The car that started it all and brought the BMW name to North America, the 1975 BMW 3.0 CSL, stood proudly, sporting the blue, red and purple BMW stripes and the title, Bavarian Motor Works splashed across its windshield. Because the CSL was the first BMW race car to make the transatlantic jump, the German-run company needed to make sure that North America didn't think--as most did--that the 'B' in BMW stood for British motor works. And so, BMW branded itself clearly for the following years in the '70s as it went on to win championships and titles in various motor sports, earning it the racing heritage it has today.


BMW's company culture is so engrained with racing heritage, to see their historical lineup of race car greatness only solidified the notion that BMW understands how a vehicle needs to be built, driven and experienced. But, you mustn't forget: It's Bavarian not British.


Photo Credit : Colin Styker