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 a number of the most fascinating and historic ALPINA fashions ever launched. We stopped by and received a have a look at the actually superb assortment. From memorabilia to respectable race vehicles and just about every little 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 Collection had 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 modifications had been a lot greater than aesthetic. New suspension, brakes, wheels, and seats had been simply a number of 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 based mostly on the E28 5 Collection. Notably, practically double the variety of B9s had been produced in comparison with B7 Turbos. That’s not saying a lot; solely 577 had been made!
Uncommon ALPINA Fashions
The ALPINA RLE (Roadster Restricted Version), maybe higher generally known as the ALPINA Z1, is uncommon, even on this firm. ALPINA’s personal web site claims solely 66 RLE fashions had been ever constructed, with a further seven vehicles being modified after the actual 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 known as such. In fact, the cool ALPINA graphics on the aspect assist treatment any hazard of somebody complicated it with an everyday Z1.
A Little 3 Collection Goodness
The E36 BMW 3 Collection is likely one of the best, and somewhat ALPINA therapy solely improves a scrumptious recipe. Right here, we see a wagon and convertible mannequin, and what seems like an E30 3 Collection and E46 3 Collection out of body. They’re all sporting ALPINA 20-spoke wheels and nearly all don the enduring ALPINA graphics alongside the aspect. Underneath the hood, it’s greater than seemingly there’s an inline-six engine, too. Not a assure, although; bear in mind, ALPINA additionally supplied an unhinged V8-powered BMW E36.
ALPINA Wheels
Whenever you consider ALPINA wheels, your thoughts might instantly summon photographs of the trademark 20-spoke alloys which have adorned ALPINA fashions for many years. However bear in mind: there’s somewhat little bit of every little thing at this exhibit. That features vehicles just like the ALPINA V8 Roadster, ALPINA’s tackle the enduring 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 special vogue.
Uncommon Race Vehicles and So A lot Extra
Contemplating ALPINA’s story is deeply entwined with BMW’s motorsport legacy, it’s form of unattainable to carry an exhibit celebrating the model and not using a race automotive or two. One such race automotive is that this Quantity 22 E30 M3 sporting its inexperienced Michelin livery. Raced in Group A/DTM, the automotive now seems 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 the very best ALPINA fashions in an atmosphere that’s something however abnormal.
[Photos: Dan Levins / @klapped.media]
