The story that surrounds this copy of BMW RS M255 Kompressorwhich will soon be auctioned by Bonhams within the event Stafford Autumn Salecombines innovation, courage, competition and record numbers. Taking into account that the gestation of the model dates back almost 100 years, there is no doubt that we are looking at one of the motorcycles most ahead of its time in history.
In addition, his story is accompanied by epic, the same one that made champion Georg Meier in the famous Isle of Man TT in 1939. He also became the first non-British pilot to win the crown of winner in the legendary English event. To make matters worse, he achieved it after the death of his teammate, Karl Gallduring qualifying training for the demanding urban race.
BMW RS M255 Kompressor: A sports car ahead of its time
To put the importance of this RS M255 Kompressor into perspective, we must bear in mind that we are talking about the late 1930s, a time when British motorcycles were in full swing and were always the rivals to beat by the competition. . So BMW, as detailed in the description of the ad itself:
“He turned to forced induction, attaching a kompressor (supercharger) to factory driver Ernst Henne’s 750cc R63 in 1929, resulting in a first world record for the German company of 215.4 km/h. Henne would hold the world motorcycle speed record for most of the 1930s, reaching 288.4 km/h in 1937, a figure that would not be surpassed until 1951.
In this way and using an engine with two overhead camshafts in each cylinder head, driven by bevel and shaft gears from the crankshaft, as well as other hitherto unpublished technical advances, the RS M255 Kompressor would change the history of the German brand forever. Among these improvements was, for example, the inclusion of magnesium in the manufacture of engine covers or wheels.
The chassis was made up of a tubular framework, while the suspension equipment had a front telescopic fork and a piston system with damping from 1937. A winning package that would culminate in a final weight of just 139 kilograms powered by an engine capable of generating no less than a power of 55 HP at 7,000 rpmdeclaring a maximum speed of 220km/h. Georg Meier took victory in the 1939 Isle of Man TT riding at an average of 89.38 mph, 144 km/h.
Now one of the ten BMW RS M255 Kompressors manufactured during those years will be auctioned by Bonhams next October 13. We are talking about one of the 7 specimens that are currently known. Key features of this particular RS include:
- Drive shaft numbered 35/8
- alloy fuel tank
- Drillastic Saddle
- Modern fixings throughout the motorcycle
- 8,000 rpm tachometer R Muhle & Sohn Glashutte
- Weinmann rear wheel
As detailed in the description of this RS M255 Kompressor “it will need to be carefully recommissioned, or possibly more thoroughly restored, before being used again, so it is sold strictly as-is (engine turns over). Therefore, potential buyers should ensure the condition, integrity, authenticity and compatibility of the components of this lot before bidding.”
It is expected to reach a maximum bid of around between 300,000 and 420,000 eurossomething, on the other hand, understandable considering the exclusivity of this RS M255 Kompressor and the history behind it.
If your checking account can support a disbursement of that magnitude, you have the option of getting this little piece of history by clicking on this link.
