Hidden behind unobtrusive, green-painted garage doors in the countryside of South Africa is one of the world’s greatest private BMW collections. Marek Letowt, a former BMW South Africa executive, collector, and author, has put together an unusual selection of rare BMW M models, many of which were produced only for the South African market.

His passion extends way beyond ownership—it’s preserving and celebrating BMW’s unique heritage in South Africa, something he now gets to share with like-minded enthusiasts through events, drives, and his just-released book.

A Collector Motivated by Legacy: Marek Letowt’s BMW Story

Letowt’s love for BMW began long before he joined the company in the 1990s. It was begun by his grandfather—a German émigré—who bought the family’s first BMW, establishing a family bond with the brand. That bond endures today in Marek’s collection, which features models that were once only available for purchase in posters on his bedroom wall.

“My cars are not necessarily garage queens. Some of them are used more sparingly than others, but they get to be loved and enjoyed.” – Marek Letowt

From the Henna Red E28 M5 to ultra-low-volume performance sedans, his garage is a mobile ode to BMW’s motorsport heritage and its iconic status in South African car culture.

BMW Icons of South Africa: Available Only Locally

BMW South Africa has produced many market-only performance legends, and Letowt’s stable of them summarizes them all:

BMW 333i (E30)

• Exclusive only to South Africa
• Engineered to the local racing authority specs
• Piloted by a 3.2-liter inline-six derived from the 733i
• An authentic motorsport-inspired brevity rarity

BMW 745i SA

• Top-end 7 Series model is exclusive only to South Africa
• Fitted with the engine from the BMW M1 in the form of its 277 hp unit
• Forgone turbocharger to meet local right-hand-drive layout limitations.
• Once the world’s quickest production sedan

BMW M535i E12/8

• Racing homologation version
• Fewer than eight were built
• Stripped of amenities like A/C and power steering in favor of brutal performance

BMW 5 Series Love: Touring Versions and Racing Heritage

Letowt has a certain affection for the BMW 5 Series, particularly high-performance models driven daily. His fleet includes:

• M5 E28
• M5 E34 Touring
• M5 E39
• M5 E61 Touring (V10-powered)

These automobiles mix the thrill of BMW M driving with day-to-day use—BMW signature marks.

Spreading the Culture: Driving, Sharing, and Narrating

Letowt doesn’t merely drive and share—collect. His cars are regular participants in prestige BMW activities, including BMW M Fest, where he encourages people to ride and drive them.

“You need to drive or be driven by these cars – no exceptions.” – Marek Letowt

He also co-authored with other BMW fan Johann Venter a comprehensive overview of BMW’s history in South Africa.

New Book Release: BMW – The Unique South African Story

Letowt and Venter’s latest book, “BMW – The Unique South African Story”, is a comprehensive tribute to BMW’s history in South Africa, such as:

• Exclusive South African-only BMW models
• Behind-the-scenes anecdotes from BMW South Africa
• First-hand testimonies from the golden age of motorsport

The book is an essential read for any BMW aficionado, historian, or collector who wants to know about the carmaker’s colorful history of relationships with the Rainbow Nation.