BMW Celebrated their 100th Anniversary as the featured marque at the Monterey Historic Automobile Races this year with historic racing BMWs paraded in Monterey
With 2016 being the year that BMW celebrates its 100th Anniversary, it only seems fitting that the vehicles of the iconic company be the featured Marque at this year’s Monterey Historic Automobile races. The BMWs featured throughout the week most certainly did not disappoint. As part of the festivities, historic BMWs were paraded in Monterey.
The week making up the Monterey Historic Automobile races is made of some 60-odd events focused on all things automobile. Several races and exhibitions take place throughout the week at the famous Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Auctions, auto shows and contests such as the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance also take place throughout the community.
An unbelievable selection of legendary BMW race cars were present at the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. On track were the likes of BMW M1 Procars, the V12 LMR from the Le Mans 24 hours, and a selection of 3.0 CSL Batmobiles. BMW provided its most recent art car, based on the E92 M3 GT2 that was displayed right next to the very first BMW art car, a breathtaking 3.0 CSL.
The BMW 2002 Hommage Concept that was unveiled earlier in the year in Italy, was unveiled a second time this week. This time, it was wearing a stunning Orange paint, complete with Turbomeister livery. As expected, it took center stage in the BME tent.
BMW was also very well represented at car shows and exhibitions that took place throughout the week. However, many of the vehicles represented were pampered historic vehicles and rare and iconic vehicles.
Several examples of such historic models of the BMW 2002, including the BMW 2002 Turbo were featured. One example was even featured on the lawn of the Concours d’Elegance.
Another BMW highlight for the week was the unveiling of Elvis Presley’s stunning BMW 507. Long thought to be lost to history, it was recently located in the United States. BMW was able to purchase the historic vehicle where it underwent a thorough and exhaustive restoration at the hands of BMW Classic Group, the manufacturer’s division that focuses on restorations.
