4 days in Florida, ten iconic BMW autos, one racetrack; it’s Targa 66. Began in 1991 by Brian Redman (British F1 racer, Le Mans racer 1967-1989, present historic racer), it’s designed as an opportunity for house owners of classic and trendy efficiency autos to drive at velocity amongst like-minded. With between 70 and 80 classic race vehicles taking to the monitor, it is sensible that there’d be a BMW or two within the pack.

The truth is, BMWUSA Traditional makes use of this low-key monitor occasion to stretch the legs of a few of its most intriguing autos. This 12 months, the collection of classic (and trendy) race autos is joined by some particular streetcar counterparts to raised illustrate the variations – and heritage shared – between the 2 examples. Right here’s what BMWUSA Traditional delivered to the social gathering.

1971 ALPINA 2002 ti

Again when ALPINA particularly dealt with race vehicles, the 2002ti was the right candidate for all times on the racetrack. The ti – or “Touring Worldwide” – variant was much more certified, sporting two-barrel carbs, higher tires, sway bars, and a five-speed gearbox. ALPINA constructed the automobile even additional with fender flares, alloy wheels, and extra.

This particular automobile later raced in SCCA occasions in 1971 and 1972 earlier than being retired for twenty-four years. It was then offered to BMW, reconditioned, and raced within the 1996 Monterey Historic Races. In early 2014, it was repainted in its unique ALPINA colours that you simply see right here at present. A 1972 BMW 2002 tii was introduced alongside as an instance the distinction between the 2 vehicles.

2004-2006 E46 M3 GTR (6 Cylinder)

 Whereas not fairly as legendary as its V8-powered counterpart, the six-pot E46 M3 GTR remains to be fairly the sight to behold. That includes a 3.4-liter inline six good for 450 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque, this is among the BMW Group PTG M3s that cleaned up within the 2004 Rolex Sports activities Automotive Collection. It was the M3’s most dominant season, with ten of twelve races within the group’s favor. After all, that’s provided that you low cost 2001 – the place the V8-powered M3 GTRs took house each GT title within the American Le Mans Collection.

Whereas not fairly rivaling the legacy of the E30 M3 – probably the most winningest touring automobile in historical past – the E46 M3 GTR is probably much more iconic to many lovers. BMW introduced alongside a late-model 2006 M3 streetcar for comparability. I surmise they in contrast way more equally than a V8-powered model would have.

2009-10 E92 M3 GT2 – Chassis #901

A complete of 11 E92 M3 vehicles have been constructed to GT2 specification, and that is the primary one ever. It noticed two seasons in two distinct liveries – 12 Hours of Sebring in 2009 as “Environment friendly Dynamics” and 2010 at Street Atlanta as “Pleasure.” It’s arrange identically to the way it ran in 2010.

The E92 M3 GT2’s improvement started in mid-2007, and the race model drew on quite a few totally different F1 methods. Particularly, wind-tunnel evaluation and computation fluid dynamics for aero. Fanatics will most likely already discover the RAYS solid magnesium wheels. Some much less apparent variations from the manufacturing automobile embrace a widened rear monitor; fenders, hood, roof, trunk lid, and doorways in carbon fiber bolstered plastic; and straight minimize gears.

2011-12 E92 M3 GT – Chassis #1101

Like chassis #901, chassis #1101 weighs round 2,745 kilos (1,245 kilograms) and options many race-specific enhancements. This one raced as quantity 56 in 2011 and 2012, with two Sebring wins and lots of different podiums underneath its belt. It was pushed by Joey Hand and Dirk Mueller.

Chassis #1101 additionally has the excellence of getting been crashed throughout a mid-season Street America race in 2012. After they repaired it, it was benched for the season as a spare chassis. It’s at the moment in Sebring configuration – full with particular BBS solid wheels and a night-lighting package deal. BMW additionally introduced alongside a 2013 Lime Rock Park Version E92 M3 for comparability. Whereas admittedly top-of-the-line doable variations, it’s most likely barely much less analogous to the race vehicles than the high-strung E92 M3 GTS.

2019 M8 GTLM/GTE

Whereas possibly most frequently remembered for a sequence of humorous memes that depicted the M8 as threatening to swallow the remainder of the race automobile (a joke at its general dimension), the M8 GTLM is fiercely succesful on the racetrack. Weighing in at simply 1,220 kilograms (2,689 kilos) and producing over 500 horsepower, it debuted in 2018, profitable at VIR and Laguna Seca. In 2019, it received Daytona.

Apparently, two (of a complete of seven produced) M8 GTLMs confirmed up, and each are being prepped on the market. This occasion was the primary shakedown run for each vehicles. BMW introduced an M8 Competitors Coupe alongside for comparability. Enjoyable reality: the 2 share a standard engine block and head.

Two BMW M8 GTLM racing vehicles are literally on the market at a value of round $850,000.