The story actually began before 1965, as Burkard Bovensiepen started his entrepreneurial career earlier and failed spectacularly at the first attempt. This links him to Enzo Ferrari, who was already bankrupt at the age of 20 and went on to build the most famous sports car brand in the world.
Bovensiepen was also successful at the second attempt from 1965, and to this day Alpina stands for fast locomotion and special automobiles. And this is exactly what this 464-page book, written by Paolo Tumminelli, is about.
Bilingual
Consistently and with an international audience in mind, the book is written in two languages throughout. Those who read German choose the black text, which can sometimes be white, while the green text applies to English speakers.
Powerful images
Vehicles and people are illustrated from the very beginning to modern times. Although the print could be more brilliant and contrasty, the book is not intended to be an art book, but a company chronicle.
The reader will also appreciate the fact that many historical illustrations have been used that have certainly never been seen before.
Exciting
Tumminelli tells the story of Burkard Bovensiepen and his employees in over 50 chapters.
In the course of this history, not only milestones in vehicle construction - BMW 1800 TI 1965, BMW 2002 TII 1973, BMW 3.0 CSL Alpina 1972, B6 2.8 1978, B7S Turbo Coupé 1982, B10 Bitburbo 1989, Z1, B12 5.7 Coupé 1992, B8 4.6 1995, D10 Biturbo 2000, Z1 Roadster V8 20002, B3 GT3 2012 - are presented, but also the excursions into motorsport and other projects.
The author also repeatedly refers to the environment and explains political contexts. At times, it reads almost as excitingly as a thriller. If the book wasn't so big and heavy, you'd want to take it with you everywhere. After all, who would have thought that Bovensiepen once flirted with Opel and that collaborations with Fiat or Ford were also considered in the beginning.
Structured
The book is largely structured chronologically, although flashbacks do occur from time to time. The bookmakers have not neglected to research a complete list of the vehicles built, including the number of units, and they have not forgotten to include a keyword index of the most important terms. Well done!
Not just for Alpina fans
Of course, the book is first and foremost aimed at fans of the vehicle manufacturer Alpina and the owners of these vehicles anyway. But it is also relevant for readers with a general interest in automotive history, as it sheds light on the subject of tuning as well as the difficulties faced by small car manufacturers. And, of course, BWM fans should also be able to learn a thing or two. Considering the scope and quality of the text, the price of 75.00 euros is absolutely reasonable.
Bibliographical information
- Title: OAL-BB50 - The Alpina Book - 50 years of BMW Alpina automobiles
- Author: Paolo Tumminelli
- Publisher: Delius-Klasing Verlag, 1st edition 2015 (June 29, 2015)
- Format: 23.8 x 30 cm, hardcover with dust jacket
- Size: 464 pages, 197 color photos, 85 b/w photos, 17 color illustrations, 11 b/w illustrations
- ISBN-10: 3667103123
- ISBN-13: 978-3667103123
- Price: Euro 75.00 (D)
- To order: Online at the publisher Delius-Klasing, at amazon.de or in the relevant bookstores
