SoCal Vintage BMW Meet 2016
2016 marks BMW’s 100th year and the 50th anniversary of the BMW 2002. What better way to celebrate than by bringing together nearly 400 of the west coast's finest vintage (pre-'95) Bimmers for the 9th Annual SoCal Vintage BMW Meet?
From a 2002 built to go off-road to a 160mph wagon, check out eight BMWs that prove the SoCal Vintage BMW Meet is definitely worth a visit.
1600 Alpina
Alpina is to BMW what Shelby is to Ford or Mugen to Honda. The 1600 Alpina was one of the first BMWs they added their special touch to back in the '60s. In Alpina spec, these could make up to 165hp.
This pristine 1600 sports all the original Alpina parts, bubble flared fenders and period correct Recaro seats.
S54 powered E28 Alpina B7 Turbo
This E28 may wear Alpina B7 Turbo badging but the Alpina tuned, 3.5L turbo inline-6 has been replaced with the 333hp S54 motor out of the E46 M3.
Only 149 B7 Turbos were made. Visually separating the Alpina models from your run-of-the-mill E28s are Alpina aero, exterior pinstriping, wood steering wheel and shift knob with a blue-and-green-striped interior.
S54-Powered E30 M3
Speaking of S54 swaps, this E30 M3 swapped its S14 motor for one out of the E46 M3. Weighing just under 3,000 lbs. and 333hp under the hood, this should be an absolute blast to drive, if not terrifying.
2002 “M2”
If you’re wondering where the original motor of the previous M3 went, maybe it went under the hood of this 2002? The M2 wasn’t an official BMW model until 2016, but that name also works for this 2002 powered by the E30 M3’s S14 4-cylinder.
E34 M5 Touring
It’s a shame that America never got the E34 M5 wagon. Capable of over 155 mph, the M5 Touring was the ultimate soccer dad car of its time.
This particular example was only one of four produced in this Madeira Schwartz (Black) Metallic. It was imported and federalized by its current owner back in 2007, who also mentions that this M5 actually passes California smog test!
E30 Ute
...when E30 is life but so is truck. With a custom bed, lifted suspension and skid plate, just add rear jump seats, and this would be the German equivalent of the Subaru BRAT.
The guy on the left represents most people’s expressions when they first see the back of the E30 pickup.
Off-Road 2002
Possibly our favorite of the meet was this unique 2002. In a sea of 2002s celebrating the model's 50th anniversary, this one definitely stood out from the rest with a mix of rat rod meets pre-runner style.
Built by Sin City BMW and dubbed the “X2”, this 2002 has the floorboard and drivetrain of a 325xi (the all-wheel drive version of the E30) mated to an early '70s 2002.
The patina-covered body was cut up to fit Super Swamper tires, while the missing front fender reveals a custom snorkel.
Group 2 3.0 CSL
On the opposite end of the spectrum, one of the centerpieces of the meet was this recently completed restoration of a 3.0 CSL purpose-built for Group 2 racing, restored by Vintage Motorsport Group.
The restoration was done with only period pieces including a 3.5L motor with Alpina side throttle injection, Alpina rear differential with oil cooler, Getrag 4-speed transmission and Lockheed F1 front brakes. Many of the vintage parts were found over a three-year period of scouring shops all over Europe.
Anything that couldn’t be sourced or restored was built from scratch, such as the rear wing and spoiler. The restoration was completed in time for the BMW 100th Anniversary celebration at the Monterey Motorsports Reunion this past August.
Group 2 3.0 CSL Versus Stock Model
A cool thing about being at the SoCal Vintage BMW meet is getting to compare modified with stock versions of these amazing cars. A quick glance of these next to each other reveals the stark difference between the two.
On the interior, you'll see a bare bones racer with Sparco seats and roll cage versus all the amenities for what rolled out of the showroom.
See more from the 2016 SoCal Vintage BMW Meet in the gallery below.
