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With its sporting heritage going back to its earliest days, BMW truly lives up to its official motto: “The ultimate driving machine”. Throughout its history, BMW had its ups and downs, but what can’t ever be questioned is the brand’s constant pursuit for performance and thrilling driving experiences (both on two and four wheels).

In its brightest moments, BMW created a number of truly spectacular automobiles, and these 10 BMW sports cars can be considered the all time greatest—not only for shaping the Bavarian brand, but for helping shape the whole automotive industry.

#1: BMW 328

BMW 328 Rolling Shot on a Public Road

BMW 328 Rolling Shot on a Public Road
Via BMW

The opening car on our list wasn’t BMW’s first foray into sporty cars, but it became the most successful one. The straight-six 328 sports roadster proved itself both in the hands of gentleman drivers and BMW’s own racers, winning at some of the era’s most prestigious events.

This car’s biggest triumph was at the 1940 Mille Miglia, a legendary road race through Italy, where a specially prepared lightweight closed top car put BMW on the international map.

While the 328 didn’t have a direct heir, or at least not a successful one, it set important groundwork for BMW as a sports car maker. The industry has changed and evolved since then, and so has BMW. But a straight-six, rear wheel drive layout remains in its DNA to this day, and the 328 is there to thank for that.

#2: BMW 507

Elvis Presley's BMW 507 Static Side Shot in a Studio

Elvis Presley's BMW 507 Static Side Shot in a Studio
Via BMW

Regardless of the fact that the 507 was arguably BMW’s biggest flop, it was also one of the brand’s greatest sports cars. Not only did the plush roadster look stunning, but with a 3.2-liter V8, it was quite an exotic cruiser to drive back in the late 1950s.

But, with no brand recognition other than the fact that Elvis had one, the 507 just didn’t find a way to many customers. While it was losing the battle to Mercedes-Benz and its 300SL, BMW was also bleeding money due to production costs, hemorrhaging money on each car it produced. Alongside other unfavorable factors, the 507 eventually brought BMW to bankruptcy—but that low moment actually kickstarted BMW’s great transformation.

Yes, had it not been for the 507, BMW as we know wouldn’t have existed. After the Quandt bailout in 1959, BMW took on a different direction. First came the nimble rear-engined BMW 700, and then the Neue Klasse completely transformed the company, putting it on a path of constant progress. And that brings us to the next car on the list…

#3: BMW E10 2002 Turbo

BMW 2002 Turbo Front Static Shot at Hockenheimring

BMW 2002 Turbo Front Static Shot at Hockenheimring
Via BMW

Being the most immersive of the bunch, the charmingly boxy E10 2-door sports sedan eclipsed the rest of the Neue Klasse range, practically becoming an entity of its own. When BMW moved on to the first 5 Series in 1972, the 02 Series was still there—and the sporty 2002ti and 2002tii still sold like hot cakes both across Europe and North America.

During the second half of the 1970s, forced induction became the hot new thing in the go-fast industry, and BMW adopted this trend as a pioneer, turbocharging its venerable 2.0-liter M10 four pot.

The 2002 Turbo was the most powerful factory-built E10—a 170-horsepower, 2381 lb rear-wheel-drive sports sedan.

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By: Djordje Sugaris
Title: BMW’s Best Sports Cars
Sourced From: sportscardigest.com/bmws-best-sports-cars/
Published Date: Wed, 30 Mar 2022 15:17:16 +0000

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Motor

THE ULTIMATE AUCTION CHALLENGE: Play the Last Round of Fantasy Bid

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September 28, 2023

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THE ULTIMATE AUCTION CHALLENGE: Play the Last Round of Fantasy Bid
Grand Prize: 2023 Dodge Charger

After thrilling rounds in Scottsdale, Palm Beach and Las Vegas, it’s your turn to seize the opportunity to play – and win – Barrett-Jackson’s Fantasy Bid game presented by Dodge! Play this year’s final round online during the 2023 New Orleans Auction, which will be held September 28-30 at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. The overall winner who has accumulated the most points by accurately guessing vehicle selling prices at each auction will drive away with a new 2023 Dodge Charger.

As of June 30, 2023, the leaderboard consists of these five players:

Fantasy Bid lets you join the auction action no matter where you are by predicting the winning bids on 12 auction vehicles. This game lets players located in the U.S. and Canada aged 18 and above test their automotive and auction knowledge as they compete against other enthusiasts. While not required, some of the players have taken the competition to the next level by traveling to each auction to examine each of the Fantasy Bid vehicles before placing their bids in the game. It’s the perfect blend of auction excitement and the thrill of competition. Points are earned based on accuracy, and if you guess all 12 bids correctly in this round, you win $100,000.

As the 2023 New Orleans Auction unfolds from September 28 to 30, embrace the fun of predicting collector car selling prices and vie for the ultimate prize – a new 2023 Dodge Charger. Let your journey to victory begin!

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By: Barrett-Jackson
Title: THE ULTIMATE AUCTION CHALLENGE: Play the Last Round of Fantasy Bid
Sourced From: www.barrett-jackson.com/Media/Home/Reader/the-ultimate-auction-challenge-play-the-last-round-of-fantasy-bid/
Published Date: Tue, 26 Sep 2023 15:19:17 +0000

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Desirable Muscle Cars, Supercars and Resto-Mods to Headline Several Collections at Barrett-Jackson’s Inaugural New Orleans Auction

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10 hours ago

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September 28, 2023

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1969 FORD MUSTANG 428 SCJ DRAG PACK – Lot #779

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. ‒ September 26, 2023 – Barrett-Jackson, The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions, will feature three collections during the inaugural New Orleans Auction, September 28-30 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, including a diverse selection of collectible cars, trucks and SUVs. All crossing the block at No Reserve, the collectible vehicles from the Sherwood Classics, MS Classic Cars and Jimmy Bankhead collections feature an array of well-preserved, restored and custom-built selections, including a pair of late-model Aston Martins, a 2005 Ford GT, custom 1954 pickup and a matching-numbers 1969 Ford Mustang 428 SCJ Drag Pack.

2005 Ford GT – Lot #735

“Many astute collectors turn to Barrett-Jackson to auction their prized vehicles that have been restored and maintained within their private collections,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “Among the hundreds of vehicles crossing the auction block in New Orleans, we have three exceptional groupings that will be featured. The Sherwood Classics, MS Classic Cars and Jimmy Bankhead collections are excellent examples of the passion and extreme care taken to preserve these vehicles, ensuring they provide a wonderful opportunity for their next stewards looking to add to a collection of their own.”

The Sherwood Classics Collection features eight collectible vehicles, including a 2005 Ford GT (Lot #735), as well as a custom 1961 Chevrolet Corvette convertible (Lot #681) powered by an all-aluminum LS1 engine backed by a 4-speed automatic transmission. Powered by its original matching-numbers drivetrain, a 1958 Chevrolet Corvette 283/290 Fuelie convertible (Lot #778) was restored to NCRS standards, featuring a striking red exterior that matches the interior and complements the black soft-top. Lot #779 is a 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 428 SCJ Drag Pack powered by its matching-numbers R-code 428ci Super Cobra Jet engine paired with a Toploader 4-speed manual transmission.

1954 Chevrolet Custom Pickup – Lot #782

Leading the MS Classic Cars Collection is “Shadow,” a custom 1954 Chevrolet Pickup (Lot #782) built with a vision to create the ultimate classic pickup while keeping the iconic factory appearance. Countless hours and dollars were invested in the 4-year build, which was completed in May 2023. An authentic and meticulously restored 1972 Dodge Charger 440 Magnum (Lot #412) is a seldom-seen Mopar muscle car and is one of only 785 “U-Code” models built that year, which included the 440ci 4-barrel Magnum High Performance V8. A great example of an original matching-numbers iconic American sports car, a 1960 Chevrolet Corvette 283/270 convertible (Lot #760) will also cross the block with No Reserve. The result of an impressive show-quality restoration, it is listed in the Corvette C1 Registry.

“The diversity of these three collections is amazing and represents some of the most desirable vehicles in the hobby,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “The breadth of these collections resembles our entire auction docket, appealing to enthusiasts from every generation. Our inaugural New Orleans Auction will offer everyone the chance to find that perfect collectible vehicle they’ve always wanted.”

2014 Aston Martin Vanquish – Lot #676

Featuring an array of domestic and import collectible vehicles, the Jimmy Bankhead Collection is led by a 2014 Aston Martin Vanquish (Lot #676) with less than 5,000 actual miles and a 2011 Aston Martin Vantage V12 (Lot #655) powered by a hand-built 510-horsepower V12 engine with a custom-installed Borla exhaust system. Also included in the collection is a black-on-black 2006 Porsche 911 Carrera S cabriolet (Lot #416) that has less than 6,000 miles. Domestic prowess is available from a 2022 Chevrolet Corvette 3LT convertible (Lot #791) powered by a V8 engine that generates 490 horsepower. Classics from the collection include two fully restored trucks: a 1956 Chevrolet Cameo (Lot #403) and a 1969 Chevrolet C10 long-bed pickup (Lot #389)

Enthusiasts interested in being a part of the excitement may also consign their collector vehicle here. Those interested in registering to bid for Barrett-Jackson’s inaugural New Orleans Auction may do so here.

Advance tickets to the event are available here. On Location, Barrett-Jackson’s official hospitality partner, is offering several immersive VIP Experience packages for guests to join the action on the auction block, enjoy premium hospitality and connect with like-minded enthusiasts like never before. To learn more about On Location’s offerings, click here.

Join Barrett-Jackson’s online conversation with #BarrettJackson and #BJAC on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

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By: Barrett-Jackson
Title: Desirable Muscle Cars, Supercars and Resto-Mods to Headline Several Collections at Barrett-Jackson’s Inaugural New Orleans Auction
Sourced From: www.barrett-jackson.com/Media/Home/Reader/desirable-muscle-cars-supercars-and-resto-mods-to-headline-several-collections-at-barrett-jacksons-inaugural-new-orleans-auction/
Published Date: Tue, 26 Sep 2023 18:27:39 +0000

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Do You Need a Motorcycle in Your Living Room?

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12 hours ago

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September 28, 2023

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Nathan Hill’s BMW R50/5 holds court at his cozy basement bar.
Nathan Hill’s BMW R50/5 holds court at his cozy basement bar. (Nathan Hill/)

When you really love a motorcycle, should it become part of the family and live inside the home? Or is there an invisible line that shouldn’t be crossed between garage and domicile? There are a million different types of motorcycle owners and riders. But this issue (among countless others) divides our community neatly into two camps. For some, a beloved motorcycle in the living room really brings the room together. For others, there are lines you just don’t cross.

The idea carries water for some. We keep busts of famous people, fine art, musical instruments, books, or music to show off our taste and class. Is a motorcycle that different? Some bikes certainly qualify as art. But most art doesn’t leave oil stains or smell like gas fumes. A motorcycle lives and breathes outside and usually makes a mess. Do you really want that in the house?

In the spirit of hard-hitting news, Motorcyclist decided to investigate this historically divisive issue. Does putting a motorcycle inside your house make it a motorcycle home? Does one go from “bike owner” to “noted motorcycle collector” when you put two wheels in your living room? Or is a bike in your house just trying too hard on some level?

Here’s an informal sampling of mostly Midwestern motorcycle owners about why they put motorcycles in their living room. Or which particular models deserve a place in their home. Or why they don’t.

Dan May’s living room doubles as a stable of sorts for his beloved Beemers.
Dan May’s living room doubles as a stable of sorts for his beloved Beemers. (Dan May/)

“They Like the Warmth in Winter”

The answer to the article question is a resounding yes, five times over for Dan May. As race director for the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association, May is decidedly in the “Yes” camp. A lover of BMW airheads, his collection slowly moved indoors. His motorcycle menagerie counts a few /2 models as well as a lovely R90. For May, it’s partly a question of art, with Midwestern practicality thrown in.

“It makes starting them after hibernation much easier.”

May’s not currently married, but claims his previous spouse wouldn’t have minded a bike in the living room. How about five?

“She probably would not have let me have five,” he allows.

Does he ever sit on the bikes with friends, drinking beer and making happy brapping noises while imagining riding the Nürbürgring, I ask?

“No,” he insists. “I don’t hang out in that room much. Remember, I have a garage full of racebikes. That’s where the beer drinking and wrenching happens.”

Liviu Alexandru Maslin’s award-winning custom (and very trick) Buell Blast was partially assembled in his (and his wife’s) living room.
Liviu Alexandru Maslin’s award-winning custom (and very trick) Buell Blast was partially assembled in his (and his wife’s) living room. (Liviu Alexandru Maslin/)

“My Wife Doesn’t Mind”

No data supports this, but most indoor motorcycles seem to be “established” classic or vintage bikes. Unless you’re Liviu Alexandru Maslin. His custom-built 2002 Buell Blast makes for a compelling exception. It was actually partly built in his living room.

A veteran of the Mama Tried H-D 120th Anniversary, 2022 Sturgis Buffalo Chip “Motorcycles as Art” show, The Handbuilt Motorcycle Show, and the 2021 Mama Tried show, Maslin’s Buell Blast was a familiar presence on the motorcycle show circuit—until it was sold to a collector.

A 1971 Harley-Davidson Ironhead roller currently resides in his living room, awaiting work. Does his wife mind? Would he add another one to his living quarters?

“My wife doesn’t mind as long as I dust it off and it doesn’t make a mess. And, yes, I would add another—if the space allowed.”

Jarl Wathne’s Honda CL175 AHRMA racer greets visitors, along with the race hardware it helped him win.
Jarl Wathne’s Honda

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By: Anders T. Carlson
Title: Do You Need a Motorcycle in Your Living Room?
Sourced From: www.motorcyclistonline.com/news/motorcycle-art-and-home-decor-debate/
Published Date: Tue, 26 Sep 2023 17:31:59 +0000

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