VHCLE x HFMSTRS Barbecue
It all started when Gasper @m3gasper - a local, Berlin-based BMW afficionado, with whom I've been in touch with online for a while now, reached out and said that we needed to come. I've been planning on visiting Berlin with my E30 convertible for a while now, but this sounded like the perfect opportunity. VHCLE (or Marc), teamed up with the Munich-based HFMSTRS crew to organize an oldschool BMW-focused event in Berlin. The location was also one of a kind - the former AVUS race track and its Nordkurve, which used to be one of the steepest (43 degrees) banked turns, before it was deemed too dangerous, much like Monza's Curva Sud. For those who are less familiar - what is currently Autobahn A115 in the western part of the city used to be a racetrack dating back to the 1920s. All kinds of race series took place there (including F1 in the 50s), but our personal standout is obviously the legendary German DTM series in the early 90s, which also served as a main poster of the event, with the iconic M3 E30. Also, one specific Avus DTM race in 1990 comes to mind, when Dieter Quester crashed on the last lap, flipping his E30 M3 on the roof and sliding through the finish line, securing his 3rd position:
We could go on, but this is clearly a legendary and historically significant location for motorsport. Also, a bit tongue-in-cheek, as the AVUS Motel (which used to be the track grandstand and administration building) features a huge Mercedes-Benz sign on top. Did the Hofmeisters take over the Benz turf on July 9, 2023? Let's find out.
Before we do that, I have to admit this was a bit of a gamble for me and my car. Not less for my friend in his E39 M5 (Moto Gary), that joined me, along with a fellow bimmerhead and photographer, Ewa (@szafir0we). The forecasted 35 degrees Celsius made it sound like a challenge for ourselves and our old BMs. Also, this would become the longest trip in years, for both cars. Sound like a plan, right? Well, we set off on a nearly 300 km trip with our heads high and we made it! After a quick wash, it was time to join the rest of the gang.
We knew from previously organized events (which we only saw online last year), that the selection of cars will be great, but we didn't expect such an awesome and model designation-sorted parking lot. Just have a look.
Here's a few of my personal favorites:
The pristine white 325i E36 Coupe from Retro Revue.
Moto Gary's Oxfrod Green M5 E39 that accompanied me during the trip.
Marc's (VHCLE) super clean Brilliant Red M3 E36. You probably noticed I have a soft spot for E36s. Guilty as charged.
There was also a bit of space for cars that did not fully meet the criteria, but looked awesome nevertheless. Just look at this Rubystone Red 964 RS.
Ok, enough of the cars. While they were the main reason and motivation to meet, it became clear they weren't the highlight of the event. It was by far the people.
Starting with Marc (VHCLE) - the organizer, who welcomed us with open hands and, together with the whole crew, showed amazing hospitality (it wasn't only the bratwurst, which was great btw), to everyone we had a chance to meet for the first time offline or actually meet (hey, Emil!) - it was such a cool bunch! This is what we look for in car meets and this is what will keep our beloved culture alive and kicking. Needless to say, it was a (very) friendly takeover of the famous location.
We cannot wait to take part in future events and meet everyone again! Until then, enjoy some more pictures from Ewa (@szafir0we) - she captured the vibe perfectly.
Last, but not least, an honorable mention to the car that drove me there and back home, not missing a beat - my 1990 320i convertible.
D. / PTRLSM