In 1961 at the 40th Annual Frankfurt International Motor Show in Germany, Bavarian automaker BMW lifted the wraps off of two very special prototypes: the first of its 1500 “Neue Klasse” mid-sizers. For years, Beamer had been working on a new model to slot between its entry-level one and two cylinder cars and its more expensive, luxury-geared six and eight cylinder ones.

The result was a stylish four door sedan fitted with a 75 hp (56 kW) inline four, front disc brakes and weighing in at 2,095 lb (950 kg).

The design of the saloon was reminiscent of Italian cars, which shouldn’t come as a surprise given that, when developing the design of the 1500, BMW’s chief stylist Wilhelm Hofmeister had sought the advice of Giovanni Michelotti, who had already collaborated on the 700.

Read more »

Read more »

The maker of 'The Ultimate Driving Machine' has released a new promotional video featuring past, current and feature production and concept bimmers such as the Z1 and Z8 roadsters, M3 E30, 2002 Convertible and the controversial 5-Series GT. As with the Z4 Roadster, the Bavarians chose to use the 'Joy' slogan in their latest film. As you can see in the video, BMW overdid it with the joy theme as everyone is smiling like a Cheshire cat on dope. And oh, for those that don't understand a word of German, no need to panic as we've added an official translation right after the jump.

Translation: We are a car company. But we don't just make cars. We make time machines, Build Snowplows, And create works of art.

We inspire fans, And fan clubs. We are efficient and dynamic. We even shape the future.

We realized a long time ago that what you make people feel is just as important ... as what you make. And at BMW we make Joy.

Read more »