• Replica of the post-war factory racer
• On static display for many years
• Requires recommissioning/restoration

When BMW-mounted Georg Meier became the first foreign winner of the Isle of Man Senior TT in 1939, it marked the pinnacle of pre-war success for a firm that, remarkably, had not built a motorcycle of its own until 1923. Originally an aero engine manufacturer, Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW) had come into being in July 1917 when the Bayerische Fluzeugwerke (BFW) company was reorganised. BMW's engines proved their worth time and again in aerial combat in WWI, but on cessation of hostilities the firm had no option but to seek other work, hence the switch to motorcycles.

As far as competition was concerned, BMW would not be ready to challenge the British factories - which dominated international motorcycle racing - for some time, choosing instead to concentrate its efforts on speed records. Works rider Ernst Henne held the world motorcycle speed record for most of the 1930s, leaving it at 173.57mph in 1937, a figure that would not be bettered until 1951. From 1935 onwards Henne used a supercharged (kompressor) 500cc twin, and this forced induction technology was first applied to the factory road racers that same year. BMW's spirit of innovation also extended to the racers' cycle parts: telescopic front forks were fitted from '35 and plunger rear suspension from 1937, but it was not until 1939 that it all came together in that historic Senior TT victory. When the FIM banned superchargers from international competition after the war, BMW responded by developing a new, normally aspirated racer, albeit one based on the basic pre-war design.

According to BMW Archives, the machine offered here is "A beautifully made BMW sports motorcycle in the style of the R 51 RS, with numerous parts that were also used in the first races of the post-war period." The frame number (to modern headstock plaque and rear suspension) suggests the frame originated as part of a 1951-54 BMW R51/3 as per BMW production numbers, while the engine's number suggests it came from a 1939-40 BMW R51; however, note the 'OZ-80' prefix.

Some handwritten notes on file may contain clues regarding the BMW's history, while 2009 images and 2010 correspondence suggest it may have been purchased from a Horst Weber. Clearly unused for a considerable period, the machine will require careful recommissioning or potentially more extensive restoration before further use and thus is sold strictly as viewed (the engine turns over). Prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to the condition, completeness, authenticity and compatibility of this Lot's component parts prior to bidding. A detached Bosch FJ2AR186 magneto is included in the sale.