Dorset hosts Munich’s finest
Inclement weather didn’t dampen the spirits of entrants to the BMW Car Club’s Southern Concours at Sherborne Castle on 8 April. Now in its 10th year, and its third at the historic house and gardens, the annual gathering drew nearly 150 BMWS to the Dorset venue.
The Sharknose Collection, a themed group of cars put together by the Club, was the centrepiece. It featured slant-grilled models built in the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s, with everything from Tony Wilkes’ unique Sierra Beige 3.0 Si – one of the last made, in January 1977, and costing twice as much as a Jaguar E-type V12 at the time – to Richard Baxter’s stunning unrestored E9 CSL, which he tracked down and bought in France 15 years ago.
There were numerous models entered in the ‘Show and Shine’ category, but Stuart and Elizabeth Blount won the popular vote with their immaculate M535i. Antony Birchell’s superb Sahara Beige 2002 took its class in the concours. He inherited the car and has restored it himself. “My nan sold her Capri to buy the ’02 and knew I’d always loved it,” said Birchell, “so it was a real pleasure to discover that it was coming my way. I was surprised and delighted to win an award.”
Another popular entrant was Michael Pang’s 1987 M3. “I’ve owned the car for six years,” said Pang, “and I’ve been right through it correcting small problems.”
Overall concours honours went to Dan Wood’s AC Schnitzer 540i.