The Line of Beauty: The Big BMW Coupés and Convertibles - New Temporary Exhibition at the BMW Museum

MUNICH, GERMANY – October 25, 2011: From 28 October 2011 until the end of September 2012, the BMW Museum is devoting a special exhibition to the development of the big BMW Coupés and Convertibles. Entitled “The Line of Beauty”, it features 14 outstanding exhibits that span the years 1937 to 2011 and take visitors on a historical journey through the world of elegant sports cars. Preliminary design studies and original hand sketches from the BMW Group Archives recall the longstanding design tradition and leading international stylists that have left their profound imprint on the image and identity of the BMW brand to this day.

The curtain is raised by the BMW 327 Sports Convertible and BMW 327/28 Sports Coupé, both of which rank among the most attractive automobiles of the pre-war era. The BMW 502 Coupé and the Convertible of the same name, along with the BMW 503 Coupé, reflect the luxury and elegance spawned by the economic miracle of the 1950s. The 1960s are ushered in by the Bertone-designed BMW 3200 CS, before the BMW 2000 CS – with its formal language firmly in the mould of BMW’s “New Class” – signals a turning point in the history of BMW Coupés and Convertibles. The 1970s are launched under the banner of the elegant BMW 3.0 CSi, followed in 1976 by a second milestone in the shape of BMW’s first 6 Series range. The journey through time leads visitors to the BMW 8 Series of the 1990s en route to the second 6 Series range, which rings in the new millennium. Rounding off the exhibition are the new BMW 6 Series Convertible and the new BMW 6 Series Coupé, which was unveiled to the public this year.

Creating a special bridge between past and future is a project initiated by the BMW Museum in the summer of 2011 and featuring design classes held by three renowned design and art schools. With its historical and contemporary exhibits, “The Line of Beauty – The big BMW Coupés and Convertibles” has inspired students to fashion new forms and forge new ideas. In a series of workshops, the young designers analyse historical styles of automotive design, the BMW heritage, and their own national tradition.