Abandoned BMW Dealer Sits Frozen in Time
08-11-2011, 07:44 PM
#1
Evil Mazda Driver
Thread Starter
Abandoned BMW Dealer Sits Frozen in Time
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2...n-in-time.html
In the wealthy suburb of Oakville, Ontario, just outside Toronto, there sits an automotive gem unlike any other: a BMW dealership frozen in time.
The exact details of how this came to be aren’t clear, but according to pieced-together details on the MaxBimmer forum, the owner (allegedly named Helmut) had his license to sell BMWs revoked in 1988. Since then, the dealership has sat, although not entirely abandoned. Early posts indicate several old 3 Series models were once on display, but they have reportedly been sold over the years.
In fact, the owner appears to check in on his eerie time capsule quite often, driving an equally mysterious black E28 (1981-88) BMW 5 Series. And while the dealership, “Citation Motors”, is no longer an official BMW store, the cars are for sale. But according to those who have had dealings with the eccentric owner, he’s in no hurry to sell, with the the near-new 635csi in the showroom window apparently listed for $75,000.
Peek through the glass and there’s more to be seen, like a silver E28 5 Series, not to mention the “period” dealership design, a poster of the M1 and even a beer stein in a display case. But that’s not all, around back, in the service bays, sit two more 635csi models, a 733i dating from between 1977-84 and a what is either an E21 or a 2002.
A lot of unanswered questions remain about Citation Motors, although perhaps that’s for the best. After all, the mystery behind this abandoned BMW dealership is perhaps just as enticing as the window to the past it provides.
The exact details of how this came to be aren’t clear, but according to pieced-together details on the MaxBimmer forum, the owner (allegedly named Helmut) had his license to sell BMWs revoked in 1988. Since then, the dealership has sat, although not entirely abandoned. Early posts indicate several old 3 Series models were once on display, but they have reportedly been sold over the years.
In fact, the owner appears to check in on his eerie time capsule quite often, driving an equally mysterious black E28 (1981-88) BMW 5 Series. And while the dealership, “Citation Motors”, is no longer an official BMW store, the cars are for sale. But according to those who have had dealings with the eccentric owner, he’s in no hurry to sell, with the the near-new 635csi in the showroom window apparently listed for $75,000.
Peek through the glass and there’s more to be seen, like a silver E28 5 Series, not to mention the “period” dealership design, a poster of the M1 and even a beer stein in a display case. But that’s not all, around back, in the service bays, sit two more 635csi models, a 733i dating from between 1977-84 and a what is either an E21 or a 2002.
A lot of unanswered questions remain about Citation Motors, although perhaps that’s for the best. After all, the mystery behind this abandoned BMW dealership is perhaps just as enticing as the window to the past it provides.
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john_wrap (08-11-2011)
Trending Topics
08-11-2011, 11:49 PM
#10
I remember reading about this on a BMW forum a year or 2 ago, and it most certainly is a fascinating story.
IIRC, one of the members of the forum had gone to see the dealership & reported that there is someone else besides the owner who also comes & provides some security for the lot, as he was soon ushered off the property.
Never the less, I imagine those cars could go for a lot of money if they're still well kept.
IIRC, one of the members of the forum had gone to see the dealership & reported that there is someone else besides the owner who also comes & provides some security for the lot, as he was soon ushered off the property.
Never the less, I imagine those cars could go for a lot of money if they're still well kept.
08-12-2011, 12:24 AM
#12
Senior Moderator
Did someone say 635CSi?
The 635CSi is easily my favorite BMW (with the E39 M5 and E30 M3 tied for second). That was one of the biggest non-exotic statement cars of the 80s....mostly seen with yuppies at the helm.
The 635CSi is easily my favorite BMW (with the E39 M5 and E30 M3 tied for second). That was one of the biggest non-exotic statement cars of the 80s....mostly seen with yuppies at the helm.
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Mr Marco (08-12-2011)
08-12-2011, 01:42 AM
#14
Turd Polisher
iTrader: (1)
Cool how you can see the showroom from Google street view!
08-12-2011, 07:17 AM
#16
AZ Community Team
Cool story, my brother had a 1988 M6
08-12-2011, 08:54 AM
#17
Senior Moderator
Cool. Thanks for sharing the link. I remember the 1980's. 635csi FTMFW. 
08-12-2011, 01:26 PM
#21
Ah, this brings back memories. My mom's first new car purchase after completing her residency was a new white BMW 528e. As a kid, I was instantly mesmerized....
08-12-2011, 01:32 PM
#22
Moderator
iTrader: (3)
Wow that's awesome! I want that 635!
08-12-2011, 03:35 PM
#23
holy cow. Men are so stubborn.
"I'll show them," said Helmut, "no one will ever sell another BMW from this location!"
"I'll show them," said Helmut, "no one will ever sell another BMW from this location!"
08-12-2011, 10:09 PM
#25
Senior Moderator
But at this point, the building is more intriguing as a time capsule than a place of commerce.
Another BMW outlet should buy this guy out, build a new showroom completely around this old dealership and use the time capsule angle in generating some floor traffic.
08-13-2011, 01:58 PM
#26
Stay or leave
Interesting concept but for the majority of wealthy parents buying these cars for their 18 year old daughters they won't care.
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