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.
He explains why cars from the 1980s invite reinterpretation, how restomods uncover the original vision behind their design, and why their nostalgia resonates so strongly in today's pop culture. His studio, BorromeodeSilva, is renowned for its high-end restomods. Discover more and follow us: 👉 Design studio BorromeodeSilva on Instagram @borromeodesilva 👉 TuttoBene event BMW Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic Mini Classic on Instagram @official_miniclassic JP on Instagram @jprathgen Classic Driver on Instagram @classicdriver Become a guest on the Classic Heart podcast: You have an exciting story about classic BMW to tell? Send us an email bmwgroup-classic@shot-one.de
From his first saved-up BMW 1600, through exotic rallies, to becoming a renowned classic BMW collector. Dirk de Groen won the Coppa d’Oro with his BMW 507 at the 2025 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este and is president of the Classic Car Club of America. Discover more and follow us: 👉 Dirk de Groen on Instagram @dirksgarag BMW Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic Mini Classic on Instagram @official_miniclassic JP on Instagram @jprathgen Classic Driver on Instagram @classicdriver Become a guest on the Classic Heart podcast: You have an exciting story about classic BMW to tell? Send us an email bmwgroup-classic@shot-one.de
Whether it’s his BMW 2000 CS, his BMW 1800 Ti or his Son of Cobra BMW 2002 Tii, David Smothers refreshes his New Class models by integrating modern technology. He also fuels his SoCal Vintage BMW community with pies from his own Julian Pie Company. Discover more and follow us: David Smothers’ pies on Instagram @julianpiecompany BMW Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic Mini Classic on Instagram @official_miniclassic JP on Instagram @jprathgen Classic Driver on Instagram @classicdriver Become a guest on the Classic Heart podcast: You have an exciting story about classic BMW to tell? Send us an email bmwgroup-classic@shot-one.de
In 2026, Simon Kidston presented the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este for the 25th time! We congratulate him and replay his Classic Heart episode from 2024 – with exciting insights and unforgettable stories about extraordinary automobiles. 👉 Watch this Classic Heart episode on YouTube – filmed atthe Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2024. Discover more and follow us: 👉 Enjoy impressions from the Concorso d‘Eleganza Villa d‘Este 2024 - A Weekend When the Cars Are the Stars. Simon Kidston on Instagram @simonkidston BMW Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic Mini Classic on Instagram @official_miniclassic JP on Instagram @jprathgen Classic Driver on Instagram @classicdriver Become a guest on the Classic Heart podcast: You have an exciting story about classic BMW to tell? Send us an email bmwgroup-classic@shot-one.de
While driving his BMW Bauer, he was discovered as a fashion model, which enabled him to pursue his eccentric lifestyle – from his London Motor Museum, featuring Mr. Bean’s Mini and the Rolls-Royce “Bootch”, to his Supercar Rooms Miami, where guests can dine with their cars, and finally to his next goal: to make it legally possible to even marry your own car. Discover more and follow us: 👉 Xxxx Elo on Instagram @xxxxelo BMW Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic Mini Classic on Instagram @official_miniclassic JP on Instagram @jprathgen Classic Driver on Instagram @classicdriver Become a guest on the Classic Heart podcast: You have an exciting story about classic BMW to tell? Send us an email bmwgroup-classic@shot-one.de
Steve bought his first BMW 320i somewhat unexpectedly, competed in autocross with his BMW Z3, discovered the Neue Klasse, and went on to found “2002FAQ.” Today, his garage is home to a BMW 1800, BMW 1600, BMW 2000 TiiTouring, and a BMW 328d xDrive Sports Wagon. Discover more and follow us: 👉 Steve Kupper’s BMW 2002 FAQ 👉 Join the BMW 2002 Fest in September 2026 BMW Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic Mini Classic on Instagram @official_miniclassic JP on Instagram @jprathgen Classic Driver on Instagram @classicdriver Become a guest on the Classic Heart podcast: You have an exciting story about classic BMW to tell? Send us an email bmwgroup-classic@shot-one.de
In her first car - a MINI One - she discovered more than just freedom; she found her passion for the entire car scene. Today, she’s a content creator at classic car events and tells us what makes this world so exciting. Discover more and follow us: 👉 Film on classic Mini collector Kazuo Maruyama 👉Araminta Reed on TicToc @aramintareed BMW Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic Mini Classic on Instagram @official_miniclassic JP on Instagram @jprathgen Classic Driver on Instagram @classicdriver Become a guest on the Classic Heart podcast: You have an exciting story about classic BMW to tell?Send us an email bmwgroup-classic@shot-one.de
Featuring highlights like Niki Lauda’s BMW M1 Procar, the BMW 3.0 CSL “Batmobile”, the BMW 507, rare one-offs and legendary icons across all eras: Directors Tobias Reichle and Florian Urbitsch curate thrilling exhibitions at the Nationale Automuseum near Frankfurt. Discover more and follow us: Nationales Automuseum BMW Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic Mini Classic on Instagram @official_miniclassic Classic Driver on Instagram @classicdriver Become a guest on the Classic Heart podcast: You have an exciting story about classic BMW to tell? Send us an email bmwgroup-classic@shot-one.de
He lives for music and engine sounds: from childhood Formula 1 memories and track days on his BMW S1000RR, to long night drives after concerts. He also shares his exciting projects – like the BMW E9 3.0 CSI, BMW E46 M3 (manual swap), and an BMW E46 M3 CSL (planned V10 swap) - on his YouTube channel “Wincents Garage.” 👉 Watch this Classic Heart episode on YouTube – as a video with lots of additional footage.🎁 Bonus: Wincent Weiss created a playlist for your pure driving pleasure! Discover more and follow us: Wincents Garage on YouTube BMW Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic Mini Classic on Instagram @official_miniclassic JP on Instagram @jprathgen Classic Driver on Instagram @classicdriver Become a guest on the Classic Heart podcast: You have an exciting story about your classic BMW to tell? Send us an email bmwgroup-classic@shot-one.de
From childhood rides in his father’s BMW 2002 and dreaming of the M1, to collaborating with BMW as an artist — his connection to the brand runs deep. In his 2000 BMW M5, he always feels like Clive Owen and enjoys heading out to California’s Cars & Coffee scene. Discover more and follow us: Spencer Mar Guilburt on Instagram @this_means BMW Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic Mini Classic on Instagram @official_miniclassic JP on Instagram @jprathgen Classic Driver on Instagram @classicdriver Become a guest on the Classic Heart podcast: You have an exciting story about classic BMW to tell? Send us an email bmwgroup-classic@shot-one.de
For him, BMW means friendship: Bogdan bought an E30 to match his best friend's, while he was in hospital, gave his girlfriend an E36, and celebrates the BMW community across Romania. He restores his cars himself: a BMW E30, two BMW E46 and a BMW E34. Discover more and follow us: 👉 E30 meeting in Romania on Instagram @e30arad 👉 Bogdan Curea on Instagram @uww.bog BMW Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic Mini Classic on Instagram @official_miniclassic JP on Instagram @jprathgen Classic Driver on Instagram @classicdriver Become a guest on the Classic Heart podcast: You have an exciting story about classic BMW to tell? Send us an email bmwgroup-classic@shot-one.de
With CART Department, collector Larry Warsh is creating a new scene at the intersection of pop culture, art, and cars – uniting passionate fans from these diverse fields. Inspired by the legendary BMW Art Cars, he invites artists to transform cars into exciting works of art. Discover more and follow us: 👉 CART Department on Instagram @cartdept BMW Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic Mini Classic on Instagram @official_miniclassic JP on Instagram @jprathgen Classic Driver on Instagram @classicdriver Become a guest on the Classic Heart podcast: You have an exciting story about classic BMW to tell? Send us an email bmwgroup-classic@shot-one.de
BMW 3 Series Convertible in summer, BMW 330xi Touringin winter. Sandro loves classic BMWs and organises legendary drives through the Swiss Alps for his community, from pass to pass with a pizza stop. 👉 Also watch our short film about Sandro Compagnoni on the BMW Group Classic YouTube channel. Sandro Compagnoni on Instagram @e30.swiss Sandro’s Pass & Pizza events @passandpizza 👉 Discover more and follow us: BMW Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic Mini Classic on Instagram @official_miniclassic JP on Instagram @jprathgen Classic Driver on Instagram @classicdriver 👉 Become a guest on the Classic Heart podcast: You have an exciting story about classic BMW to tell?Send us an email bmwgroup-classic@shot-one.de
From a kid clutching a BMW M1 brochure to the creator of some of the world’s most extreme and expensive hypercars — Christian von Koenigsegg shares his journey. 👉 Watch this episode on YouTube , filmed at the Aurora Concours in summer 2025. Discover more and follow us: Christian von Koenigsegg on Instagram @koenigsegg BMW Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic Mini Classic on Instagram @official_miniclassic JP on Instagram @jprathgen Classic Driver on Instagram @classicdriver Become a guest to Classic Heart podcast: You have an exciting story about classic BMW to tell? Send us an email bmwgroup-classic@shot-one.de
Pebble Beach’s chairwoman talks iconic classics, big moments, and concours magic. 👉 Watch this episode on YouTube , filmed at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2025 - with extra footage. Discover more and follow us: Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este BMW Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic Mini Classic on Instagram @official_miniclassic JP on Instagram @jprathgen Classic Driver on Instagram @classicdriver Become a guest to Classic Heart podcast: You have an exciting story about classic BMW to tell? Send us an email bmwgroup-classic@shot-one.de
From fitness training to the Procar series, from high-performance models and the Batmobile BMW 3.0 CSL to the Art Cars. With unconventional ideas, Jochen Neerpasch propelled BMW Motorsport to the podium in the 1970s. 👉 Watch this episode on YouTube : Featuring original photos and film footage, bonus video, and a price draw! 🎄 Discover more and follow us: BMW Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic Mini Classic on Instagram @official_miniclassic BMW M on Instagram @bmwmmotorsport JP on Instagram @jprathgen Classic Driver on Instagram @classicdriver Become a guest to Classic Heart podcast: You have an exciting story about classic BMW to tell?Send us an email bmwgroup-classic@shot-one.de
Thousands of classic Mini & New MINI gather for the International MINI Meeting. Mikołaj tells you all about the event, community vibes, creativity, camping, and pure driving fun. Join the IMM 2026 in Poland: International MINI Meeting 2026 Mini Classic on Instagram @official_miniclassic Discover more and follow us: BMW Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic JP on Instagram @jprathgen Classic Driver on Instagram @classicdriver Become a guest to Classic Heart podcast: You have an exciting story about classic BMW to tell? Send us an email bmwgroup-classic@shot-one.de
Adrian, Michail & Kacper celebrate classic BMWs as pop culture and redefine car events — from Villa Erba to Düsseldorf. Do you have an exciting story about classic BMW carsto tell? We’d love to hear it! Send us an email bmwgroup-classic@shot-one.de @ultrace_official @bmwclassic @jprathgen @classicdriver
1 of just 50 special models ever made belongs to James. He calls it the "last hand-built car," loves Zagato's timeless lines, and has good reasons for driving alone. Do you have an exciting story about classic BMW cars to tell? We’d love to hear it! Send us an email bmwgroup-classic@shot-one.de @bmwclassic @jprathgen @classicdriver
From his days with the Schnitzer BMW 635 CSi to the McLaren F1 GTR. Emanuele Pirro reveals his story and life lessons only racing can teach. Do you have an exciting story about classic BMW cars to tell? We’d love to hear it! Send us an email bmwgroup-classic@shot-one.de @emanuele_pirro @bmwclassic @jprathgen @classicdriver
