In a quiet neighborhood east of New York City, Peter Nettesheim has assembled 50 BMW motorcycles and cars representing his dedication to the brand.

A German might use the word "gemütlichkeit," meaning warm and cozy (but connoting a sense of belonging and acceptance), to describe the bright and cheerful atmosphere in the elegant, climate-controlled building Peter constructed to hold his collection. Together with the bikes and cars are an abundance of blue and white BMW emblems, posters and glass cases filled with miniature models and other valuable BMW related items. There are bike engines hanging at eye level, and a 50ft wall anchors Peter’s work benches. Cabinets below the benches hold a cache of spare parts, plus tools and measuring instruments. Three restored BMW cars also occupy the display area. 

Peter’s interest in BMW motorcycles came after studying BMW motorcycle design and layout, long acknowledged as a classic example of sound mechanical engineering and simplicity. Collecting and restoring BMWs has occupied much of Peter’s spare time during the past 28 years. While much of his collection consists of restored examples of pre-1945 bikes made by BMW, the collection spans more than 80 years of BMW motorcycle production. 

Acquiring the older bikes and needed replacement parts requires a bit of traveling on Peter’s part, and while Germany has been the best source of finding these machines, he’s found some rare examples in Poland as well. None of his bikes have been found in the U.S.