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 acquired a take a look at the actually superb assortment. From memorabilia to respectable race automobiles and just about all the things 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 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 modifications 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 based mostly on the E28 5 Collection. Notably, almost 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 generally known as the ALPINA Z1, is uncommon, even on this firm. ALPINA’s personal web site claims solely 66 RLE fashions have been ever constructed, with an extra seven automobiles being modified after the very fact (and never receiving an ALPINA VIN). A small energy bump, to round 200 bhp, and really mild aesthetic modifications made the ZLE maybe understated, if the Z1 may ever be known as such. After all, the cool ALPINA graphics on the aspect assist treatment any hazard of somebody complicated it with a daily Z1.
A Little 3 Collection Goodness
The E36 BMW 3 Collection is without doubt one of the biggest, and a little bit ALPINA therapy solely improves a scrumptious recipe. Right here, we see a wagon and convertible mannequin, and what appears 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 long-lasting ALPINA graphics alongside the aspect. Below the hood, it’s greater than seemingly there’s an inline-six engine, too. Not a assure, although; bear in mind, ALPINA additionally provided an unhinged V8-powered BMW E36.
ALPINA Wheels
If you consider ALPINA wheels, your thoughts could instantly summon photographs of the trademark 20-spoke alloys which have embellished ALPINA fashions for many years. However bear in mind: there’s a little bit little bit of all the things at this exhibit. That features automobiles just like the ALPINA V8 Roadster, ALPINA’s tackle the long-lasting BMW Z8. Right here, you may 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 distinct style.
Uncommon Race Automobiles and So A lot Extra
Contemplating ALPINA’s story is deeply entwined with BMW’s motorsport legacy, it’s sort of unimaginable 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 proper at residence surrounded by memorabilia and different ALPINA automobiles.
Like what you see? Browse the gallery under 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 singular alternative to absorb all the perfect ALPINA fashions in an atmosphere that’s something however odd.
[Photos: Dan Levins / @klapped.media]
