100 Years of BMW—The 2016 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion

August 29, 2016
Images by Shawn Glad

The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, a key part of Monterey Car Week in California, celebrates the history and thrill of motorsports by racing historic and vintage vehicles. Held this year from August 18-21, at Laguna Seca Raceway, the Reunion showcased a wide array of race cars, from pre-war classics to modern legends, offering spectators and participants a deep dive into the rich history of automotive racing. The event featured more than 550 historic and vintage racing cars, selected for their historical significance and authenticity. These vehicles competed in races grouped by age and engine capacity, ensuring competitive yet respectful racing.

Event Highlights:

Celebration of BMW’s Centenary: A significant highlight was the celebration of BMW’s 100th anniversary, honoring the brand’s racing heritage and its role in merging automotive design with contemporary art. The event showcased an exceptional display of BMW Art Cars in the paddock area, including the iconic BMW 3.0 CSL painted by Alexander Calder.

Can-Am 50th Anniversary: The reunion also marked the 50th anniversary of the Canadian-American Challenge Cup (Can-Am). A dedicated race featured a stunning lineup of Can-Am machines, including Denny Hulme’s 1968 McLaren M8A-2, which clinched the 1968 Can-Am championship.

Historic Formula 1 Cars: The Formula 1 grid, showcasing grand prix cars from 1967 to 1984, highlighted a period known for its technological innovation and fierce competition, bringing back cars once piloted by legends like Niki Lauda and Mario Andretti.

The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion brings together enthusiasts from around the world—if you haven’t attended yet, be sure to add it to your automotive calendar for next year!

1975 BMW 3.0 CSL Art Car

This 1975 BMW 3.0 CSL, by Alexander Calder, is BMW Art Car number 1. Not only was it one of Calder’s final works, but it also competed in Le Mans, marking a poignant moment in history as Calder passed away shortly thereafter. Recognized as arguably the most unique assembly of automobiles globally, the BMW Art Car collection showcases works by some of the world’s greatest artists, including Frank Stella, Roy Lichtenstein, and Andy Warhol.

1967 Porsche 911

This 1967 Porsche 911 is an example of Porsche’s ‘Sports Purpose Program,’ which tailored cars for competition. Its racing history spans events like the 1972 6 Hours of Daytona, IMSA races in Daytona (November 1972) and Atlanta, the grueling 1973 Daytona 24 Hours, and the July 4th Paul Revere Race.

Chassis: 308107
Driver: Don Ahearn
Group 3B
FIA Manufacturers Championship
1963-1973

1961 Porsche Abarth Carrera

This 1961 Porsche Abarth Carrera, one of only 21 Abarth Carreras produced, was built on a 356B chassis and running gear, distinguished by an aluminum body and the legendary four-cam Carrera engine.

Chassis: 1016
Driver: Ranson Webster
Group 3A
GT Cars
1955-1962

1968 McLaren M8A-2

This 1968 McLaren M8A-2 was the second of only three M8As ever built, and played a major role in the 1968 Can-Am championship driven by Denny Hulme. Hulme’s exceptional performance, winning three of the six rounds, allowed him to clinch the championship title. The M8A-2 is powered by a 7.0-liter Chevrolet V-8 engine, and delivers 620hp.

Chassis: M8A-2

2012 Porsche 911 GT3 ANDIAL Cup Car

The 2012 Porsche 911 GT3 ANDIAL Cup Car, equipped with a 4.0L race motor, produced 515hp. Wearing the Miller High Life livery, it commemorates the last ANDIAL-powered Porsche to achieve an overall victory at the Daytona 24 Hours race in 1989.

1960 Ferrari SWB

This 1960 Ferrari SWB first came into prominence under the ownership of Lorien Dernier, a competitor on the Belgian racing circuit. Despite its intended entry into the October 1000km of Paris, circumstances led to Dernier’s failure to start the race. It later transferred hands and subsequently, to the United States, in the late 60’s.

Chassis: 2291GT
Driver: Robert Bodin
Group 3A
GT Cars
1955-1962

1971 Alfa Romeo

This 1971 Alfa Romeo has been actively campaigned in competitive racing since the early 70s and had made its mark in the 2.5L Trans-Am series and the SCCA B-Sedan Regional Championships.

Chassis: AR1532283
Driver: Jon Norman
Group 3B
FIA Manufacturers Championship cars
1963-1973