Ernst Loof
Thursday 4th July 1907 Born on this day, Ernst Loof, German automotive engineer and racing driver from Neindorf, Germany who contributed to the design of the BMW 328 sports car in the late 1930s. Loof was also a famous motorcycle racer and designer, who scored numerous successes in pre-war years for Imperia of Bad Godesberg…
Max Hoffman
Saturday 12th November 1904 Born on this day, Max Hoffman, Austrian-born, New York-based importer of luxury European automobiles into the United States during the 1950s. Known equally for his acumen and influence, he was instrumental in development and refinement of numerous models (eg Mercedes-Benz 300SL “GullWing”, Porsche 356 Speedster, BMW 507, earning him induction into…
The Honourable Charles Rolls and Henry Royce met for the first time at the Midland Hotel in Manchester, UK
Wednesday 4th May 1904 The Honourable Charles Rolls and Henry Royce met for the first time at the Midland Hotel in Manchester, UK. The two men quickly decided they should join forces to produce and market high-class cars – and set the seal on their agreement with a simple handshake. It was more than seven…
Franz Josef Popp
Thursday 14th January 1886 Born on this day, Franz Josef Popp, one of three men responsible for the founding of BMW AG and the First General Director of BMW AG from 1922 to 1942.
Karl Friedrich Rapp
Sunday 24th September 1882 Born this day, Karl Friedrich Rapp, founder and owner of the Rapp Motorenwerke GmbH in Munich. In time this company became BMW AG. He is acknowledged by BMW AG as an indirect founder of the company.
Camillo Castiglioni
Wednesday 22nd October 1879 Born on this day, Camillo Castiglioni, Austrian financier and banker, and was the wealthiest man in Central Europe during WWI. He was active in aviation’s pioneering days and invested in the arts. Castiglioni significantly influenced the development of BMW AG in its early years. The granting of a license agreement by…