Marek Letowt’s mouthwatering BMW collection is a homologation dream
Joburg petrolhead Marek Letowt do not only have an impressive personal collection of rare BMW's but he has also contributed to documenting BMW's South African legacy.
There are few names in the automobile world as committed to the BMW brand as Johannesburg resident Marek Letowt, who has now showcased his breathtaking collection of new and old to all of BMW M’s social media followers.
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Letowt’s fascination with BMW began in his youth, captivated by the brand’s distinctive design and engineering prowess. This early interest evolved into a lifelong pursuit, leading him to amass a remarkable collection of rare and iconic BMW models, each with its own unique story intertwined with South Africa’s automotive narrative.
Central to Letowt’s collection is the legendary BMW 745i. Unlike its European counterpart, which featured a turbocharged engine, the South African version was equipped with a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre M88 engine, the same powerplant found in the famed M1 supercar at the time. This adaptation was necessitated by local manufacturing constraints, resulting in a high-performance sedan that has become a sought-after collector’s item. Letowt’s 745i stands as a pristine example of this unique model, reflecting both BMW’s adaptability and South Africa’s automotive ingenuity.
Another gem in his collection is the BMW 333i, a model born from a collaboration between BMW South Africa and Alpina. Introduced in the mid-1980s, the 333i combined the lightweight chassis of the E30 3-Series with a 3.2-litre inline-six engine. This was arguably a more compelling choice than the high-revving four-cylinder M3 of the era.
This fusion resulted in a vehicle that delivered exceptional performance for its time (144 kW and 295 N.m), tailored specifically for the South African market. Letowt’s 333i not only showcases this rare model but also embodies a significant chapter in BMW’s local motorsport history.
Related: South Africa’s five most significant homologation specials
Letowt’s collection also includes the BMW 535i Lightweight (E12), a vehicle born from the crucible of motorsport. Developed in the 1970s, the 535i, like the 530 MLE was a homologation specially crafted to compete in South African motorsport. This classic BMW featured a 3.5-litre motor mated to a 5-speed gearbox and could hurtle itself up to 222 km/h.
Image: BMW
Beyond his personal collection, Letowt has made significant contributions to documenting BMW’s South African legacy. In collaboration with Johann Venter, he co-authored “BMW – The Unique South African Story,” a comprehensive 640-page coffee table book that chronicles the brand’s 50-year journey in the country.
This meticulously researched publication offers readers an in-depth look into BMW’s evolution, its impact on the local automotive landscape, and the unique models that emerged from this partnership. The book has been lauded for its rich narrative and detailed accounts with the help of CAR Magazine’s comprehensive archive, serving as an essential resource for enthusiasts and historians alike.
Image: BMW
Collectors are still able to get their hands on this limited edition book here or find out about Letowt’s collection here.
Related: BMW’s “The Unique South African Story” book sneak peak
Letowt’s dedication extends beyond mere collection; he is an active participant in the BMW community, frequently showcasing his vehicles at events and engaging with fellow enthusiasts. His efforts have been instrumental in fostering a deeper appreciation for BMW’s legacy in South Africa, ensuring that the stories behind these machines are passed down to future generations.
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