BMW’s Italian Touch

Bavarian Style

The BMW Museum in Munich is setting up quite a spectacle for anyone who appreciates a blend of German precision with a dash from Italy’s artistic flair. The museum’s newest exhibition sheds light on BMW’s collaborations with famed Italian designers, which have left a significant footprint on the brand’s design narrative over the decades.

Icons on Display

This exhibition, aptly named “Belle Macchine: Italian Automotive Design at BMW,” offers a journey through time with 23 historic vehicles. Sketches from BMW’s archives also accompany the display, reflecting the Italian influence from the 1930s to the 2010s. Expect to see work from visionary designers like Giorgetto Giugiaro, Giovanni Michelotti, and Marcello Gandini.

The exhibition boasts vehicles created by celebrated Italian design houses such as Zagato, Pininfarina, Bertone, and Italdesign. This is a treat for any car enthusiast who appreciates the delicate balance of cutting-edge engineering and avant-garde aesthetics.

Highlights

Garmisch Concept

A standout piece of the exhibition is the Gandini-designed BMW Garmisch. This concept had a crucial role in influencing the first generations of the BMW 3-Series and 5-Series. Although the original Garmisch is long lost, BMW has produced a faithful replica, completed under Gandini’s guidance before his passing.

Classic Elegance

The exhibition doesn’t shy away from showcasing classics. Among the gems is the 1959 BMW 3200 Michelotti Vignale, a prototype encapsulating mid-century grace. There’s also the 1966 BMW 3000 V8, nicknamed “Glaserati,” and the rara avis 1969 BMW 2800 GTS Frua concept.

Modern Ventures

In recent design triumphs, expect the razzle-dazzle of the 1991 BMW Nazca M12, a supercar conceived by Italdesign under Giugiaro. The exhibition also displays the 2012 BMW Zagato Roadster—a nod to the Z4—and the stunning 2013 BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe from Villa d’Este is an eye-catcher.

Driving Dynamics

Driving classic BMW with an Italian touch is like enjoying a fine espresso after a rich meal—distinctive and memorable. BMWs historically prioritize precision and performance, and with Italian design, it gets an infusion of elegance and flair. The more modern iterations, like the Nazca M12, feel like driving a sculpted piece of art with engineering excellence embedded in every curve.

Modern BMWs continue to marry cutting-edge technology with evocative design. Even in concepts like the 2008 M1 Hommage and the 2023 Vision Neue Klasse, one finds a nod to history with a clear eye on the future, emphasizing that the Bavarian approach with an Italian cadence offers an unmatched, symphonic driving experience.