The doors of The Ultimate Driving Museum open on May 15th to reveal a tribute to six decades of automotive passion, the ALPINA: 60 Years of Excellence exhibit. From the very first moment, it was clear this isn’t just another exhibit; it is a car enthusiast’s dream!
The Opening Ceremony on May 15th was a sold-out sensation, with 130 eager attendees buzzing with anticipation. That initial spark ignited a wildfire of enthusiasm. Just a day later, the Friday Open House, timed to coincide with The Vintage, completely blew away all expectations with over 600 people attending. The momentum has not stopped and within a mere two and a half weeks, the exhibit had already welcomed over 1,000 visitors. It is an inspiring start, a true testament to the enduring appeal of ALPINA.
Adding to the excitement, the Foundation was deeply honored to host special guests directly from ALPINA in Germany: Erik Ploss, Vice President of Sales, and Carina Bovensiepen, a representative of the Bovensiepen family. The goal was to impress them, but they were genuinely overwhelmed. The sight of such a magnificent collection of vehicles, the thoughtfully displayed history, and the stunning graphics adorning the walls left them awestruck. “You can really see the love,” said Carina Bovensiepen.
Attendees arrived as fans, and even those unfamiliar with the brand left as ALPINA enthusiasts. Since its opening, the ALPINA exhibit has been a source of delight, sparking new passions and deepening existing ones.
The evening festivities included an enlightening discourse led by Matt Russell, Erik Ploss, and Carina Bovensiepen, who beautifully recounted the rich history of ALPINA. As a special highlight, the BMW CCA Foundation presented a complimentary set of Continental tires to one lucky attendee, Mark Brookhyser. It was a fitting and celebrated close to an unforgettable evening.
For those who missed the incredible opening, there’s no need to fret. The ALPINA exhibit is open until January 17th, offering ample time to experience the hype and discover the magic for yourself. Keep up with our events page to join the next event featuring ALPINA.