The BMW dealer in Bournemouth, prior to Keystone's appointment, was Edwards of Christchurch Road, who also held franchises for Rolls Royce and Wolseley. They got into financial difficulties and the franchises became available. Tony Heron had, prior to this time, tried a BMW 2000Ti Lux, the performance of which, compared to other saloon cars available in the market, was phenomenal. Realising that Rover would be a difficult car to replace for our existing customers BMW were approached with a view to obtaining the franchise.
Keystone was appointed BMW distributor for the counties of Hampshire and Dorset in 1969, at one time having six dealers under its jurisdiction until it was let to the Cooper Group in late 1979.