Classic Heart | The BMW Group Classic Podcast

A five-strong line-up of guests join JP to serve up some fine entertainment. With Anders Bilidt, car specialist at Sotheby’s; Can Eyilik, owner of Istanbul’s BMW Club “Driven34”; Emil Pourkian, host of the “Sundowner” in Hamburg; YouTuber Sreten, who rescues classic BMWs; and Gaby von Oppenheim, classic racing driver. They talk about their favourite events, projects, passions, motor sport, and a bunch of other amusing stuff.

Anders Bilidt EP#1 or on Instagram @⁠driving_with_bilidt

Can Eyilik EP#2 or on Instagram ⁠@driven34

Gaby von Oppenheim EP#9 or on Instagram  ⁠@gabrielespangenberg

Sreten EP#21 or on Instagram ⁠@m539_restorations

Emil Pourkian EP#32 or on Instagram ⁠@emils.garage⁠

BMW Group Classic on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@bmwclassic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@jprathgen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@classicdriver

Emil Pourkian embodies the new generation of classic car enthusiasts. With his Hamburg-based agency "Emil’s Garage" he puts classic cars in the limelight as a photographer, trades his favourite pieces and loves to host other car enthusiasts with his event series "Sundowner". Emil also gives us the lowdown on his 1962 Volga GAZ M21.

Emil Pourkian on Instagram @emils.garage

BMW Group Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic

JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram @jprathgen and @classicdriver

Gemeinsam veranstalteten sie den spektakulären THRASH’EM Event für die Car-Community, Skater und Künstler. Mittendrin das BMW Art Car von Frank Stella. Ares Georgoulas, Hiep Bui Khac und Robert Cameron erzählen, warum sie solche Events kreieren, wie Videospiele ihre Kindheit prägten und wie sie heute als UX-Designer oder Werber für die Automobilbranche arbeiten.

THRASH’EM auf Instagram ⁠⁠⁠@elevens.co⁠

BMW Group Classic auf Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@bmwclassic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

JP Rathgen und Classic Driver auf Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@jprathgen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ und ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@classicdriver

Together they organized the spectacular THRASH’EM event for the car community, skaters and artists. At the heart of the action was the BMW Art car by Frank Stella. Ares Georgoulas, Hiep Bui Khac and Robert Cameron explain how they create such events, why they like to bring different cultures together and where their passion comes from.

THRASH’EM on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠@elevens.co⁠⁠

BMW Group Classic on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@bmwclassic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@jprathgen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@classicdriver

The cheerful YouTuber tells us all about his Shmuseum, why he prefers colourful cars, why customization is becoming increasingly popular and what effect this will have on the classification of “original”, and how he and his father share a passion for BMW.

Shmee150 on Instagram ⁠⁠@shmee150

BMW Group Classic on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@bmwclassic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@jprathgen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@classicdriver

Also known as aka JP Performance, the self-made German

entrepreneur and YouTube star Jean Pierre Kraemer talks

about his enthusiasm for technology, which gave him the

the sense of stability that he lacked in his childhood. He

shares with us why he runs his own car museum PACE –

which includes a BMW Art Car – as well as how his

YouTube channel is changing and how he feels about

property today.

JP Performance on Instagram ⁠@jp.performance

BMW Group Classic on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠@bmwclassic⁠⁠⁠⁠

JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠@jprathgen⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠@classicdriver

The Head of BMW Group Design gives insights into his work and the process of designing. He tells us what made the Neue Klasse a success back in the 1960s and how this has been transformed into the latest futuristic concept car, the BMW Vision Neue Klasse.

Adrian van Hooydonk on Instagram @adrianvanhooydonk

BMW Group Classic on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠@bmwclassic⁠⁠⁠

JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠@jprathgen⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠@classicdriver

The managing director of the Drivers & Business Club Munich

allows us a glimpse behind the scenes. He talks about the

special spirit of the club, its exclusive members and events,

and how it all started as a family business.

Jasper Walther @driversandbusinessclub

BMW Group Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic

JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram @jprathgen and @classicdriver

Studio by BMW in Motorworld

The automotive artist and designer shares how his renderings on Instagram sparked his career, how he now creates customizations, modifications and body kits for prestigious clients and his own company, and where he gets his inspiration from.

The Kyza on Instagram @the_kyza

BMW Group Classic on Instagram ⁠@bmwclassic⁠

JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram ⁠@jprathgen⁠ and ⁠@classicdriver

Charlie March, son of the Duke of Richmond, shares how his family

hosts the Goodwood Revival and Festival of Speed on their own

estate, what it feels like to race that legendary circuit, his fondest

memories, his ideas for the future and how he is launching his own

fashion label.

Charlie March on Instagram @charlie__march⁠

BMW Group Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic

JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram @jprathgen and @classicdriver

Remi Dargegen shares truly exciting moments from his career as a

photographer in the classic car scene, such as capturing the

atmosphere and special moments at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa

d'Este. And he tells us why his pictures trigger big emotions.

Remi Dargegen on Instagram @remidargegenphotographies⁠

BMW Group Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic

JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram @jprathgen and @classicdriver

J.P. shares his impressions live from the Goodwood Festival of Speed. And Mackenzie Ebbers, another car event regular, tells us how she modifies her classic BMWs to create her own original style.

Mackenzie Ebbers on Instagram @mackenzie.e30⁠

BMW Group Classic on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠@bmwclassic⁠⁠⁠

JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠@jprathgen⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠@classicdriver

Always busy with a variety of projects, Matt Schwartz designs for his eyewear collection, plays in a band, runs the SoCal Vintage BMW community in L.A. and has been driving a BMW 2002 ever since he got his license.

Matt Schwartz on Instagram @thatnomadicginger

BMW Group Classic on Instagram ⁠⁠@bmwclassic⁠⁠

JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram ⁠⁠@jprathgen⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠@classicdriver

Wheeler Dealers star Mike Brewer shares how he grew up in London in the 1970s, how he worked all sorts of jobs to establish himself in the automotive world, how he became a famous TV presenter buying, restoring and selling cars and why his family is so important in all of this.

Mike Brewer on Instagram @mikebrewer

BMW Group Classic on Instagram ⁠⁠@bmwclassic⁠⁠

JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram ⁠⁠@jprathgen⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠@classicdriver

David Clark, commercial director at McLaren in the 1990s, shares stories about the brand you won’t find in any books. He recounts how unconventionally the company worked back then, how he sold F1 to celebrities, how McLaren started racing and what excites him – as a partner of Jota Sport – about racing today.

BMW Group Classic on Instagram ⁠@bmwclassic⁠

JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram ⁠@jprathgen⁠ and ⁠@classicdriver

Thanks to his family, the Mini Cooper got its unique racing genes. Charlie Cooper shares how his grandfather John Cooper used his Formula One experience to take Mini onto the track, how his father Mike Cooper produced racing kits for Mini, and how he himself is closely associated with the MINI brand today and also builds Cooper bicycles.

Charlie Cooper on Instagram @charliecooper007

BMW Group Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic

JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram @jprathgen and @classicdriver

The curator of the BMW Museum allows us a glimpse behind the scenes. He tells us about the challenges and goals of each new exhibition, how he intertwines history and the present day, how he displays the BMW Group vehicles in the exhibitions and ultimately how he engages and inspires the public.

Der Kurator des BMW Museum, Dr. Andreas Braun, lässt uns hinter die Kulissen blicken. Er erzählt, welche Herausforderungen jede neue Ausstellung mit sich bringt, wie er Geschichte und Gegenwart verschränkt und wie er die BMW Group Fahrzeuge so inszeniert, dass das Publikum fasziniert ist.

He is a professional pilot in Colorado and owner of the legendary Glen Shelly garage. For Alex, life is always about great experiences. He shares what it's like to fly his private bush plane, to drive his BMW Z3 M Coupé into the mountains and to film with the renowned Petrolicious team. 

Alex McCulloch on Instagram ⁠@glenshellyauto 

BMW Group Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic

JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram ⁠@jprathgen⁠ and ⁠@classicdriver

They run their own independent garage in the UK and build show cars like the BMW E21 Group 5 homage project on the side. Lucy and Colin tell us how they made it as a dream team and why they visit the BMW Museum in Munich at Christmas.

Kustom Kolors on Instagram ⁠@kustom_kolors

BMW Group Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic

JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram ⁠@jprathgen⁠ and ⁠@classicdriver

Sreten has a passion for classic BMWs that haven’t been driven for years. He challenges himself to fix them, despite not having any mechanic training. His exciting restoration projects have made him a star in the YouTube scene.

Find out more about Sreten: https://youtu.be/1gSDNZ2skXs

Sreten on Instagram @m539_restorations

BMW Group Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic

JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram @jprathgen and @classicdriver

As a mechanic and high-voltage specialist, Ana works on the latest BMWs and is restoring her classic BMW 2002 tii in her free time. She used to race cars and now competes in demanding cycling events. Ana shares how and why she keeps tackling new challenges.

Ana on Instagram: @bimmer_b

JP Rathgen & Classic Driver on Instagram: @jprathgen @classicdriver

Jackie Jouret found the BMW 507 that belonged to Elvis Presley. As a journalist and author, she shares how she exposes the truth behind the tales, reveals misinformation and discovers amazing side stories from BMW’s history.

Jackie on Instagram @jackie_jouret

BMW Group Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic

JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram @jprathgen and @classicdriver

Meg Kohler made it into the international motorsport world as a young influencer. She talks about her work at the racetracks, her challenges, her behind-the-scenes stories and how a classic Mini has captured her heart.

Meg Kohler on Instagram @meg.kohler

BMW Group Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic

JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram @jprathgen and @classicdriver

Daniel Hoffmann shares the story of his very special friendship with Mike, how they inspired each other in their passion for classic cars and how he inherited his friend's BMW M1 after his untimely death. He tells us how it feels to drive Mike’s M1 as well as other cars from his own collection like BMW Z8, and why he wants to get a BMW Z1. He also gives insights into the Berlin classic car community, including organisations like the Flitzerclub.

Daniel Hoffmann on Instagram @valuedriver

The Flitzerclub on Instagram @flitzerclub

BMW Group Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic

JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram @jprathgen and @classicdriver

Paul Howse had just graduated when he designed the McLaren P1 supercar. He gives us insights into the design process, what inspired him and how he celebrated his success, and explains why he likes which cars best. He's an artist now, but still works with cars, and has a wealth of knowledge to pass on.

Paul Howse on Instagram @paul_howse_art
BMW Group Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic
JP Rathgen & Classic Driver on Instagram @jprathgen @classicdriver

Will Beaumont tells us how he set about publishing his own BMW magazine as a young graphic designer in England, how he modified his BMW 2002 into the most perfect car for him and how he sees the future of the young classic car scene.

Will Beaumont on Instagram @will_beaumont88

BMW Group Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic

JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram @jprathgen and @classicdriver

Vintage Bimmer in Los Angeles is much more than a workshop. Bailey Roberts, Robert Hill and Aiden Arvizu tell us how they restore and sell classic BMWs from the 80s and 90s while building a cool and contemporary lifestyle centred around it. Highlights include their own merchandising, very special events and a growing community.

Want more? Watch our "Our Brands. Our Stories." featuring Vintage Bimmer on YouTube [click here].

Vintage Bimmer on Instagram: @VintageBimmerCars and @VintageBimmerParts
Rob on Instagram: @rhilledition
Aiden on Instagram: @r.vizu or @vizucars
BMW Group Classic on Instagram: @bmwclassic
JP Rathgen & Classic Driver on Instagram: @jprathgen @classicdriver

Peter Gleeson tells us the story of his modest upbringing in 1970s London and how he snuck into the stands at car races. He explains how his passion and determination helped him find ways to buy his first cars and how, step by step, he built up his collection of landmark classics – including the iconic M1 painted by Frank Stella and other BMW highlights.

BMW Group Classic on Instagram: @bmwclassic
JP Rathgen & Classic Driver on Instagram: @jprathgen @classicdriver

Jakub Berthoty from Slovakia remembers the Eastern Bloc cars of his childhood, and how the fall of the Iron Curtain suddenly opened up his horizons to Western motors and a fascination with BMW. He tells us why he has concentrated his collection around the BMW 7 Series, how he restores his modern classics in his own garage and how he brings them up to date technically.

Want more? Watch our "Our Brands. Our Stories" featuring Jakub on YouTube [click here].

Jakub Berthoty on Instagram: @muncik
BMW Group Classic on Instagram: @bmwclassic
JP Rathgen & Classic Driver on Instagram: @jprathgen @classicdriver

Let Bruno Spengler, former DTM champion for BMW, take you on a journey to the race track. In our latest Classic Heart Podcast, he helps us understand racing as a profession and the passion that goes with it, and tells us more about his career, his daily training the challenges he faces.

Bruno Spengler on Instagram: @spenglerbruno
BMW Group Classic on Instagram: @bmwclassic
JP Rathgen & Classic Driver on Instagram: @jprathgen @classicdriver

They call themselves the HFMSTRS and have created a BMW community in their very own, original style. The three main members – Jasper Schwering, Daniel "Rasi" Rasenberger and Tobi Krengel – talk about how fun and crazy ideas drive them, how a BMW Art Car ended up in Rasi's garage for a small event and why all this is about much more than cars.

HFMSTRS on Instagram: @hfmstrs
Tobias on Instagram: @tobidrives
Rasi on Instagram: @benzindruck
Japser on Instagram: @jasperphotographiert
BMW Group Classic on Instagram: @bmwclassic
JP Rathgen & Classic Driver on Instagram: @jprathgen @classicdriver

Gaby von Oppenheim is one of the few female racing drivers in classic motor sport. She tells us in vivid detail how it feels to line up in events like the Le Mans Classic, how the comic-book hero Gabriele Spangenberg became her pseudonym and why classic cars should be viewed more in the context of art and design.

Gaby von Oppenheim on Instagram: @gabrielespangenberg
BMW Group Classic on Instagram: @bmwclassic
Anders Bilidt on Instagram: @driving_with_bilidt

Frank van Meel, the passionate CEO of BMW M, celebrates 50 years of M with us. He gives exciting insights into the history and future of the legendary brand. He talks about the influence fans have on development, how the latest LMDh race car pays tribute to history, how sporty dynamics become electric and how he became a BMW fan himself.

Franciscus van Meel on Instagram: @franciscusvanmeel
BMW M on Instagram: @bmwm
BMW Group Classic on Instagram: @bmwclassic
JP Rathgen & Classic Driver on Instagram: @jprathgen @classicdriver

Ben Clymer talks about his award-winning online watch magazine "Hodinkee" and his collection of classic cars, and provides insights into this luxury, celebrity scene. He tells us why watches and cars have been a perfect match ever since, why European and American cars are so different and why he prefers classic cars unrestored.

Ben Clymer on Instagram: @benclymer
Visit Hodinkee on Instagram or on their website www.hodinkee.com
BMW Group Classic on Instagram: @bmwclassic
JP Rathgen & Classic Driver on Instagram: @jprathgen @classicdriver

Laura Kukuk's view of classic cars is ruthlessly analytical. As a vehicle specialist, she gives exciting insights into how she scientifically evaluates classic cars and how she approaches her role as a juror at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. She talks about her work and passion with spirit and energy.

Want to know what to look for before buying a classic car? Click through Laura's tiny tutorials on her YouTube or Instagram channel to find out!

YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqAM3qsvOoxQ3pZ4RVf-pI4Jinwj-IUyk

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CRmeFPrClCh/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Want to know more about the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este? Watch our latest film about last years Concorso on YouTube [click here].

Laura Kukuk on Instagram: @kukukingenieurbuero
BMW Group Classic on Instagram: @bmwclassic
JP Rathgen & Classic Driver on Instagram: @jprathgen @classicdriver

The car journalist Jason Cammisa reports with skillful self-mockery on his experiences with German and American car culture and their striking differences – from the autobahn to the TÜV. He tells the amazing story of how he got his first BMW Touring and highlights the diverse American car scenes he’s encountered during his travels.

Want to find out more about one of Jason’s favourite driving routes? Click here to see where it leads you: https://goo.gl/maps/Es4ycUSEddfcaCqF8

Want more? Watch our "Our Brands. Our Stories." featuring Jason on YouTube [click here].

Jason Cammisa on Instagram: @jasoncammisa and on YouTube
BMW Group Classic on Instagram: @bmwclassic
JP Rathgen & Classic Driver on Instagram: @jprathgen @classicdriver

Mai Ikuzawa gives a very personal insight into her father Tetsu Ikuzawa, the Japanese motor sport icon, and her own notably female perspective on the automotive world. She shares progressive ideas and insights into her lifestyle, which sees her balancing her time between London and Chamonix.

Mai Ikuzawa on Instagram: @teamikuzawa
BMW Group Classic on Instagram: @bmwclassic
JP Rathgen & Classic Driver on Instagram: @jprathgen @classicdriver

Guy Berryman is a man of infinite talent, creativity and style. The bassist in world-famous rock band Coldplay is also the founder and director of car magazine The Road Rat and the design inspiration behind fashion brand Applied Art Forms. Plus, for many years he has been a passionate collector of sports cars from the 1960s. With characteristic calm and focus, he tells us how it all fits together.

Guy Berryman on Instagram: @guyberryman
BMW Group Classic on Instagram: @bmwclassic
JP Rathgen & Classic Driver on Instagram: @jprathgen @classicdriver

Istanbul-based interior designer Can Eyilik is a man of action and makes his dreams – of BMW M cars – come true. For example, he owns the only M3 GT in Turkey. Can tells us how he built his own super-stylish BMW garage with great enthusiasm. "Driven34" has since become the perfect meeting place for the BMW community in Istanbul.

Want more? Watch our "Our Brands. Our Stories." featuring Can on YouTube [click here].

Can Eyilik on Instagram: @driven34
Driven34 on YouTube
BMW Group Classic on Instagram: @bmwclassic
JP Rathgen & Classic Driver on Instagram: @jprathgen @classicdriver

Anders Bilidt talks about his incredible career in the classic car world. As a pilot for international airlines, he took the opportunity to source and sell vintage cars around the world. Later he was director of the Haaning Collection classic car museum and today he has the dream job of car specialist at world-famous auction house Sotheby's.

Want more? Watch our "Our Brands. Our Stories." featuring Anders on YouTube [click here].

Anders Bilidt on Instagram: @driving_with_bilidt
BMW Group Classic on Instagram: @bmwclassic
JP Rathgen & Classic Driver on Instagram: @jprathgen @classicdriver

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.