CLASSIC CARS
BMW resurrects legendary 530 MLE
The company will restore and unveil the SA-only motor-racing model first built more than 42 years ago
One of the last of the original motorsport-inspired BMW 5 Series models has been unearthed in SA. BMW SA will restore a 530 MLE, unveiled by some of the very men who built the original more than 42 years ago, to its former glory. The history of the 530 MLE dates back to the mid-1970s when BMW SA wanted to go racing and sought out famous racing driver and head of BMW Motorsport Jochen Neerpasch. Shortly thereafter, two of the first generation BMW 5 Series (E12) race cars were prepared to compete in the flagship Modified Production Series in SA. The BMW 530 Motorsport Limited Edition (MLE) rolled up to the starting line in the Modified Production Series in 1976. Fifteen wins from 15 consecutive starts followed, and BMW stamped its authority on the racing series with three championship titles in as many years. The BMW 530 MLE was the most successful racing BMW 5 Series in history when it was retired in 1985. To qualify for motor-racing entry, however, BMW SA had to sell 100 road-going ...
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