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10. BMW Z3 Coupé (1998–2002)
The BMW Z3 Coupé is one of the most distinctive cars BMW has ever made. Its roofline sweeps back and rises into a stubby, upright rear, a shape that earned it the affectionate nickname "Clown Shoe." What makes its story even more interesting is that it was created by a small group of engineers working as a passion project after hours, and it almost never received official approval. Today, it is a genuine cult classic.
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