The automaker known as BMW, which stands for Bayerische Motoren Werke, is a German-based purveyor of luxury cars and motorcycles that boasts an illustrious history dating all the way back to 1916. Widely renowned for its sleek, innovative designs, technologically advanced engineering, and high-performance engines, BMW has garnered a sterling reputation as a vanguard of the automotive industry. But unbeknownst to many, the storied BMW marque has a multifaceted tale that is replete with fascinating facts and little-known anecdotes.

One such factoid is that BMW began its life not as a purveyor of road vehicles, but as an aircraft engine manufacturer. Indeed, the first-ever product of BMW was the BMW IIIa, an inline six-cylinder aircraft engine that was utilized in the World War I conflict. Following the conclusion of the war, BMW shifted its focus from aviation and began producing motorcycles and automobiles.

Yet another interesting tidbit from BMW’s history is that it was the first company to pioneer the concept of the “BMW Motorrad” in 1923, which represented the initial iteration of a motorcycle that featured a flat-twin engine. This innovation was a key stepping stone for BMW on its path to becoming a preeminent purveyor of high-quality motorcycles and road vehicles.

Over the years, BMW has also left an indelible mark on the racing circuit, with its BMW Racing team having won numerous championships in Formula One and DTM, racking up multiple constructors’ championships and drivers’ championships along the way. The brand’s unparalleled performance capabilities and razor-sharp engineering have thus made it a dominant force in the motorsport arena.