Words by Jack Keough
BMW Classic has long been the steward of the brand’s rich heritage, preserving historic vehicles, offering factory-backed restorations, supplying rare parts, and maintaining extensive archives that trace BMW’s evolution across decades. BMW Classic USA carries that legacy forward — but with a distinctly American energy that feels broader, younger, and increasingly inclusive.
As BMW Classic becomes a larger part of the conversation among owners, it is often non-owners who are paying the closest attention. Whether starting a collection or searching for a second or third car with real character, classic BMWs are increasingly viewed as both emotional and practical investments.
That shift gained momentum in June 2024, when Thomas Plucinsky was appointed Head of BMW Group Classic USA. Working closely with BMW Group Classic in Munich, Plucinsky arrived with a mandate to evolve the brand’s presence in North America — and he moved quickly. Under his leadership, BMW Classic USA has expanded its reach, reframing heritage not as nostalgia, but as a living, usable extension of the brand.
Our own Ken Panton & Thomas Plucinsky Head, BMW Group Classic USA with the BMW M1
Classic BMW owners have a strong advocate in Plucinsky, who also oversees the growth of the classic parts business in North America while managing the BMW USA Classic Collection. This fleet includes historically significant vehicles, artifacts, and archival material that connect past innovation to future ambition.
Recently, we spent time with a 2013 BMW M3 Coupe Lime Rock Park Edition, one of only 200 produced, and a reminder of how modern classics bridge eras. Buying a classic BMW today offers more than ownership; it provides access to expertise, restoration services, factory-backed parts, and a deeper connection to the stories that shaped the brand.
Immerse yourself in the past, experience how it continues to inspire the future — and understand why a classic BMW remains one of the most compelling ways to enter the marque.
