The car was produced by racing driver Rudolf Krause and engineer Erich Reif; it was designed by Eisenach-based BMW specialist Georg Hufnagel, who built the car with fellow specialist Erich Koch. The frame was taken from a 1936 BMW 315/1 and the engine was taken from a BMW 328.[1]
The car made its debut, with Krause at the wheel, on 26 April 1951, in a Formula 2 race at Halle-Saale, and won, also setting fastest lap.[2] Krause competed with the Reif until 1954, including at the 1952 German Grand Prix, when it formed part of the World Championship for Drivers. Krause retired with engine issues on the fourth lap, while lying 14th, having briefly run 10th.[3]
