The BMW R7 was indeed a treasure demonstrating the sleek styling of the bygone Art Deco area.

Crafted in 1934 by design engineer Alfred Böning whose vision was a departure from the “bicycle with motor” design still prevalent in the 1930s. The R7 incorporated sweeping enclosed bodywork, a pressed steel frame, valanced mudguards and then-innovative telescopic front forks.

Considered by many to be too extravagant and expensive to produce in the harsh economic and political climate of the mid-1930s, the roadworthy prototype was stripped of useful parts, crated and largely forgotten until 2005. When the box was finally opened, the R7 was found to be 70% complete but in disastrous condition. Many components were severely rusted and a long-forgotten battery had ruptured and corroded the machine even further.

Luckily, the original design artwork was located in the BMW archives and the machine undertook a historic restoration. By the end of 2008 the machine was rolled out looking much like it must have it emerged from Alfred Böning’s Munich workshop. When tested the R7 gave a superb performance.

The R 7 insteada of only being on display at the BMW Museum but will importantly be seen on the road at classic event and rallies throughout Europe and in time perhaps the rest of the world. Many BMW aficionados were lucky enough to see it at BMW Motorrad Days in Garmisch-Partenkirchen in July 2008.

More details and photos can be found here