BMW Neue Klasse
Just like Mercedes-Benz, BMW was in terrible financial standing after World War II. The company had its facilities destroyed. They relied heavily on the BMW 502, a luxurious limousine that struggled to find customers in the post-war era. Similar to Mercedes-Benz, the Bavarian company had a plan to conquer the American market with big V8-powered GT coupés and convertibles. But with no strong racing heritage at the moment, the 503 and 507 caused more harm than good, leaving BMW with even bigger debts (via BMW).
Introduced in 1966, this nimble two-door sedan offered unmatched handling and lively performance at an affordable price. The model became a market hit in Europe and the United States. At first, it started its life as a 1.6L-powered car. But with the addition of a two-liter engine, the 2002 became the quintessential enthusiast’s car and the basis for the upcoming 3 Series, the most popular BMW model today. Sales of the 02 Series enabled BMW to expand its lineup to more exclusive E3 and E9 sedans and coupes, and it also rebranded the company thanks to numerous wins in rallies and circuit races throughout Europe.