At the 2022 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. A 1978 BMW 320 Group 5 touring car racer, participatin
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June 30, 2022
Like the finest concert—Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2022 is held | Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este
Legendary Gentleman Drivers
It is also necessary to mention the 1971 "Citroën SM," which received an honorable mention in Class G, "Breaking the Speed Barrier: Cars Chasing the Dream of 300 km/h." There is a reason why this rare French production car from the 70s was able to participate at Villa d’Este.
American mechanic Jerry Hathaway, captivated by the SM's avant-garde French design combined with its Maserati engine, decided to tune the car. He first achieved 243 km/h and then, by adding a Garrett supercharger, recorded a speed of 321.9 km/h (200 mph). The parachute, equipped for reliable braking, remains on the car today.
Class F, "BMW 'M' Cars and Their Ancestors," was also spectacular. BMW's sporty models, celebrating their 50th anniversary, appeared as if from a historical tapestry, accompanied by individuals associated with these machines.
Eckhard Schimpf (left), who once raced this car, appeared driving the 1978 BMW 320 Group 5 touring car.
For instance, the 1978 "BMW 320" Group 5 touring car race specification appeared, driven by Eckhard Schimpf, who actually competed with the car. He had an unusual career, being both a magazine editor and a professional racer during his active years.
Two "BMW M1" cars. The one on the left is the 1979 Procar version. The one on the right is the 1981 production model, which had been stored in a Sicilian warehouse for 35 years with only 7,329 km on the odometer.
The 1979 "BMW M1" is a Procar version, of which over fifty were manufactured; this is one of five works cars built. During the parade, the current owner, businessman Michael Hinderer, called over a gentleman from the audience: Leopold Prinz von Bayern, who competed in DTM (German Touring Car Championship) in the 1980s and 90s and currently serves as a BMW brand ambassador.
Michael Hinderer (left), the current owner of the 1979 BMW M1 Procar, and Leopold Prinz von Bayern (right), former BMW works driver.
Afterward, he enthusiastically shared stories about his Japanese friends. Indeed, Prince von Bayern was active in the All Japan Touring Car Championship in the 1990s. Along with Mr. Schimpf, his demeanor and way of speaking were a stark contrast to the fierce image of their machines, truly befitting the title of "gentleman driver."