The German carmaker opened its factory doors and threw a parade in celebration of its 50th anniversary.
THE mere mention of Munich is enough to bring images of beer, sausages and BMW cars to one’s mind. After all, the annual Oktoberfest celebration and the luxury marque are closely associated with this city, which is the capital of the German state of Bavaria. But mention the city of Buchloe to your friends and you’re likely to be met with blank stares. The city, which is about an hour’s drive from Munich, is home to Alpina, an exclusive manufacturer of automobiles that are based on BMW models.
Alpina’s exclusivity comes from its low production figures – the carmaker produces 1200 to 1700 vehicles annually. Those numbers are a drop in the bucket compared to BMW, which manufactured 939,820 vehicles in the first half of 2015. It’s no surprise then that most people – petrolheads included – haven’t heard of the marque. Impressively, despite its low volume, Alpina is actually represented by offi cial agents in 23 countries.
The carmaker, which is familyowned, originally produced typewriters. In 1965, company founder Burkard Bovensiepen made the firm’s first foray into the automotive segment by manufacturing a Weber twincarburettor kit for the BMW 1500 model. The firm, however, soon began developing BMW models. Apart from extensively reworking powertrains and suspensions, Alpina also launched three of its own models in 1978: the B6, the B7 and the B7 Coupe. Notably, the B6, which was based on the BMW 3 Series saloon, was equipped with a 2.8-litre inline-6, making it the first 3 Series with a 6-cylinder motor. By 1983, the company was recognised by the German Federal Motor Authority as a manufacturer.
Alpina, however, does not make track-day machines. Its philosophy is “luxury cars for the road”. Its models pack plenty of horsepower, but it’s the enormous levels of torque that give them the eff ortlessness and driveability their owners love. The B6 Bi-Turbo Coupe (based on the current BMW 6 Series), for instance, has a 4.4-litre V8 with 600bhp and 800Nm.
In comparison, the most powerful BMW 6 Series at the moment is the M6, which packs 560bhp and 680Nm. To say that Alpina has a working relationship with BMW is an understatement. It is closely integrated with BMW – its cars roll off the latter’s production lines and are sent to the firm’s 20,000 sq m factory in Buchloe to be finished.
My first stop during the factory tour was the machine shop, which produces welded components and prototype parts that will be tested and refined as well. Components such as intercooler pipes (which are larger than the ones on BMW models) and brake calliper brackets are made here. Alpina models undergo testing at the firm’s engineering centre.
Apart from the five engine test bays, there is also a lab for emissions testing. Impressively, this centre also features a climate chamber, which simulates temperatures ranging from searing heat to extreme cold. According to Kristian Sen, Head of Development Methodology and Application, engines undergo development for up to two years at the centre before they are tested on the road.
Interestingly, the engine test bays also have microphones that enable engineers to listen to the exhaust notes while putting the motors under load. Apart from car manufacturing, Alpina also deals in wines. One million bottles are stored in a temperature-controlled warehouse on site. Ironically, the only area that was off -limits during the open house is the home of company boss Burkard Bovensiepen, which is located on the factory grounds.
A major feature of Alpina models is their customised interior, and this work is done at the factory’s saddlery. Wrapping a steering wheel in leather, for instance, takes a single craftsman four to five hours to accomplish. Customers can specify parallel stitching, which feels smoother than the regular cross stitches found in most cars. Ulrich Zecke, who is the person in charge, proudly states that parallel stitching for steering wheels can only be done by hand.
The saddlery is also capable of colour-matching the leather to a client’s specifications. Even the size of the stitches and their width can be customised as well. I asked Ulrich if they would be willing to upholster a client’s sofa in premium Lavalina leather. It was an odd question, but his answer was an unequivocal “yes”.
The highlight of Alpina’s 50th anniversary celebrations was the 105-car parade through Buchloe. The normally quiet streets became downright festive, as Alpina owners from as far as the UK arrived in the city. Models from the 1970s and 1980s, such as the 2002 tii and B10 Bi- Turbo, were present. There were even several rare B12 models, which are based on BMW’s iconic 8 Series grand tourer. What made these older cars even more amazing was the fact that they are all wellmaintained. The gleaming paintwork, mechanical thrum of the engines and rorty exhausts were a reminder of motoring’s good old days, when design and performance had priority over eco-friendliness.
Alpina owners, however, are an eco-conscious bunch. Without being told to do so, the owners of older models would perform “manual” stop-starts by shutting off their engines whenever their vehicles were idle. After all, the parade caused a minor traffic jam. The firm’s jubilee bash garnered plenty of publicity and is likely to boost demand for its vehicles. The celebrations, however, are unlikely to cause an immediate increase in production volume. After all, Alpina is exclusive – and that suits the brand’s customers just fine. n usive s ome
