BMW: Celebrating 100 Years Of History In Monterey (Part 1)

BMW: Celebrating 100 Years Of History In Monterey (Part 1)
By: Brandon O'Brien
Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images unless otherwise stated

2016 marks 100 years of production for BMW although the actual production of automobiles did not officially begin until 1929 with the DA2 3/15 PS.  Without going into a history lesson BMW was established as an aircraft engine manufacturer, in 1923 expanding into motorcycles, and 1928 automobiles.  The famous logo that we now recognize came into existence around July 1917.

The largest celebration this side of the Atlantic occurred this past August when BMW was the honored marque at the Rolex Monterey Historic Car Races at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.  The annual event occurs along with the Monterey Car Week every August.

This story will be short on words but long on photographs in an effort to document many, but not all,  of the unique BMW's present over the weekend.  Most will be of cars that were on hand for the historic races but we are also including those seen at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and interesting examples spotted along the way.

The earliest BMW on hand was the pretty Roundel Blue 1930 BMW 3/15 DA2.  This little gem, proudly owned by Colleen Sheehan, was seen last year at the Legends of the Autobahn and this year at the Concours d'Elegance.  This is one of only two BMW 3/15's known to exist in this country.  Both owned by Ms. Sheehan.

1930 BMW 3/15 PS DA2 Cabriolet, chassis 21296 as displayed at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.  Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Ms. Sheehan posing by her 1930 BMW 3/15 PS DA2 at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.  Image Credit:  Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

The earliest racing BMW was a highly modified Frazer Nash-BMW 315/1, "The Willis Special".
AFN Ltd. became importers and assemblers of BMW cars in 1934 and sold them as Frazer Nash-BMW's.  They were the official British BMW importer until the outbreak of war in 1939.

1935 BMW 315/1 "Willis Special", chassis 51203 at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.  Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1935 BMW 315/1 "Willis Special", chassis 51203 at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.  Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

A number of early 328 roadsters were on hand.  Most were "stock" 328's but a couple were very special.

1937 BMW 328 Roadster, chassis 85014 was seen both at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca as well as the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.  Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1937 BMW 328 Roadster, chassis 85021 as seen at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.  Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1937 BMW 328 Roadster, chassis 85167.  Image Credit:  2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1938 BMW 328 Roadster, chassis 85251.  Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Very rarely seen is the "Bugelfalten" or "pressed crease" streamlined roadster. The car started life in 1937 as a regularly raced roadster being driven successfully by the British driver A.F.P. Fane and won its class at Le Mans in 1938.  The car was modified by BMW in 1939 to compete in the Mille Miglia. During the Second World War the car was regularly driven by German Minister of Armament Production Albert Speer.

The 1937 "Bugelfalten" 328 Streamlined Roadster, chassis 85032, as raced in the 1940 Mille Miglia.  Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

The 1937 "Bugelfalten" 328 Streamlined Roadster, chassis 85032,  as raced in the 1940 Mille Miglia.  Note the creases in the fenders and the original number plate.  Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

The  special badging on the boot of the 328 Streamlined Roadster, chassis 85032.  Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Undoubtedly the most special BMW to be seen was the 1939 BMW 328 Touring Coupe.  Carrozzeria Touring of Milan built this aerodynamic and lightweight "superleggera" body on a 328 chassis for use in long-distance races.  It won its class at Le Mans in 1939 and was the overall winner of the 1940 Mille Miglia.

1939 BMW 328 Touring Coupe was designed for the long range races. It took 1st Place in class at the 1939 24-Hours of Le Mans and 1st Place overall in the 1940 Mille Miglia.  Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

The special badging showing that this BMW 328 has Superleggera coachwork by Touring of Milan.  Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Seen at the Concours d'Elegance at Pebble Beach were a number of finely presented prewar and postwar BMW's.

1935 BMW 315/1 Roadster on the green at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.  Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1940 BMW 335 Autenrieth Cabriolet Sedan is one of the few survivors of the 40 built.  Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1956 BMW 502 Baur Cabriolet in Topaz Blue as seen on the green at Pebble Beach.  Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1960 BMW 3200 Super Autenrieth Cabriolet Sedan made its first trip from Europe to be on the green at Pebble Beach.  Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1957 BMW 503 Series I Bertone Cabriolet.  Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1958 BMW 507 Series II Convertible.  Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

This 1957 BMW 507 Series I, chassis 70079 was owned by Elvis Presley when he served in the U.S. Army in Germany.
Image Credit:  2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

 "Officer"Stephen Bauer in authentic attire next to his 1961 BMW 300 Sport Coupe police car.  Image Credit:  2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

This 1979 BMW M1 Procar, chassis 4301053, was privately commissioned by legendary driver Peter Gregg and painted by Frank Stella in honor of their friend Ronnie Peterson.  Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

This 1974 BMW 2002 Turbo Coupe, chassis 4290238 is one of 1,672 examples.  Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Fast forward to 1957 - 1964 and BMW wins its first European Championship with the 1800TI.  The 1800 TISA and 2000 models follow this from 1965 to 1967 with 24-hour race wins and trans-European titles.  What makes the European racers unique is that they competed with full interiors and no roll bars.  Later versions did include rudimentary roll bars.

1960 BMW 700S chassis 190764 exiting the Corkscrew at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.  Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1965 BMW 1800 Ti, chassis 980844 accelerating down the front straight at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.  Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1965 BMW 1800 Ti/SA, chassis 995013 exiting the Corkscrew at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.  Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1968 BMW 2000 CS at the top of the Corkscrew at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.  Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1973 BMW (E3) 3.0S, chassis 2183733 leading a pack of cars on to the front straight at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.  Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

From 1968 to 1978 in North America BMW was fighting Alfa GTVs and BRE prepared Datsun 510 sedans.  Two of those drivers were present at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.  Nick Craw with his 2002 and John Morton, who drove for BRE at the time, was driving another BMW 2002 that weekend.

1968 BMW 2002entering the start/finish straight at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.  Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1966 BMW 2002 on the front straight at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.  Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1968 BMW 2002 on the front straight at the Rolex Monterey Historic Car Races.  Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1968 BMW 2002 on the front straight at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.  Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1969 BMW 2002 as seen in the Corkscrew during the Rolex Monterey Historic Car Races.  Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1969 BMW 1600, chassis 1569163 entering the start/finish straight.  Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Nick Craw teamed up with Miller & Norburn in 1973 driving their 2002 production racer in the BF Goodrich Radial Tire Challenge Championship.  As a 2002 driver he won more races than any rival in the BF Goodrich series.

1970 BMW Alpina 2002Ti, chassis 2628020 entering the Corkscrew at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.  Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Nick Craw in his 1968 BMW 2002 that he campaigned for Miller Norburn in the 1970's.  Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1976 BMW 2002, chassis TP-7-41478  being driven by John Morton in the Corkscrew.  Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1979 BMW (E21) 320 Turbo, chassis E21-R4-05 was driven originally and now by Jim Busby but spent most of it's racing career in the Australian Touring Car Championship.  Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

The 1970's saw the appearance of the big coupes.  Starting out with carbureted versions of the 2.8- and 3.0-liter motors they later moved up to 3.5-liters and turbos.  The factory produced 21 official racing CSL's with chassis numbers ranging from 2275980 to 2276000.  A number of "in the white" chassis were supplied to the leading independent European Teams also.  From the period 1972 to 1979 the CSL pretty much dominated the European Touring Car Championship, Group 2 and Group 5.

1972 BMW (E9) 3.0 CSL, chassis 2275997.  Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1976 BMW (E9) 3.0 CSL in Alpina Faltz colors entering the front straight at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.  Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1971 BMW (E9) 3.0 CSL, chassis 2211342.  Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1978 Group 2 BMW (E9) 3.0 CSL chassis 001/79 was seen in front of the BMW North America tent.  Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1978 Group 2 BMW (E9) 3.0 CSL chassis 001/79 was seen in front of the BMW North America tent.  Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1975 BMW (E9) CSL in the Corkscrew on a foggy morning.  Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1975 Group 5 World Championship of Makes BMW (E9) CSL Turbo leading a M1 onto the start/finish straight at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.  Image Credit:  2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1975 Group 5 World Championship of Makes BMW (E9) CSL Turbo, chassis 2275988 in the corkscrew in the fog.  Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

The 1973 BMW (E9) 3.0 CSL, chassis 2275295 is painted to look like the Alexander Calder Art Car.  Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1973 BMW (E9) CSL braking for the Corkscrew at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.  Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1974 BMW (E9) CSL, chassis 2203291.  Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1973 BMW (E9) 3.0 CSL, chassis 2275204 in the famous Alpina Jagermeister colors.  Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1972 BMW (E9) CSL entering the front straight at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.  Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

The 1976 ETCC Championship winning BMW (E9) 3.0 CSL, chassis "Luigi" 001 being driven by Steve Walker through the Corkscrew.  Image Credit:  2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1975 BMW (E9) CSL painted by Alexander Calder for the 24-hours of Le Mans.  This became BMW's 1st Art Car.
Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

In 1975 the large factory sponsored coupes came to the U.S. to compete in the IMSA Camel GT series.  This would be the first outing for the big Motorsport racers in this country.  A team that included Hans Stuck, Sam Posey, Brian Redman, and Ronnie Peterson drove them and were able to secure the class title.  This writer remembers watching them take a 1-2 victory at Riverside that year.  Peter Gregg and Brian Redman competed in the series in 1976.

Ludwig Willisch taking the 1975 BMW (E9) 3.0 CSL, chassis 2275985 down the corkscrew in the fog.  This is the 1975 Sebring, Riverside, and Laguna Seca winning car. Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

This BMW (E9) 3.5 CSL, chassis 2275987 has numerous race wins and is one of the five original IMSA cars.  Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

The 1976 Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona winning BMW (E9) 3.5 CSL at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.  Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

When the CSL's were no longer considered competitive the new 320's were ready to take their place.  From 1977 to 1979 the 320 was seen either as normally aspirated or turbocharged in competition.  They were able to secure a class championship in Germany and eight wins in the U.S.

Three cars of the five cars built were to contest in North America.  All had turbo motors, the "cow catcher" front spoiler, a custom rear fascia with expanded side sills to accommodate the 19 x 14 inch wide rear wheels plus additional radiators and intercoolers.

1977 BMW (E21) 320i Turbo, chassis E21-R1-03 on display outside the BMW pavilion.  Image Credit:  2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1977 BMW (E21) 320i Turbo, chassis E21-002 on display outside the BMW pavilion.  Image Credit:  2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1978 BMW (E21)320 Turbo "lightweight", chassis E21-R4-03 won a number of races in 1978 and 1979 with David Hobbs.  
Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Who can think of a better racetrack to display their power than Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.  With that being said, I must also give accolades to BMW North America in arranging this ambitious undertaking blending throughout the 2016 Monterey Car Week.

Presented here were BMW's that looked like our regular cars or were primarily built for/or by BMW.

There were other cars present that are presented at BMW: Celebrating 100 Years Of History In Monterey (Part 2).




TAGS: 100 Years, 3/15, 328 Touring Coupe, BMW, BMW Motorsport, BMW North America, Brandon O'Brien, Brian Redman, Bugelfalten, Colleen Sheehan, CSL, David Hobbs, Davy Jones, Jim Busby, John Andretti, M3, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, McLaren, McLaren-BMW, Monterey Car Week, Motor Driven Images, Nick Craw, Octoberfest, Pebble Beach, Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, Procar, Rolex Monterey Historic Car Races, Ronnie Peterson, Williams, Williams-BMW