BMW Event Features Largest Z3 Gathering and New Z8 Roadster
The cars featured in the two-day event held in Peschiera, which concluded yesterday with the fourth BMW Auto Club Italia gathering and the seventh international vintage boat exhibition, as well as the third Riva Club meeting. The event, organized by the Yacht club del Garda, was enhanced this year by the presence of the inaugural European Formula Future championship, a competition reserved for young people aged between 9 and 18 years.
Highlighting the BMWs and their Roadsters
However, the main focus of the sporting displays was on BMW, especially the roadsters. At the national gathering, about sixty Z3 models participated, along with other vehicles from the prestigious automaker. This edition’s gathering can confidently be described as the largest Z3 gathering in Italy to date.
What particularly caught the eye were a couple of Z8 roadsters, the latest model from BMW, set to go on sale in July. An evolution of the 507 spider from the 1950s, of which only 252 units were produced. The Z8, powered by an 8-cylinder V-engine traveling at 250 km/h, with Chris Bangle‘s design, is aimed at a discerning clientele. Its lines exude a muscular aesthetic. The power from the five-liter engine is evident from every chromed detail. The sensation it offers is simply unparalleled — thrilling even without hearing the engine’s roar. And with the sound of the eight cylinders underneath, the emotion intensifies.
Can a car evoke such feelings? Apparently, yes. “Since 1966 to today,” said Gianni Oliosi from BMW Italia, “we have sold over ten thousand roadsters in Italy. They are built in the United States, with half of production in South Carolina and the other half arriving in Europe. Italy is among the top markets.”
The Route and Results of the Rally
During the rally, the cars departed from Peschiera and traveled a route crossing the provinces of Brescia, Verona, and Mantua, allowing drivers from all over Italy to discover enchanting fortified locations. Amid this scenic and historic landscape, a staged regularity test was held, challenging participants to adhere to specific timings along various sections.
The top three teams were Weltert-Iori driving a Z3; Botta-Vettori aboard an M5; and Grifa-Capuzzo, also on an M5. The final standings were determined through time measurements taken at South Garda Karting, which identified the winners of the fourth BMW roadster rally. Following recent successes — including a participation of over 100 cars at the Misano Adriatico event — the BMW Auto Club Italia currently boasts more than 300 members.
BMW’s Record Sales and Market Performance
Yet, the success story of BMW is also reflected in its sales data; in May alone, approximately 75,000 units were delivered worldwide — a new record. The increase compared to May 1999 is 17.3%. Additionally, the first five months of this year mark a new high for BMW’s global sales, with around 345,000 vehicles delivered, representing a growth of 10.1% over the same period last year.
This achievement constitutes a historic peak for the period and underscores the consistent growth trend characterizing the Bavarian automaker’s sales. A key factor behind this success is primarily attributed to the BMW 3 Series. In the first five months of the year, 215,000 units of the 3 Series (excluding the BMW Z3) were sold globally, marking a 15.8% increase compared to January-May 1999.
Another successful model has been the BMW X5, Sports Activity Vehicle, with approximately 7,000 units sold since the beginning of the year, mainly in the United States.
