#AlfredBöning

Alfred Böning was the chief designer at BMW during the 1930s and played a pivotal role in shaping the visual identity of the brand’s pre-war automobiles. Trained as an engineer with a strong sensitivity to aesthetics, Böning was responsible for the exterior design of several key models, including the BMW 303, 315/1, 319/1, 326, 327 and the legendary 328. His work introduced a coherent and elegant design language to BMW, characterized by flowing lines, integrated fenders, and the now-iconic double-kidney grille, which first appeared on the 303. Böning’s design approach combined aerodynamic efficiency with refined proportions, contributing significantly to the sporty and modern image that BMW cultivated in the late 1930s. He worked closely with engineers such as Fritz Fiedler and Rudolf Schleicher, ensuring stylistic harmony with evolving mechanical layouts. Although often overshadowed by more prominent names in post-war automotive styling, Böning remains a foundational figure in BMW’s design history, establishing a visual DNA that would influence the brand for decades.


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