The inconspicuous, green-painted garage with its colourful roller doors blends naturally into the shrub-covered scenery. Once opened, it conceals an unrivalled treasure: whether rare originals such as a BMW M5 E28 in henna red or special models like the BMW 333i – which was available in South Africa only –, Marek Letowt's collection is an impressive and almost complete curation of BMW rarities from the 1980s.
Letowt worked in management for BMW South Africa until 1999, but his passion for the brand began much earlier – and continues to this day. Models that he used to have posters of on the wall in his youth are now his own. On behalf of BMW and Me, presenter and content creator Becky Evans from London met the enthusiast in his home country for a drive.
A COLLECTION AS CULTURAL HERITAGE.
A COLLECTION AS CULTURAL HERITAGE.
Letowt’s passion is not just about owning these automobiles, but also about sharing their heritage. He treats his rides like cultural icons on wheels that deserve saving, conserving and to be shared. Still, he does not regard his collection as a classics’ museum. Rather as a collection of living memorabilia dedicated to the BMW and BMW M brand. Built on a deep-rooted love that began long before he owned his first car.
The decision of his grandfather - a German immigrant - to buy a BMW vehicle was to shape Marek's enthusiasm for cars forever. From then on, every car or motorbike the Letowts owned would be a BMW; it quickly became a family tradition. To no one’s surprise, Marek’s enthusiasm for the Bavarian brand would not wane when he began working for BMW South Africa during his student days.
My cars aren't necessarily garage queens. Some get used more sparingly than others, but they get to be enjoyed and loved.
SOUTH AFRICA-ONLYS IN A BEAUTIFUL SETTING.
SOUTH AFRICA-ONLYS IN A BEAUTIFUL SETTING.
Behind the roller doors of his garage lies a treasure remarkable for both its range and the rarities it contains. The deep connection between BMW and South Africa becomes obvious at first glance. When BMW opened its Rosslyn plant in 1973, it not only paved the way for a prosperous economic cooperation. It also provided a boost for the country's enthusiasm for motorsport which, especially in the 1980s, led to a number of rare BMW special models that were only available in South Africa. For instance, the BMW 333i (also known as “Triple Three”) which was based on the 3 Series E30. This South Africa-only model was devised because the local racing regulations back then ruled out the BMW 3 Series' high-revving four-cylinder S14 engine, hence the 3.2 liter inline six-cylinder power plant from the 733i was fitted under its bonnet .
The BMW 745i SA is also part of Marek’s collection. It was the top-of-the-range 7 Series model at the time but, unlike its counterparts in the rest of the world, the South African version did not have the turbo engine under the bonnet. Instead, the 277 hp BMW M1 engine developed by M GmbH was used. This made the South African 7 Series flagship the fastest production sedan in the world at the time. The reason for the swap? Due to the local left-hand traffic, there was no room for the turbocharger – it would have been in the way of the steering column.
TAKE FIVE – A WHOLE LOTTA LOVE FOR THE 5 SERIES.
TAKE FIVE – A WHOLE LOTTA LOVE FOR THE 5 SERIES.
Even more special to Letowt is a BMW 5 Series model that might raise some eyebrows at first glance: the BMW M535i E12/8 in M colours. It is another South African-only model that was built for homologation purposes in racing. Bereft of air conditioning, power steering or central locking, it is loaded with maximum performance for the circuit instead. With only eight units built, this special edition is one of the rarest BMW models ever.
As a lover of high-performance vehicles suitable for everyday use, Letowt knew as clear as daylight that his collection wouldn’t be complete without the BMW M5 – which is why he has put together an impressive set of those. From the BMW M5 E34 to the M5 E39 and the M5 E61 with V10 engine, his curation includes particularly important generations of the series. He is particularly sold on variants with extra load space: both the E34 and E61 in his collection are Touring versions.
DRIVE AND ENJOY.
DRIVE AND ENJOY.
For Letowt, it's not about hoarding cars or keeping them as dust-free exhibits – his vehicles are driven, experienced and presented. He exhibits his collection at events such as the M Fest so that other enthusiasts can also connect with this history. His motto is: you have to experience these cars – whether as a passenger or at the wheel.
A friend of mine and I decided that it was time to document all of these cars.
