BMW cars were built from 1967 onwards in South Africa, beginning first as knockdown kits, but eventually the thriving motorsport scene in South Africa led to the need for homegrown models. The 530MLE shared many key aspects with the earlier BMW CSL, including the shedding of all excess weight, by removing all unessential luxuries from the equation and using thinner, lighter materials through the whole car. South Africa at the time had a racing scene similar to Australia, with a ‘win on Sunday, sell on Monday’ mentality. Amongst BMW aficionados, the 530MLE is known as the first ‘M’ car, pre-dating even the M1 and years ahead of the M3. The vehicle is powered by a 3.0l inline-six, fitted with two Zenith carburettors and producing over 200 horsepower, mated to a 5-speed gearbox. Today, it is believed that just six of these super-saloons survive!
