BMW built its reputation on motorbikes, starting with the R32 and then expanded into cars. In the 1930’s, they made the 303 coupe, which was the first BMW to feature its distinctive grille and in 1939 BMW won Le Mans. By the early 1950’s BMW had the reputation as a major sports car manufacturer and in 1983 Nelson Piquet became the Formula 1 World Champion in his Brabham BMW.