Classic Heart | The BMW Group Classic Podcast: Recent Episodes
BMW Group Classic
In the BMW Group Classic Podcast, moderator J.P. Rathgen talks with illustrious guests about the fascinating world of classic vehicles and the lifestyle that goes with it. Each guest reflects on a topic of their choice. The podcast focuses on favourite vehicles and collections, and features background on the most exciting classic events, insights into dream jobs in this highly desirable sector, amazing stories, genuine legends, and the passion that unites us all. It’s inspiring, informative and always entertaining.
Tom Osterwald aka tomsdrive takes time out to explain why the BMW 5 Series (E60) and 7 Series (E65) are still looking so modern. He also provides insights into how his job as a content creator works, what the best cities for car spotting are, what current trends interest him and why the price of a car is so important to him.
Tom Osterwald on Instagram @tomsdrive
BMW Group Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic
JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram @jprathgen and @classicdriver
Do you have an intriguing story to tell about classic BMW cars? Then send us an email to bmwgroup-classic@shot-one.de with some brief details about yourself and the great things you have experienced with a classic BMW.
Wes Young explains why he owns two BMW 3.0 CSL (E9) classics, how his BMW 5 Series (E12) came to Australia from Africa and why BMW is so popular in the car scene Down Under.
Do you have an intriguing story to tell about classic BMW cars? Then send us an email to bmwgroup-classic@shot-one.de with some brief details about yourself and the great things you have experienced with a classic BMW.
Portrait of Wes Young on YouTube from 2020 https://youtu.be/pFox3BEWY6E?si=GmikokwafojTb9vs
BMW Group Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic
JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram @jprathgen and @classicdriver
Mechanic Dee Fragos has been repairing cars since he was 13 years old and used to get the spare parts he needed by bus. He talks about his original classic Mini pick-up, why Mini pick-ups are a little known secret and very rare today, how he was almost born in his grandfather’s Mini and how he went on an incredible tour to celebrate the brand’s 60th birthday.
Dee Fragos on Instagram @minipickupinternational
BMW Group Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic
JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram @jprathgen and @classicdriver
Georgia Peck has a real MINI love story to tell. Brimming with adventure, she also tells us how she races motorcycles at the Malle Mile Festival, why she is fascinated by the BMW R 80 G/S and what wing walking feels like. Plus she explains how she renovated a BMW 2002 with her company Aubrey Peck and organized the memorial service for Stirling Moss.
Georgia Peck on Instagram @peckyg
BMW Group Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic
JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram @jprathgen and @classicdriver
George Bamford talks about how he shares a passion for cars with his father Lord Bamford and where they differ, how he built up his own collection, why he bought two BMW Alpina B12 Coupé as his first cars and why he loves his BMW Z1. He tells us which cars could be the next icons, what has made his Tyre Kicker Club so legendary, why he likes unusual things and how his Bamford Watch Department fulfils individual wishes.
George Bamford on Instagram @tyrekickerclub
BMW Group Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic
JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram @jprathgen and @classicdriver
The day after the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2024, Simon Kidston talks enthusiastically about what the event was like. He provides fascinating insights into every part of the Concorso, recounts the best stories about the vehicles and explains how the atmosphere manages to be so exclusive and relaxed at the same time.
This episode is also available as a YouTube video.
Simon Kidston on Instagram @simonkidston
BMW Group Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic
JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram @jprathgen and @classicdriver
Tariq Chip Moosa explains why classic BMWs are so
important in the car scene, what BMW means to him
personally, how he built his award-winning BMW 3.0 CS
(E9) and how his company Chicanos Customs has become
the largest in the region.
Tariq Chip Moosa on Instagram @chip_moosa/
Chicanos Customs on Instagram @chicanos.customs/
BMW Group Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic
JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram @jprathgen and @classicdriver
Racing driver Katarina Kyvalova tells us how the BMW Z3 M Coupé sparked her racing fever and which iconic female drivers inspired her. She gives great insights into the world of classic motor sport, shares her personal experiences and offers us a preview of the upcoming events in her diary, like the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique and the Peking to Paris Motor Challenge.
Katarina Kyvalova on Instagram @kkyvalova/
BMW Group Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic
JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram @jprathgen and @classicdriver
Sean Myers from Precision Sport raves about his classic BMW 3 Series (E36). He tells us how he used to go to race events as a child and how he channels his passion into his BMW garage PSI in Florida.
Sean Myers on Instagram @seanmyers
PSI on Instagram @precisionsport
BMW Group Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic
JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram @jprathgen and @classicdriver
Stefan Bogner is a designer and photographer with family
links to the BOGNER fashion brand. Here, he talks about his
CURVES magazine and his photos of empty roads, and
provides some great inspiration for road trips. He also
shares his perspective on futuristic car design.
Stefan Bogner / CURVES magazine on Instagram @curvesmagazin
BMW Group Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic
JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram @jprathgen and @classicdriver
Randy Nonnenberg shares his stories about how he used to work at BMW M GmbH and the BMW Technology Office in Palo Alto, how he professionalised his hobby of searching for cars and founded the classic car auction site “Bring a Trailer”, why he loves his BMW 535is (E28) and what fascinates him about BMW racing cars from the 1970s.
Randy Nonnenberg on Instagram @nonnstock
BMW Group Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic
JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram @jprathgen and @classicdriver
The “die-hard BMW fan” Mike Burroughs aka StanceWorks works full-time on his restomod projects and presents them on YouTube. He talks about the challenges with his BMW 3 Series (such as an incredible engine swap), why BMW models from the 1980s are so popular today and how to buy one.
StanceWorks on Instagram @stanceworks
BMW Group Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic
JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram @jprathgen and @classicdriver
Neil Clifford, CEO of the London fashion brand Kurt Geiger, made his first list of cars-to-buy at age 8. He shares how he owned (and lost) one of the 13 Bristol Fighter models, what makes British cars unique and how British humour helps with car breakdowns. He also tells us why the BMW Alpina B5 Touring is his favourite daily driver and why the BMW Group did a brilliant job taking over Rolls-Royce.
Neil Clifford on Instagram @chaussurescowboy
BMW Group Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic
JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram @jprathgen and @classicdriver
Classic Heart with Paolo Tumminelli. The professor of design concepts provides enlightening insights into the cultural history of automobiles. He also explains why the BMW i3 was a truly new, unique and revolutionary type of car, and how it stood out in the electric car segment.
BMW Group Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic
JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram @jprathgen and @classicdriver
Bryan Calvero is the founder and creative director of the
lifestyle brand Period Correct. He shares childhood memories,
inspired by the Southern California music and car scene, his
model cars, and big dreams. He talks about his commitment to
young people today and his brand's mission. And he tells us,
among other things, how he ended up designing Hot Wheels
model cars.
Bryan Calvero an Period Correct on Instagram @bperiodcorrect and @periodcorrect
BMW Group Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic
JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram @jprathgen and @classicdriver
Jim Huff is a big fan of the Neue Klasse and owns various models. He talks about what makes these four-door family cars so special to him, how he races his BMW 1800 TI at tracks like Laguna Seca and how he drives his BMW 1600 every day. He also shares his idea for the “Neue Klasse Exchange Program”.
Jim Huff on Instagram @moderngeneralstore
BMW Group Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic
JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram @jprathgen and @classicdriver
A five-strong line-up of guests join JP to serve up some fine entertainment. With Anders Bilidt, car specialist at Sotheby’s; Can Eyilik, owner of Istanbul’s BMW Club “Driven34”; Emil Pourkian, host of the “Sundowner” in Hamburg; YouTuber Sreten, who rescues classic BMWs; and Gaby von Oppenheim, classic racing driver. They talk about their favourite events, projects, passions, motor sport, and a bunch of other amusing stuff.
Anders Bilidt EP#1 or on Instagram @driving_with_bilidt
Can Eyilik EP#2 or on Instagram @driven34
Gaby von Oppenheim EP#9 or on Instagram @gabrielespangenberg
Sreten EP#21 or on Instagram @m539_restorations
Emil Pourkian EP#32 or on Instagram @emils.garage
BMW Group Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic
JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram @jprathgen and @classicdriver
Emil Pourkian embodies the new generation of classic car enthusiasts. With his Hamburg-based agency "Emil’s Garage" he puts classic cars in the limelight as a photographer, trades his favourite pieces and loves to host other car enthusiasts with his event series "Sundowner". Emil also gives us the lowdown on his 1962 Volga GAZ M21.
Charlie March on Instagram @emils.garage
BMW Group Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic
JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram @jprathgen and @classicdriver
Charlie March, son of the Duke of Richmond, shares how his family
hosts the Goodwood Revival and Festival of Speed on their own
estate, what it feels like to race that legendary circuit, his fondest
memories, his ideas for the future and how he is launching his own
fashion label.
Charlie March on Instagram @charlie__march
BMW Group Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic
JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram @jprathgen and @classicdriver
Remi Dargegen shares truly exciting moments from his career as a
photographer in the classic car scene, such as capturing the
atmosphere and special moments at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa
d'Este. And he tells us why his pictures trigger big emotions.
Remi Dargegen on Instagram @remidargegenphotographies
BMW Group Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic
JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram @jprathgen and @classicdriver
J.P. shares his impressions live from the Goodwood Festival of Speed. And Mackenzie Ebbers, another car event regular, tells us how she modifies her classic BMWs to create her own original style.
Mackenzie Ebbers on Instagram @mackenzie.e30
BMW Group Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic
JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram @jprathgen and @classicdriver
Always busy with a variety of projects, Matt Schwartz designs for his eyewear collection, plays in a band, runs the SoCal Vintage BMW community in L.A. and has been driving a BMW 2002 ever since he got his license.
Matt Schwartz on Instagram @thatnomadicginger
BMW Group Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic
JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram @jprathgen and @classicdriver
Wheeler Dealers star Mike Brewer shares how he grew up in London in the 1970s, how he worked all sorts of jobs to establish himself in the automotive world, how he became a famous TV presenter buying, restoring and selling cars and why his family is so important in all of this.
Mike Brewer on Instagram @mikebrewer
BMW Group Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic
JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram @jprathgen and @classicdriver
David Clark, commercial director at McLaren in the 1990s, shares stories about the brand you won’t find in any books. He recounts how unconventionally the company worked back then, how he sold F1 to celebrities, how McLaren started racing and what excites him – as a partner of Jota Sport – about racing today.
BMW Group Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic
JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram @jprathgen and @classicdriver
Thanks to his family, the Mini Cooper got its unique racing genes. Charlie Cooper shares how his grandfather John Cooper used his Formula One experience to take Mini onto the track, how his father Mike Cooper produced racing kits for Mini, and how he himself is closely associated with the MINI brand today and also builds Cooper bicycles.
Charlie Cooper on Instagram @charliecooper007
BMW Group Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic
JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram @jprathgen and @classicdriver
The curator of the BMW Museum allows us a glimpse behind the scenes. He tells us about the challenges and goals of each new exhibition, how he intertwines history and the present day, how he displays the BMW Group vehicles in the exhibitions and ultimately how he engages and inspires the public.
Der Kurator des BMW Museum, Dr. Andreas Braun, lässt uns hinter die Kulissen blicken. Er erzählt, welche Herausforderungen jede neue Ausstellung mit sich bringt, wie er Geschichte und Gegenwart verschränkt und wie er die BMW Group Fahrzeuge so inszeniert, dass das Publikum fasziniert ist.
He is a professional pilot in Colorado and owner of the legendary Glen Shelly garage. For Alex, life is always about great experiences. He shares what it's like to fly his private bush plane, to drive his BMW Z3 M Coupé into the mountains and to film with the renowned Petrolicious team.
Alex McCulloch on Instagram @glenshellyauto JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram @jprathgen and @classicdriver
They run their own independent garage in the UK and build show cars like the BMW E21 Group 5 homage project on the side. Lucy and Colin tell us how they made it as a dream team and why they visit the BMW Museum in Munich at Christmas.
Kustom Kolors on Instagram @kustom_kolorsJP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram @jprathgen and @classicdriver
Sretenhas a passion for classic BMWs that haven’t been driven for years. He challenges himself to fix them, despite not having any mechanic training. His exciting restoration projects have made him a star in the YouTube scene.
Find out more about Sreten: https://youtu.be/1gSDNZ2skXs
Sreten on Instagram @m539_restorations
JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram @jprathgen and @classicdriver
As a mechanic and high-voltage specialist, Ana works on the latest BMWs and is restoring her classic BMW 2002 tii in her free time. She used to race cars and now competes in demanding cycling events. Ana shares how and why she keeps tackling new challenges.
Ana on Instagram: @bimmer_b
JP Rathgen & Classic Driver on Instagram: @jprathgen @classicdriver
Jackie Jouret found the BMW 507 that belonged to Elvis Presley. As a journalist and author, she shares how she exposes the truth behind the tales, reveals misinformation and discovers amazing side stories from BMW’s history.
Jackie on Instagram: @jackie_jouret
JP Rathgen & Classic Driver on Instagram: @jpgrathgen @classicdriver
Meg Kohler made it into the international motorsport world as a young influencer. She talks about her work at the racetracks, her challenges, her behind-the-scenes stories and how a classic Mini has captured her heart.
Meg Kohler on Instagram: @meg.kohler
JP Rathgen& Classic Driver on Instagram: @jprathgen @classicdriver
Daniel Hoffmann shares the story of his very special friendship with Mike, how they inspired each other in their passion for classic cars and how he inherited his friend's BMW M1 after his untimely death. He tells us how it feels to drive Mike’s M1 as well as other cars from his own collection like BMW Z8, and why he wants to get a BMW Z1. He also gives insights into the Berlin classic car community, including organisations like the Flitzerclub.
Daniel Hoffmann on Instagram: @valuedriver
The Flitzerclub on Instagram: @flitzerclub
JP Rathgen& Classic Driver on Instagram: @jprathgen @classicdriver
Paul Howse had just graduated when he designed the McLaren P1 supercar. He gives us insights into the design process, what inspired him and how he celebrated his success, and explains why he likes which cars best. He's an artist now, but still works with cars, and has a wealth of knowledge to pass on.
Paul Howse on Instagram: @paul_howse_art
BMW Group Classic on Instagram: @bmwclassic
JP Rathgen & Classic Driver on Instagram: @jprathgen @classicdriver
Will Beaumont tells us how he set about publishing his own BMW magazine as a young graphic designer in England, how he modified his BMW 2002 into the most perfect car for him and how he sees the future of the young classic car scene.
Vintage Bimmer in Los Angeles is much more than a workshop. Bailey Roberts, Robert Hill and Aiden Arvizu tell us how they restore and sell classic BMWs from the 80s and 90s while building a cool and contemporary lifestyle centred around it. Highlights include their own merchandising, very special events and a growing community.
Peter Gleeson tells us the story of his modest upbringing in 1970s London and how he snuck into the stands at car races. He explains how his passion and determination helped him find ways to buy his first cars and how, step by step, he built up his collection of landmark classics – including the iconic M1 painted by Frank Stella and other BMW highlights.
Jakub Berthoty from Slovakia remembers the Eastern Bloc cars of his childhood, and how the fall of the Iron Curtain suddenly opened up his horizons to Western motors and a fascination with BMW. He tells us why he has concentrated his collection around the BMW 7 Series, how he restores his modern classics in his own garage and how he brings them up to date technically.
Let Bruno Spengler, former DTM champion for BMW, take you on a journey to the race track. In our latest Classic Heart Podcast, he helps us understand racing as a profession and the passion that goes with it, and tells us more about his career, his daily training the challenges he faces.
They call themselves the HFMSTRS and have created a BMW community in their very own, original style. The three main members – Jasper Schwering, Daniel "Rasi" Rasenberger and Tobi Krengel – talk about how fun and crazy ideas drive them, how a BMW Art Car ended up in Rasi's garage for a small event and why all this is about much more than cars.
Gaby von Oppenheim is one of the few female racing drivers in classic motor sport. She tells us in vivid detail how it feels to line up in events like the Le Mans Classic, how the comic-book hero Gabriele Spangenberg became her pseudonym and why classic cars should be viewed more in the context of art and design.
Frank van Meel, the passionate CEO of BMW M, celebrates 50 years of M with us. He gives exciting insights into the history and future of the legendary brand. He talks about the influence fans have on development, how the latest LMDh race car pays tribute to history, how sporty dynamics become electric and how he became a BMW fan himself.
Ben Clymer talks about his award-winning online watch magazine "Hodinkee" and his collection of classic cars, and provides insights into this luxury, celebrity scene. He tells us why watches and cars have been a perfect match ever since, why European and American cars are so different and why he prefers classic cars unrestored.
Laura Kukuk's view of classic cars is ruthlessly analytical. As a vehicle specialist, she gives exciting insights into how she scientifically evaluates classic cars and how she approaches her role as a juror at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. She talks about her work and passion with spirit and energy.
Want to know what to look for before buying a classic car? Click through Laura's tiny tutorials on her YouTube or Instagram channel to find out!
YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqAM3qsvOoxQ3pZ4RVf-pI4Jinwj-IUyk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CRmeFPrClCh/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
The car journalist Jason Cammisa reports with skillful self-mockery on his experiences with German and American car culture and their striking differences – from the autobahn to the TÜV. He tells the amazing story of how he got his first BMW Touring and highlights the diverse American car scenes he’s encountered during his travels.
Want to find out more about one of Jason’s favourite driving routes? Click here to see where it leads you: https://goo.gl/maps/Es4ycUSEddfcaCqF8
Mai Ikuzawa gives a very personal insight into her father Tetsu Ikuzawa, the Japanese motor sport icon, and her own notably female perspective on the automotive world. She shares progressive ideas and insights into her lifestyle, which sees her balancing her time between London and Chamonix.
Guy Berryman is a man of infinite talent, creativity and style. The bassist in world-famous rock band Coldplay is also the founder and director of car magazine The Road Rat and the design inspiration behind fashion brand Applied Art Forms. Plus, for many years he has been a passionate collector of sports cars from the 1960s. With characteristic calm and focus, he tells us how it all fits together.
Istanbul-based interior designer Can Eyilik is a man of action and makes his dreams – of BMW M cars – come true. For example, he owns the only M3 GT in Turkey. Can tells us how he built his own super-stylish BMW garage with great enthusiasm. "Driven34" has since become the perfect meeting place for the BMW community in Istanbul.
Anders Bilidt talks about his incredible career in the classic car world. As a pilot for international airlines, he took the opportunity to source and sell vintage cars around the world. Later he was director of the Haaning Collection classic car museum and today he has the dream job of car specialist at world-famous auction house Sotheby's.
In the BMW Group Classic Podcast, moderator J.P. Rathgen talks with illustrious guests about the fascinating world of classic vehicles and the lifestyle that goes with it. Each guest reflects on a topic of their choice. The podcast focuses on favourite vehicles and collections, and features background on the most exciting classic events, insights into dream jobs in this highly desirable sector, amazing stories, genuine legends, and the passion that unites us all. It’s inspiring, informative and always entertaining.