4 days in Florida, ten iconic BMW automobiles, 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 fashionable efficiency automobiles to drive at pace amongst like-minded. With between 70 and 80 classic race automobiles taking to the monitor, it is sensible that there’d be a BMW or two within the pack.

In actual fact, BMWUSA Traditional makes use of this low-key monitor occasion to stretch the legs of a few of its most intriguing automobiles. This yr, the number of classic (and fashionable) race automobiles is joined by some particular streetcar counterparts to higher illustrate the variations – and heritage shared – between the 2 examples. Right here’s what BMWUSA Traditional delivered to the celebration.

1971 ALPINA 2002 ti

Again when ALPINA particularly dealt with race automobiles, the 2002ti was the proper 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 car even additional with fender flares, alloy wheels, and extra.

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

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 without doubt one of the BMW Staff PTG M3s that cleaned up within the 2004 Rolex Sports activities Automotive Sequence. It was the M3’s most dominant season, with ten of twelve races within the workforce’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 Sequence.

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

2009-10 E92 M3 GT2 – Chassis #901

A complete of 11 E92 M3 automobiles had 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 Highway 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 completely different F1 methods. Particularly, wind-tunnel evaluation and computation fluid dynamics for aero. Fanatics will in all probability already discover the RAYS cast magnesium wheels. Some much less apparent variations from the manufacturing car embody a widened rear monitor; fenders, hood, roof, trunk lid, and doorways in carbon fiber strengthened 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 Highway 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 cast wheels and a night-lighting package deal. BMW additionally introduced alongside a 2013 Lime Rock Park Version E92 M3 for comparability. Whereas admittedly among the finest attainable variations, it’s in all probability barely much less analogous to the race automobiles 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, successful at VIR and Laguna Seca. In 2019, it gained Daytona.

Curiously, 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 automobiles. BMW introduced an M8 Competitors Coupe alongside for comparability. Enjoyable reality: the 2 share a typical engine block and head.

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