From a Humble BMW ’02 to a Bavarian Rocket

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Another BMW ’02?” But hold your horses, because this one isn’t just another ’02 with patina and a roundel. No, this is a masterclass in contrast. From a 1502 with more patina than paint, to a fully restored, OEM+ styled machine that looks like it rolled straight out of a Bavarian fever dream.

The owner? He’s not just a fan, he’s a full-blown BMW whisperer. Paul Gebbink restores classic Bimmers in his spare time. But pop the bonnet, and it becomes immediately clear: this one’s gone several steps beyond your average Sunday project.

Respect your elders: The BMW 1502

One of my favorite cars at the recent Retrospective by Revworks event was this BMW 1502. It had that little something that grabbed me. The owner bought this car two years ago. It was not the kind you’d find in a showroom with a smug salesman and a cappuccino machine. No, this one came with rust, questionable welds, and the faint smell of regret. Naturally, the owner loved it as car lovers do.

Since then, it’s been through more metalwork than a Viking sword. Everything’s been re-welded that needed it. Other improvements include a new set axles that have been swapped out for those from a turbo model. Because the ones the car came with were beyond repair.

Sourcing parts for this thing is like trying to find a polite cyclist in Amsterdam: technically possible, but wildly unlikely. Every bolt, bracket, and miscellaneous parts has been a battle. But the owner persevered. Stabilizers have been added, a roll cage now snakes through the cabin, and strut bars brace the chassis like it’s preparing for that final race of the season.

Revworks Retrospective: Ode to Petrol Fumes

Starting a new car event isn’t exactly like assembling IKEA furniture. It’s not for the faint-hearted, the indecisive, or anyone who thinks a torque wrench is a cocktail. But thank the petrol gods, there are still brave souls out there who dare to stir the pot in an already overcrowded Dutch automotive landscape. Enter Retrospective by Revworks, a celebration of cars that have been around for at least 25 years and still have more character than most modern hatchbacks.

The masterminds behind this glorious chaos? My friends from Revworks. For years, they’ve been laying the groundwork, brick by oily brick, and this event is their pièce de résistance.

Last year’s debut was a roaring success. But pulling off the same trick twice? That’s like asking a Ferrari F40 to behave in traffic. And yet, somehow, they did it. Again. With a storm looming on the horizon, literally, enthusiasts still flocked to Brielle, braving the elements to bask in the glory of chrome, carburetors, and cars that actually have a soul.

Gallery: M Power at Bimmerfest 2025

Last year, Bimmerfest 2024 had us basking in glorious sunshine, the kind that makes you believe a convertible is always a good idea. This year? Not so much. The sun, it seems, had other plans. Instead, Raceway Venray served us up a delightful mix of wind, intermittent downpours, and the kind of skies that make you question every life choice that led you to put on your best Air Max 1s. But, as true BMW enthusiasts, we soldiered on and between the showers, Bimmerfest once again delivered a feast for the senses (and a workout for your umbrella if you had one).

Arriving at the legendary oval of Raceway Venray, it’s impossible not to be gobsmacked by the sheer steepness of the banking. It’s like walking across the side of a cliff in sneakers—grippy shoes are absolutely essential unless you fancy falling down in front of a crowd of amused car geeks.

Daily Driven, Show Ready: Masterclass in OEM+

It’s easy to assume that the most jaw-dropping builds are tucked away in garages, polished to perfection and wheeled out only for summer shows and Sunday coffees. But every now and then, a car comes along that breaks that mould. A build so clean, so dialled in, that you’d swear it’s a showpiece. But it isn’t, the owner uses his car as a daily driver. I Spotted this BMW E30 at the Royal Fitment show this year and couldn’t keep my eyes off of it.

Sitting pretty on custom BBS E50 wheels, stepped up from 15 to 17 inches, this car nails the OEM+ aesthetic with ruthless precision. The wheels tuck effortlessly under the arches thanks to a fully integrated Airlift 3P air suspension system, offering both head-turning stance and everyday practicality. Whether you’re gliding through traffic or laying frame at a weekend meet, the setup adapts on the fly and it’s all controlled at the touch of a button.

Team Eggenberger Motorsport ETCC BMW E28

Entering Vink Motorsport, a Zaandam-based workshop renowned for its BMW race car restorations and new classic builds. The first car that caught my eye was the Team Eggenberger Motorsport BMW E28 that clinched the European Touring Car Championship (ETCC) in 1982. At the season’s start, BMW faced new Group A regulations, rendering the earlier Group 2 635CSi unsuitable. Thus, the newly introduced BMW E28 528i was chosen to compete.

Partnering with Switzerland’s Eggenberger Motorsport, BMW developed a kit to transform the E28 for Group A touring car racing. To meet the 1,035kg weight limit for its engine class, the car had all unnecessary components removed. Furthermore, its inline-six engine was expertly tuned to produce nearly 240hp, up from the production model’s 180hp.

McLAREN F1 GTR LONGTAIL #42: LE MANS 1997

Few cars capture the imagination of motorsport fans quite like the McLaren F1 GTR Longtail, and among them, chassis #42 from the 1997 24 Hours of Le Mans stands as an icon of speed, engineering, and drama. A machine built for endurance, piloted by legends, yet fated to a heartbreaking retirement—this is the story of one of McLaren’s most memorable endurance racers.

By 1997, the McLaren F1 GTR had already cemented its status as a dominant force in endurance racing. However, rule changes meant McLaren needed to evolve, giving birth to the Longtail variant. This version featured a significantly extended rear bodywork to enhance aerodynamic efficiency, better high-speed stability, and improved downforce. It retained the raw power of its BMW S70/2 6.1L V12 engine, capable of producing around 600bhp, but was further refined for the grueling challenge of Le Mans.

Forever Classic – BMW E30 That Stole the Show

“Forever Classic” – the air freshener hanging from the rearview mirror says it all. And honestly, truer words have never been spoken. The BMW E30 is an icon, a car that refuses to age, a machine with a timeless presence that can be built and modified in countless ways. During the Risenation Hall of Fame event, I stumbled upon this particular E30, which had made the trip all the way from France. It wasn’t perfect—not by a long shot. But it had something. An aura. The kind of presence that drew a constant crowd throughout the day.

Now, most people would probably opt for the two-door version. It’s the more popular choice, the poster car. But personally, I think the four-door has the better proportions, especially when you lower it just right. Something the owner, Ryan, has absolutely nailed. Sitting on air suspension, the E30 tucks down beautifully, with its fender lips landing perfectly on the polished lips of a stunning set of OZ Futura wheels.