Unbeatable BMW: Eighty Years of Engineering and Motorsport Success [Hardcover]

Jeremy Walton (Author), Karl-Heinz Kalbfell (Foreword), Nelson Piquet (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 2003

Unbeatable BMW is the comprehensive history of BMW competition from 1917 through 1997. The first edition of Unbeatable BMW became a cult classic among enthusiasts, but its coverage was restricted to the years 1959-79. Now, this astounding story has been massively expanded by the author in a hardcover format, richly illustrated in full color. Jeremy Walton weaves together the tale of BMW's engineering know-how, daredevil drivers, inimitable team leaders, and the cars they championed and drove to the winner's circle. Behind BMW's envied reputation and the whirling-propeller badge are such legends as the prewar BMW 328 sports cars and the 1990s 200 m.p.h. McLaren/BMW V12s. Unbeatable BMW also gives first-hand tales of BMW's aviation and motorcycling deeds.

Included are gripping accounts of the preparation and track-side action for such emotive winners as the diminutive BMW 700 coupes to the 1800 "Tisa" and 2002s. Walton sweeps through the 1970s "Batmobile" 3.0 CSL lightweight racing coupes, then explores the best-selling 3-series in every race category. Walton also covers the unexpected success of the 5- and 6-series, the latter against Jaguar.

Unbeatable BMW recalls the establishment of BMW's Motorsport division, and the thrill of the first M-Powered cars. From M1 onward, the author details the burgeoning M-brand, how MPower won the first world title for a turbocharged car (1983), and the years as the backbone of European Formula 2.

The book's 582 pages are packed with detail to thrill the heart of the most ardent BMW fan, from meticulous photo captions listing car, driver, and race date, to six appendices covering the competition cars since 1960, drivers' accomplishments, and powerpant specifications.

In short, if BMW has raced, rallied, or flown their products in competition, Unbeatable BMW gives the full, behind-the-scenes story in this compelling account of the marque's motorsports history.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Jeremy Walton is a well known English author who has specialized in motorsports, and Robert Bentley is an established publisher of automotive titles; together they have produced the definitive story of BMW's racing campaigns. Physically it is a thick and weighty volume, appropriate to its substantial price.

Unbeatable BMW is actually the second edition of the title, a smaller book limited to the years 1959-1979 having appeared 20 years ago. There is hardly any comparison . . . Add 503 photographs (of which 155 are in color) and it's obvious why the book is so hefty. I never thought I'd say this about a book, but it's worth that to anyone fascinated by [BMW racing]. -- Road & Track Magazine - February 1999

The term "definitive work" is often bandied about. Make no mistake, anything about BMW not mentioned here isn't worth knowing. -- Anthony Peacock - Autosport Magazine, September 17, 1998

Product Details

• Hardcover: 582 pages
• Publisher: Bentley Publishers (April 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0837602068
• ISBN-13: 978-0837602066
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 9.3 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,811,660 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

CV-Jeremy David Walton, July 4 1946-2010


Freelance writer and author, Writer's Digest "Honorable Mention' in 2007 USA competition contested by 15,000 entries. Previous winner of non-fiction writing awards in the USA, 1998-1999-2000.
Following garage employment and a mercifully short spell washing cows' bottoms, former NUJ-Trained sub editor Walton created a freelance automotive consultancy and writing business in 1978. Contributed to national newspapers, consumer magazines and has had 35 non-fiction books commercially published [see www.jwarthog.com or enter Jeremy Walton on Amazon].
Loyal audience built in USA with 1996-2010 motoring columns and features. Co-wrote two UK sport-business titles with Palgrave Macmillan, the last published in 2001.
Completed a contracted Gerry Marshall biography for April 2010 publication and compiled an autobiography published March 2009.
Has also competed in motorsports UK and overseas with some national success, completed high profile economy run UK 2009 for Ford in a Focus RS.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Car + Best Motorsport = Best Book, February 21, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Unbeatable BMW: Eighty Years of Engineering and Motorsport Success (Hardcover)

I bought this book at amazon.com's great price when I knew the original edition was difficult (and expensive) to locate. The book, with its great commentary and numerous photos, really shows the essence of the motorsport successes (and failures) of one of the world's great auto makers. If you are interested in racing (and BMWs in particular), I very much recommend this book.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must-Own for any BMW racing enthusiast!, November 28, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Unbeatable BMW: Eighty Years of Engineering and Motorsport Success (Hardcover)

Taking into account the difficult task of giving fair representation to BMW's extensive motor racing history, this text serves as the definitive tome on BMW's racing exploits. For the most part it covers BMW's sedan racing from the 60's to 80's, with a smattering of formula car history thrown in, too. The text describes the overall racing history and details quite extensively the technical aspects of the various cars. This is augmented by a fantastic collection of photos of racecars, homologated streetcars, and technical drawings. While it isn't cheap (even on Amazon) it's well worth it.

11 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars phenomenally detailed, December 31, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Unbeatable BMW: Eighty Years of Engineering and Motorsport Success (Hardcover)

This book may well be the ultimate bmw book. It details everything down to the tee. If you have an avid interest in BMW, this book is a "MUST HAVE NOW" title.