ALPINA plays a special part in BMW history and enthusiasm. Perhaps no better showcase for the brand is the ALPINA: 60 Years of Excellence exhibition at the Ultimate Driving Museum in Greer, South Carolina. Here, the BMW Car Club of America Foundation presents some of the most interesting and historic ALPINA models ever released. We stopped by and looked at the truly amazing collection. From memorabilia to real racing cars and pretty much everything in between, this exhibition offers an inspiring look back at ALPINA’s long journey over the last six decades.
Fast ALPINA Fives
The ALPINA versions of the BMW 5 Series were arguably even more exciting than their M division counterparts. The B7 Turbo debuted in 1984 as the fastest four-door car in the world. Power grew to a whopping 300 hp, and the changes were far more than just aesthetic. New suspension, brakes, wheels and seats were just some of the optimizations ALPINA made. The B9 3.5, on the other hand, has less power, but is distinguished by the fact that it is the first ALPINA model based on the E28 5 Series. What’s notable is that almost twice as many B9s were produced compared to the B7 Turbos. That doesn’t mean much; only 577 pieces were made!
Rare ALPINA models
The ALPINA RLE (Roadster Limited Edition), perhaps better known as the ALPINA Z1, is rare even in this company. ALPINA’s own website claims that only 66 RLE models were ever built, with a further seven cars subsequently modified (and not given an ALPINA chassis number). A small power increase to around 200 hp and very slight aesthetic modifications made the ZLE perhaps unremarkable, if the Z1 could ever be described as such. Of course, the cool ALPINA graphics on the side prevent anyone from confusing it with a normal Z1.
A little 3 piece goodness
The E36 BMW 3 Series is one of the greatest, and a little ALPINA treatment only improves a delicious recipe. Here we see an estate and convertible model and what looks like an E30 3 Series and an E46 3 Series outside the frame. They all wear ALPINA 20-spoke wheels and almost all feature the iconic ALPINA graphics on the side. There is also most likely an inline six-cylinder engine under the hood. However, no guarantee; Remember, ALPINA also offered a V8-powered BMW E36.
ALPINA wheels
When you think of ALPINA wheels, images of the signature 20-spoke alloy wheels that have adorned ALPINA models for decades may immediately come to mind. But remember: there is a little bit of everything in this exhibition. These include cars like the ALPINA V8 Roadster, ALPINA’s interpretation of the legendary BMW Z8. Here you can see the incredibly cool “five-spoke” design used on the Roadster. Despite the design differences, these also have 20 spokes – but mounted in a different way.
Rare racing cars and much more
Considering that ALPINA’s history is closely linked to BMW’s motorsport heritage, it is almost impossible to hold an exhibition celebrating the brand without a racing car or two. One such racing car is this E30 M3 with number 22, which wears its green Michelin livery. The car, raced in Group A/DTM, now feels at home among the memorabilia and other ALPINA vehicles.
Do you like what you see? Browse the gallery below to find out even more. We recommend that you see the exhibition ALPINA: 60 Years of Excellence for yourself. The exhibition runs until January 17, 2026 at the Ultimate Driving Museum. It is a unique opportunity to get to know the best ALPINA models in an environment that is anything but ordinary.
[Photos: Dan Levins / @klapped.media]
