Category: BMW (Page 12 of 13)

IN THE NEWS: Mini Superleggera™ Vision Blends Traditional and Modern

May 23, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Munich/Cernobbio. The BMW Group celebrates the meeting of the time-honoured and the contemporary at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2014 with a very special concept: the MINI Superleggera™ Vision. This exclusive interpretation of an open-top two-seater was created by MINI and Touring Superleggera, the tradition-steeped design and coach building house based in Milan. The MINI Superleggera™ Vision is on the one hand a classic roadster, a compact and agile two-seater, expressing the most minimalist and emotional style of motoring; and on the other hand its electric drivetrain gives the car distinctly modern driving dynamics. In collaboration with MINI, Touring Superleggera™ has designed and built an elaborately crafted, unique model which blends the tradition of classic coachwork construction with the MINI’s authentic British styling to create timeless aesthetic appeal.

Modern Britishness meets Italian flair: the iconic design of MINI meets elegant, athletic beauty – interpreted in contemporary style.
Classic Italian body construction and hand-shaped metal sheeting give the MINI SuperleggeraTM Vision a unique emotional appeal.
Both on the inside and outside, the form is reduced to the maximum extent so as to achieve a clear focus on the distinctive driving experience.
The interior reflects traditional coachwork construction in terms of materials and styling, combined with the icons of MINI interior design.
High-end materials such as leather, aluminium and black chrome highlight the clear aesthetics of the interior.

Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design on the concept: “Touring Superleggera and MINI have much in common: both companies attach great importance to their history and this is something which defines their outward appearance to this day. What is more, they both emphasise iconic design and distinctive solutions. These elements are merged in the MINI SuperleggeraTM Vision to create an elegant automobile which interprets a British roadster under the influence of Italian style and hand craftsmanship.”

British design with an Italian accent – the exterior design.

“The MINI SuperleggeraTM Vision elegantly perpetuates what the Classic Mini started 55 years ago: reduction to the essentials. Its energetic, minimalistic design embodies the dynamic essence of an automobile. At the same time it creates unique emotional beauty in combining the past and future of the automotive industry, i.e. traditional coachwork craftsmanship and modern design styling. It was a pleasure for me to design a concept like this.” says Anders Warming, Head of MINI Design.

The perfectly balanced proportions indicate at first glance what the electrically powered MINI Superleggera™ Vision has to offer in terms of a driving experience: the stretched bonnet, long wheelbase and cool, short overhangs convey pure driving fun. As in every MINI, the wheels are set widely on the body, promising a high degree of agility. The passenger cell is slightly set back, further underscoring the car’s dynamic impression. The overall effect of the MINI Superleggera™ Vision is sporty, elegant and dynamic.

The front of the MINI Superleggera™ Vision features the traditional MINI design icons: two circular headlights and a hexagonal grille define the unmistakable front section, providing a contemporary interpretation of features which have become firmly established over decades. There are also striking classic sports car elements such as a wide track and distinctively curved wheel arches that give the front a dynamic presence. The classic MINI bonnet stripes are three-dimensionally embossed and run on into high-quality polished aluminum accents. The inlaid bonnet harks back to classic British roadsters of bygone days.

Meanwhile the horizontal rib look of the radiator grille adds a classic sporty touch. The fact that it is closed is a discreet indication of the car’s electric motor. The two fog lights echo the circular contours of the headlamps, providing a smaller interpretation of them in the radiator grille. The air inlets are also circular, giving the front section a distinctive touch. A flat front splitter made of carbon fibre closes off the front to the road, thereby underscoring the car’s sporty statement down to the last detail.

Classic coachwork construction in a cutting-edge interpretation.
The striking element of the side view is the characteristic “Touring” line. It embodies both the high art of coachwork building and classic aesthetics. Surrounded by tight, seamless surfaces, it traces a precise, vibrant movement from the front wheels through to the rear. This reflects the great craftsmanship and longstanding experience of Touring Superleggera in area of body construction: ever since it was founded the company has stood for fine, light sports car bodies. To this day, Touring Superleggera™ shapes large aluminium sheets by hand using the most performing frame structures. The hand-crafted style of construction gives the MINI Superleggera Vision an aesthetic form which would be virtually impossible to achieve by machine manufacture.

“MINI and Touring both believe that proportions are the key factor of beauty, and share the same values of essentiality and innovation” says Louis de Fabribeckers, Head of design of Touring Superleggera. “In this car all unnecessary equipment or decoration is sacrificed, as performance is gained through lightness and efficiency of the bodywork and interior. The Italian touch is in the proportions and the typical waistline.”

There are very few gaps in the body since it is constructed from large sheets of metal. The result is a closed look that conveys high-quality elegance. The specially developed exterior paint finish Como Blue, almost liquid in effect, stands for both classic and modern style. It particularly underlines the refined Italian touch of the MINI Superleggera™ Vision. The elaborate rims and the elegant exterior mirrors in long-hole look complete with a mirror base in polished aluminium add exclusive accentuations at the side. Echoing the front section, the discreet CFRP sills underscore the sporty character of the MINI Superleggera™ Vision.

Meanwhile the striking fin defines the look of the rear, adding a touch of extravagance. It gives the MINI Superleggera™ Vision a particular longitudinal dynamics while at the same time embodying the unconventional air of both MINI and Touring Superleggera. Like the “Touring” line at the side, it is modeled with enormous precision. The highlight of the flat, wide rear is the unusual lights: designed in the form of a Union Jack divided in two, they combine functionality and symbolism in a way never seen before. In this way they express the British roots of the MINI Superleggera™ Vision while at the same time emphasising the modern LED technology as already used in the new MINI. A chrome bar demarcates the rear lights at the centre of the rear, making this area a classic British jewellery icon. The CFRP diffuser rounds off the rear to the road in sporty style.

Echoing the exterior – the interior design.
The exterior and interior design of the MINI Superleggera™ Vision merge seamlessly. Only a surrounding shoulder line in polished aluminium visually separates the exterior and interior from each other. The border creates an encircling, sporty gesture that consistently perpetuates the clear elegance and generous surfaces of the exterior.
In its styling and in the look and feel of its materials, the interior design celebrates the tradition and the essence of classic coachwork construction. It reflects how the automobile was created: the essential features are quoted – the untreated aluminium sheeting and the tube-shaped structural elements – and they are made visible in the interior by means of a high-quality interpretation. This is most striking in the dashboard. The latter is created from a single aluminium sheet and has been left in the state the automobile body would look like without a paint finish. The generously sized unpainted surfaces and the clearly visible hand craftsmanship of the dashboard go together to reflect the skilled artistry of the coachbuilders. The doors and the sporty 3-spoke steering wheel likewise reveal the traditional method of construction. The structural elements in the doors form a Union Jack, discreetly indicating the British origins of the MINI Superleggera™ Vision.

The Center Instrument in the middle of the instrument panel draws on MINI design styling and has been extended for the MINI Superleggera™ Vision to include a touch-sensitive control element and two circular instruments with metal surrounds on the right. In addition to the analog clock on the far right, the second framed instrument activates the camera which is integrated between the driver and front passenger seat. It has the function of capturing those particularly worthwhile moments on the road.

Classic and modern to equal degrees – colour and material design.
The classic materials aluminium and leather in a virtually untreated state define the reduced aesthetics of the MINI Superleggera™ Vision in the interior. Below the shoulder covered in brown leather in the classical color Sabbia, the materials are kept to the essentials. The structural elements in the doors and centre console are finished in high-quality black chrome, exclusively set apart from the aluminium surfaces and the raw, matt textured paint finish in the footwell area. This deliberately contrasting mixture of structured surfaces and high-end materials gives the MINI Superleggera™ Vision an exceptional charm. The sporty bucket seats are reminiscent of bygone MINI motor racing achievements and are covered in high-quality black leather. True to the MINI Motto “Hide & Reveal”, accentuations in Misty Magenta provide a touch of Italian flair in tongue-in-cheek MINI style in concealed spots such as the two hot air outlets under the instrument panel and inside the door openings in the structural elements of the doors.

Coachbuilding in 2014.

Since 1926, Touring Superleggera is forerunner of advanced automotive design and custom coachbuilding. The company is one of the rare firms offering the whole in-house productive cycle from the first sketch, all the way through surface engineering and structural analysis, style models and prototypes, to turn-key, low-volume production of special bodywork.

“We are delighted that MINI wanted to stimulate an independent initiative and particularly Italian design for the first time”, says Piero Mancardi, CEO of Touring Superleggera. He continues: “This project also shows MINIs attention to preserving and nurturing the skills of craftsmanship incorporated in modern coach building.”

The MINI Superleggera™ Vision epitomizes the potential of “Carrozzeria” in today’s automobile industry: blending creativity and flexibility with rigor and respect of high standards. The result is a car of classic beauty that is also state of the art.

PICK OF THE DAY: Above Average BMW 2002Tii

May 9, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

There’s not much more that needs to be said about the BMW 2002 than what’s been hailed since its introduction. It remains a measuring stick. Over the years, many cars have tried to be known as “the next 2002,” but none ever have. Not really. About the only thing left to say is that if you’ve ever wanted one, or had one way back when and would love to have another, time is running out. Indeed one of the things that made the 2002 such a phenom was that it was a precision-made, economical, spirited, youthful, and dependable car that was relatively affordable. Likewise for several years, they continued to be comparatively affordable, but that is changing. Where once—even prior to the economic downturn—a $10,000 2002 was considered exceptional, it is now a No. 3 driver needing some work. Prices have increased sharply since the beginning of the year and, with a recovering economy, there’s no reason to expect that trend to stall. Although any 2002 is highly collectible, the most coveted is the fuel-injected 2002Tii “Roundie” (round taillights as opposed to the later big-bumper cars with the square lights) from 1972 and 1973 (Turbos notwithstanding). Prices for these in show condition can go as high as $45,000, or roughly what a decent second-hand E92 M3 would cost. Nevertheless, there are some very nice drivers still in mostly original condition that can be had for under $20K. This is such an example. With no rust in the common areas, it appears to be rust-free with a straight body wearing a nice, if not entirely original, coat of (Baikal?) Blue paint over some proper factory alloy wheels. Interior looks to be very original and well-kept with new upholstery and headliner. It has also been tightened up with new door, window and engine seals, as well as shifter bushings and flex disc (Giubo). This one also has a couple of attractive and sought-after options: sunroof and air conditioning. In all, it doesn’t appear to be far from a showstopper and a solid, very presentable, immensely enjoyable driver in the meantime. Find it here in on Craigslist Anderson SC for a very reasonable $19,000.

IN THE NEWS: BMW M5 Celebrates 30 Years with Most Powerful Production BMW Ever

May 7, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – 6:00pm EDT/3:00pm PDT May 6, 2014. . . BMW announced today a limited run of 30 copies of the new 30th Anniversary Edition BMW M5 for 2015. The BMW M5 “30 Jahre M5” will be produced in a limited run of 300 examples worldwide, and 30 of them will be imported to the United States. With an output of 600hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, it will not only be the most powerful M5 ever sold but also the most powerful BMW production model ever. Starting at $138,275, including destination and handling, the first 29 copies of the 30th Anniversary Edition BMW M5 will be offered to the first 29 customers who reserve it by dialing the dedicated BMW Customer Relations hotline at 1:00pm EDT (10:00am PDT), on Wednesday, May 21, 2014. The 30th copy of the Edition will be retained by BMW of North America, LLC, and may be sold at a later date.

Purchasers of a 30th Anniversary Edition BMW M5 will be invited to a one-day M Driving School at The Thermal Club, a private motorsports facility in Palm Springs, CA.

BMW of North America will engage social media as a platform to reveal the phone number for the reservation hotline for US customers to order one of the 30th Anniversary Edition BMW M5s. That number will be revealed on BMW of North America’s Instagram channel (@BMWUSA) over the five days leading up to May 21, beginning on Saturday, May 17. Each day, in addition to revealing portions of the call-in number, will offer fun facts about each of the successive five generations of BMW M5.

BMW of North America’s Instagram channel provides exclusive Ultimate Driving Machine content to an active community of BMW super fans and automotive enthusiasts. This audience of nearly 60,000 followers has a clear passion for the M-brand, with M-specific content consistently receiving over 30% more engagement than average.

30th Anniversary Edition BMW M5 offers increased performance
The 4.4 liter BMW M TwinPower Turbo V8 engine from the M5 with Competition Package receives an additional 25 horsepower thanks to increased turbocharger pressure and engine control module enhancements. Elsewhere, the addition of a dedicated control module allows the Active M Differential to react sooner and improve the traction when exiting corners.

Capable of 0 to 60 mph in an estimated 3.7 seconds, the 30th Anniversary Edition BMW M5 adds an improved M-specific Servotronic function as well as an improved M Dynamic mode, prepared to use the full potential of the increased power and traction.

30th Anniversary Edition BMW M5 includes unique styling and interior details

Featuring a Frozen Dark Silver Metallic exterior, part of the BMW Individual palette of hues, the 30th Anniversary Edition BMW M5 is also identified with Black Chrome “30 Jahre M5” (German for 30 years of the M5) badges, appearing on the kidney grill surrounds, the front fenders, door handles and twin dual exhaust pipes. The exterior of the 30th Anniversary Edition M5 is further complemented by 20 inch, bi-color M light-alloy wheels.

“30 Jahre M5” badges are also featured in the interior, with a 1/300 identification number integrated into the Aluminum Trace trim strip on the front passenger side of the cockpit.

A black Alcantara/Leather combination graces the M multifunctional seats which also include embroidered “30 Jahre M5” badges. The center console and the door panels are also covered in black Alcantara, while the headliner features Alcantara Anthracite.

Invitation to Exclusive BMW M Driving School at The Thermal Club
In order to further enhance the M experience with this vehicle, buyers of the 30th Anniversary Edition BMW M5 will be invited to an exclusive one-day track event and M driving school at The Thermal Club in Palm Springs, CA. The event will be held in the Fall of 2014 with more details to follow.

Celebrating five generations of M5.

30 years have passed since a group of engineers at BMW Motorsport GmbH proposed using the inline-6 cylinder engine originally developed for the BMW M1 and fitting it into the BMW 5 Series Sedan, essentially creating the segment defining high performance sedan and setting a foundation for the next four generations of the BMW M5.

PICK OF THE DAY: Exceptional BMW 850 CSi

May 7, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

The BMW 8 Series was supposed to be the spiritual successor to the much loved E9 Coupés (such as the 3.0 CS/CSi/CSL) and the E24 6 Series (635 CSi, M6), although in reality it was targeted at a more exclusive market. With the intent of being a luxurious super car, it featured rakish lines resulting in a .29 drag coefficient (lower than an Acura NSX, Lamborghini Murcielago or Koenigsegg CCX) as well as a 300-hp V12 mated to a 6-speed transmission, the first time that had been done in a production car. It was also the first production car to have a “drive-by-wire” throttle (no cable). As a flagship model, BMW packed it with technology including stability and traction control as well as an on-board computer. It was also well appointed with 10-way heated seats and power everything. It was aimed passed its V12 contemporaries like the Jaguar XJ-S and Mercedes-Benz SL toward the exotic buyer looking for something more practical and more comfortable. In spite of this, both press and public instantly compared it to the 6-cylinder E24 and lamented that in all the puffery, the Ultimate Driving Machine had been somehow lost. This was particularly true in the US where dealers felt that it was more on par with the Jag- and Merc-buying country club set and most were delivered with automatic transmissions. Meanwhile, it had always been the intention that the 8 Series would be be part of the M program and development on the M8 had commenced and legend has it that the sole prototype still exists. With falling demand for the 8 Series, the M8 project was scrapped but lives on in spirit with the 850 CSi. The 850 CSi used an M-tuned version of the 850i’s V12, bored out to 5.6 liters and now producing 375 hp mated to a manual-only 6-speed gearbox. While this is well short of the M8’s 550 horses, it distanced itself from its country club fate. It also had a lower ride height ,stiffer springs, tighter steering, wider wheels, stainless exhaust, and improved aerodynamics. In the end, it not only reclaimed Ultimate Driving Machine status, but amplified it to a level that set the stage for the M Cars that were on the horizon. This one is the real deal (a unique VIN to indicate it was built by the M Division, the only production 8 Series to have done so). It is particularly nice with just over 50,000 actual miles and looks every bit the proper BMW in Dunkelblau (dark blue). The two-tone interior is prerequisite 90s German and while it might not be everyone’s cup of tee, no doubt we’ve all seen worse. On top of that, it is entirely original and everything seems to be working. At nearly four times the cost of a later (5.4 L) 850 Ci or a Ferrari 456 GT with $15K left over for service, exclusivity has its price. That said, prices for a CSi have slowly been inching up and it could be a sleeper in the works (Hemmings features an 850 CSi on the cover of their May 2014 issue in their 150-MPH story). With only around 1,500 built between 1993 and 1996, it may finally have found its place. Find it here on Craigslist in Tuscon AZ for an on-the-money $59,500.

PICK OF THE DAY: Outstanding Low-Mile BMW 325is

May 2, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

If the E10 (1600, 2002) opened up markets for BMW, literally putting them on the map, its prodigy, the E30, cemented its popularity. Not that there was anything to fault the E21 that preceded it, nor any 3 Series that followed it, the E30 absolutely nailed what a German car was all about in the 80s. It was decidedly sporty, with just enough elegance and luxury to keep it from going too soft. It was priced just high enough where a buyer felt they earned it, yet within reach that earning one seemed reasonable. They were small enough to be completely manageable but had enough space for friends, kids, luggage, etc. It is little wonder that the E30 remains highly sought after. All factors considered, it indeed may have been the Ultimate Driving Machine. So good in fact that driving they did… and did… and did. Most E30s on the market these days have 200,000 miles or more (odometers routinely stop in these so there’s often no real way to tell). Furthermore, the E30 is a favorite of the, um, custom enthusiasts and are often found with roller skate wheels, painted grilles, bolt-on body kits, coffee-can exhausts, and similar goo-gaw. One really must kiss a lot of frogs. Today’s example is not only an outstanding original and low-mileage E30, it is a 325is, which is second only to the M3 in terms of performance, handling and refinement. It’s M20 6-cylinder is silky smooth and actually feels much stronger than its 168-hp on paper. Combined with the legendary crisp 5-speed transmission and the unique ‘S’ appointments that include sport suspension, 6″ BBS-style wheels, sport seats, and proper aerodynamic tuning, these changes transform the already excellent driving machine into something ultimater. With just over 60,000 actual miles and a fresh Inspection II (major scheduled service), as well as all controls, instruments and accessories said to be working (odometers typically stop near the 100K turn), this one is outstanding in every sense. Find it here on Craigslist in Youngstown OH for a very reasonable $7,500.

PICK OF THE DAY: Show Quality BMW E30 M3

April 15, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

This rare BMW enjoys an interesting history. The car epitomizes the definition of a “Survivor” and after being used when it was new, stored for many years by the original owner until July, 2012. It remains as original and complete as any E30 M3 that we have seen and will certainly have significant appeal to the BMW enthusiast / collector who has been searching for an unmodified, 100% stock BMW M3. Several years ago, the cars elderly owner (now deceased), made the decision about 12 years ago to donate his two cars (this BMW M3 and a Volkswagen Karmann Ghia) to his church. His donation included a specific request that the cars be stored for an extended period of time enabling the church to benefit from a higher value from on his kind donation. It was his opinion (and he certainly proved to be correct!) that both cars would appreciate considerably over the course of time based on their limited production, low mileage and condition. Upon his death, the cars were sold and the proceeds went to the church, as planned. When the M3 was subsequently sold by the new owner, the BMW was properly brought out of storage with the proper work being performed prior to driving or even starting the car. The car had been in dry storage, covered and started occasionally. The M3 is certainly one of the most original, long term ownership unmodified to be offered in years. This particular M3 has signs of being very well cared for by the one adult owner for all of its life. An inspection of the undercarriage suggests the car may not have even been driven in the rain! The body is perfectly straight with excellent original paint and even the “M” pin-striping as applied by the dealership when the car was delivered. It is available here on Hemmings in Pleasanton CA for a bargain $30,000.

PICK OF THE DAY: Cracking 1980 BMW M1

April 1, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Interesting car, the M1. With less than 500 made, it was too exotic to be a daily-driver Sports/GT car, but the perception of its inline six wasn’t quite exotic enough to play with the Italians. In fact, it wasn’t really meant to be a road car in the first place. The M1 has its genesis in the Turbo Concept, a design study commemorating the 1972 Munich Games. At the same time, BMW was building a racing program with cars developed specifically for the track, offering a limited number of cars for public sale in order to homologation rules. This was BMW Motorsport GmbH, with the M1 its first focused effort into sports car racing (the CSL of the early 70s had great success, but was based on the existing E9). The plan was to partner with Lamborghini to build the cars for the newly created World Championship of Makes, using the Turbo Concept as inspiration for the Giugiaro-penned design. That plan soon fell apart, paralleling Lamborghini’s woes that eventually led to their bankruptcy in 1978. With Lamborghini unable to meet their commitment, BMW forged ahead, using a combination of Giugiaro’s Ital Design and coachbuilder Baur (who among other things also built the 2002 and E21 Cabriolets) for assembly. However, by the time the cars were ready to race, the series for which it was created had become obsolete. The focus then shifted to selling the 430 homologated road cars to the public. Faced with parent BMW’s priority toward its highly successful family cars and Motorsport’s attention toward Formula 1, production of the M1 halted at the end of 1980. It’s one of those cars that deserve better than the hand they were dealt. Regardless, its mission had been accomplished. Despite all the problems and hurdles of its racing program, it was the car that solidified BMW’s Motorsport division which would later develop the now legendary line of M Cars, including the first-generation M5 and M6 that used a more refined and more reliable form of the M1’s M88 motor (albeit not in the US). Nearly 30 years after production ended, it may finally be realizing its place in automotive history. As little as five years ago, the M1 was still trying to find some respect beyond the BMW fan base. It wasn’t uncommon to find a pristine example for just inside six figures, despite its low production numbers. If the last six months are any indication, they are now on par with an early 80s Ferrari Boxer or Lamborghini Countach, with some exceptional examples commanding a quarter mil. Today’s M1 appears to be one of those exceptional examples. It is an Italian spec car (as most that found there way to the US were) having covered just over 5,000 kilometers and what looks to be completely original, outstanding condition. Inka Orange is a perfect color for an M1 and gives the car a fresh appearance that is a nod to both its CSL roots and Lamborghini beginnings. Find it here at Canepa Design in Scotts Valley CA for an undisclosed price.

ON THE LAWN: BMW 3.0 CSL Group 4 #25 Wins Class at Amelia

March 12, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – March 11, 2014 . . . The BMW 3.0 CSL Group 4 race car that won the 1975 12 Hours of Sebring wins Best-in-Class at the 2014 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. The BMW 3.0 CSL Group 2 race car that won the 1973 European Sedan Championship takes second at the Concours. The highlight of the class of BMW 3.0 CSL race and road cars was the Alexander Calder BMW Art Car from 1975—the very first in the now legendary series of BMW Art Cars.

The 3.0 CSL race cars were the first cars to be developed under the then-new BMW Motorsport GmbH subsidiary, established in 1972 and led by Jochen Neerpasch. They were also the first to sport the new official colors of BMW Motorsport—red, purple and blue. Based on the production 3.0 CS coupe, the aluminum skinned CSL (L = lightweight) homologation special, nicknamed the ‘Batmobile’ by its fans, formed the basis for an assault on Group 2 through Group 5 European touring car racing that would make it one of the most successful production racers of all time.

The class-winning 3.0 CSL was one of a group of five chassis campaigned by BMW of North America in the 1975 and 1976 IMSA Camel GT Series in Group 4 specifications. Campaigned under the racing numbers #24 and #25, the CSL enjoyed considerable success winning at Sebring, Riverside, Laguna Seca, Daytona and Talladega in 1975. Several iconic drivers were involved in the American success of the CSL’s, including Brian Redman, Hans Stuck, Sam Posey, Ronnie Peterson, Dieter Quester, Benny Parsons, Peter Gregg and David Hobbs. This car, sporting race number 25, is part of the BMW of North America Classic collection and is configured as it raced and won at the 1975 running of the 12 Hours of Sebring with drivers Brian Redman, Hans Stuck, Sam Posey and Alan Moffat.

The BMW 3.0 CSL race car that took runner-up honors was built in 1972 to compete in FIA Group 2. This particular car brought the 1973 European Sedan Championship to Dieter Quester and Toine Hezemans and is owned and vintage raced by BMW collectors Scott and Fran Hughes of Sunset, South Carolina.

The BMW 3.0 CSL class also included the car that won the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1976 driven by Brian Redman, Peter Gregg and John Fitzpatrick.

A limited number of BMW 3.0 CSL models were produced and sold for street use in order to homologate the car for racing. The road-going BMW 3.0 CSLs featured in the class at the 2014 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance included a car entered by Indy 500 winner and BMW Team RLL team principal, Bobby Rahal.

The class-winning BMW 3.0 CSL #25 will be featured in the Gallery of Legends at the 62nd running of the 12 Hours of Sebring this weekend.

PICK OF THE DAY: Well Cared For BMW E24 M6

March 8, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

While its genesis was in the E9 CSL Coupés that preceded it, the BMW’s M badge—at least on these shores—established itself in the 6-Series-based M6. It was launched here in 1987 and was the swan song to the E24 that enjoyed a 14-year run, due largely to its timeless styling and the kind of performance that delivers on the promise of “The Ultimate Driving Machine.” While it is 30 hp shy of its European counterpart, with its brilliant M88 inline 6 derived from the M1, its 252 hp was quite respectable for a 50-state GT in its day (more a Porsche 911 or Ferrari 308 with roughly the same weight as the Porsche). Today, it’s unusual to find a car with less than 100,000 miles for under $15,000. The M6 presented here has traveled 83,000 miles, appears to have been very well kept with complete service records, a tidy original interior and what looks to be original paint with only one spot of rust from a poor windshield installation (easily addressed). Find it here on Craigslist in Lexington KY for $14,000.

ON THE BLOCK: Notable BMWs at Race Retro and Classic Cars

February 16, 2013 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Possibly the most distinctive model to be offered at the Silverstone Auctions hosted Race Retro and Classic Car Sale has been unveiled as a 1973 BMW 3.0 CSL ‘Batmobile’ FIA Race Car in bright orange.

Estimated at between £75,000 to £100,000, this stunning example will come to auction on 23rd February at Stoneleigh with zero running hours since a very recent engine refresh by renowned experts Mathwall Engineering.

Starting life as a standard original BMW CSL road car, the car was built for racing in 2010 by noted race team Classic Cars of Kent. The work involved acid dipping, e-coating and seam welding the shell. It was then fitted with new sills and panels where necessary and a full FIA cage welded in to place.

Underneath the bonnet, the engine was modified to full FIA race spec with very rare factory Kugelfischer injection and Schnitzer slides.

Nick Whale, managing director, Silverstone Auctions, said: “Presented with FIA HTP papers, this race car is a great way to compete in the various 70’s saloon events, including the Masters series.

“It’s a fitting addition to our auction at the Race Retro Show, Europe’s premier international historic motorsport event, and lines up alongside a stunning array of competition cars, classic road-going models and collectable automobilia.”

Other BMW’s being offered include a 1973 E9 CSI Coupe – one of only 207 right-hand drive examples built – estimated at £18,000 to £22,000, and a 1974 E9 CSI Coupe fitted with a 3.8 M5 Engine, also estimated at £18,000 to £22,000.

Moving forward in years and there is a 1991 M5 – the last of the hand-built M cars – estimated at £8,000 to £10,000, and a 2006 Z4M Roadster – owned by motoring legend Colin Blower – estimated at £14,000 to £16,000.

For more information about Silverstone Auctions and the Race Retro and Classic Car Sale visit www.silverstoneauctions.com, while to discover more about Race Retro visit www.raceretro.com.