Wednesday 13th May 2015

The secret BMW collector: Time For Tea?

One man and his 45 BMWs, including a very rare 700RS

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Audi and Mercedes fans look away now... However, those with a BMW alleigance will find much to like here. As part of the 'BMW Stories' initiative, a collector with 45 BMWs has been interviewed for this video.

It's a stunning collection, one that could easily justify a more in-depth look. It focuses on the 60s-80s, including early 1602 saloons, some great M cars and the a few curios you may not have not about. The 700RS was certainly new to us and is entirely not what you would expect from BMW

Watch it here.

[Source: BMW, via YouTube]

[Swampy1982]

Not sure why there havent been any comments on this story but I enjoyed it even though i really dont like BMW's (with a few exceptions)

The guy seemed genuinely as seems to have the means to indulge himself.

Not sure I agree with having 45 cars sat there, cant help but think nearly having 1 car for ever week of the year that they are just being "wasted"

each to their own...

[monthefish]

If he likes 'original', perhaps he'd be interested in this?

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...

[monthefish]

Swampy1982 said:

Not sure I agree with having 45 cars sat there, cant help but think nearly having 1 car for ever week of the year that they are just being "wasted"

each to their own...

If you had unlimited funds, would you not like to own a big collection of all of the cars you've ever loved?

I certainly would. I'd love to spend my time tracking down rare cars that I've always fancied.

[Leins]

Never really understood the opinion that cars have to be driven all the time. I'm getting the impression from the film that he takes them out when he wants, and keeps them well stored and maintained regardless

With unlimited funds I would do the exact same, albeit probably with 450 BMWs!

[Itsallicanafford]

Mmmh, can you imagine how good that place smells..

[g3org3y]

My kind of collection.

That 700RS looked lovely



*decides to play Euromillions lottery*

[vsonix]

I normally feel like I don't 'need' masses of money... but stuff like this gets my jealousy gland throbbing. I have like 3 BMWs and keeping them all in order eats half my disposable income and I really wish I could pay someone a retainer to keep them all in tip-top shape for me!

[gregf40]

monthefish said:

If you had unlimited funds, would you not like to own a big collection of all of the cars you've ever loved?

It doesn't really do anything for me to be honest.

I'd rather just have a few real gems and trade swap them around from time to time.

[Swampy1982]

Honestly, I'd have a few cars, up to 5-6, but not 10+

I just would worry about not enjoying them properly. This guy refers to them as art, and whilst I respect that, its just not for me...

[kalv]

That E30 M3 at the end... Yes PLEASE!

[shantybeater]

In years to come its people like this which will keep the old cars alive, he's doing a justice to car lovers imo. If I had the money I'd do similar.

[R66STU]

Its a short ish video that leaves me wanting to know more ! and then makes me remember how much i love BMW's, old new, and especially the rare ones.. That E30 m3 looks sweet..

[g7jhp]

Great to see someone with a passion restoring and preserving these cars.

Personally I don't get 'one marque collectors' always seems a little limited to me (and I'm more of a Porsche man).

As others have said I'd prefer a lower number 7-8 cars across a number of marques to cover all my needs.

[Blackpuddin]

700RS is certainly a rare one, full tubular chassis and a boxer twin engine, weighs just 830 pounds according to this interesting piece on it:
http://www.stanceworks.com/2014/08/the-collector-p...

[unsprung]

Itsallicanafford said:

Mmmh, can you imagine how good that place smells..

Great observation. That tell-tale scent of vinyl and old upholstery... the occasional whiff of petrol that says carburetor. And sometimes, while just standing there, you could swear that you taste these things.

A very analogue place to be, by today's digital / hermetic standards.

[scottos]

Awesome video. The story is great, was a nice touch ending it with the one car that started off his love for all things bmw!

[JatHanspal]

I recall reading about this on a StanceWorks article, which also has some superb photos:
http://www.stanceworks.com/2012/05/the-collector-b...

Love the look of the ACS Widebody.

[PistonBroker]

Great video, thanks for sharing PH.

Given the funds I'd do exactly the same, though as others have said, it wouldn't be one-marque.

[Butter Face]

I'm not a BMW man, but that is a great collection.

I dream of a Honda based collection of the same type.

[Mr Tidy]

Lovely collection, and he does seem to want to preserve them all in running condition so good luck to him.
Will check my Euromillions ticket tomorrow before I go looking for premises like his! (In my dreams)!
Probably would not want as many as 45 and would have other marques too but I would definitely want an M635CSi!
Still I'm on my way with my starter collection of 2!