60 Years of Excellence Exhibit — A Uncommon Take a look at BMW’s Most Unique Machines

ALPINA occupies a particular slice of BMW historical past and enthusiasm. Maybe no higher showcase for the model is the ALPINA: 60 Years of Excellence exhibit at The Final Driving Museum in Greer, South Carolina. Right here, the BMW Automobile Membership of America Basis showcases among the most fascinating and historic ALPINA fashions ever launched. We stopped by and received a have a look at the really superb assortment. From memorabilia to official race vehicles and just about every thing in between, this exhibit serves as an inspiring look again at ALPINA’s lengthy journey over the past six a long time.

Quick ALPINA Fives

Arguably, ALPINA variations of the BMW 5 Sequence have been much more thrilling than their M Division counterparts. The B7 Turbo debuted because the quickest four-door on the planet again in 1984. Energy grew to a depraved 300 bhp, and adjustments have been a lot greater than aesthetic. New suspension, brakes, wheels, and seats have been simply among the tweaks ALPINA made. The B9 3.5, in the meantime, made do with much less energy, however has the excellence of being the primary ALPINA mannequin primarily based on the E28 5 Sequence. Notably, practically double the variety of B9s have been produced in comparison with B7 Turbos. That’s not saying a lot; solely 577 have been made!

Uncommon ALPINA Fashions

The ALPINA RLE (Roadster Restricted Version), maybe higher often called the ALPINA Z1is uncommon, even on this firm. ALPINA’s personal web site claims solely 66 RLE fashions have been ever constructed, with a further seven vehicles being modified after the very fact (and never receiving an ALPINA VIN). A small energy bump, to round 200 bhp, and really gentle aesthetic modifications made the ZLE maybe understated, if the Z1 might ever be referred to as such.  In fact, the cool ALPINA graphics on the facet assist treatment any hazard of somebody complicated it with an everyday Z1.

A Little 3 Sequence Goodness

The E36 BMW 3 Sequence is among the biggest, and a bit ALPINA therapy solely improves a scrumptious recipe. Right here, we see a wagon and convertible mannequin, and what appears to be like like an E30 3 Sequence and E46 3 Sequence out of body. They’re all sporting ALPINA 20-spoke wheels and nearly all don the long-lasting ALPINA graphics alongside the facet. Below the hood, it’s greater than doubtless there’s an inline-six engine, too. Not a assure, although; keep in mind, ALPINA additionally supplied an unhinged V8-powered BMW E36.

ALPINA Wheels

If you consider ALPINA wheels, your thoughts might instantly summon pictures of the trademark 20-spoke alloys which have adorned ALPINA fashions for many years. However keep in mind: there’s a bit little bit of every thing at this exhibit. That features vehicles just like the ALPINA V8 RoadsterALPINA’s tackle the long-lasting BMW Z8. Right here, you possibly can see the extremely cool “five-spoke” design that appeared on the Roadster. Regardless of the design variations, these too have 20 spokes — assembled, although, in a unique style.

Uncommon Race Vehicles and So A lot Extra

Contemplating ALPINA’s story is deeply entwined with BMW’s motorsport legacy, it’s type of unattainable to carry an exhibit celebrating the model and not using a race automobile or two. One such race automobile is that this Quantity 22 E30 M3 sporting its inexperienced Michelin livery. Raced in Group A/DTM, the automobile now appears to be like proper at house surrounded by memorabilia and different ALPINA vehicles.

Like what you see? Browse the gallery beneath for much more. We encourage you to take a look at the ALPINA: 60 Years of Excellence exhibit for your self. The exhibit runs till January 17, 2026 at The Final Driving Museum. It’s a novel alternative  to absorb all one of the best ALPINA fashions in an setting that’s something however extraordinary.

(Pictures: Dan Levin / @klapped.media)