Heritage only works if it feels alive. Otherwise, it’s just history—locked behind velvet ropes and archival language that speaks to insiders only. That’s where BMW Classic USA is starting to shift the conversation, reframing what it means to own, collect, and live with a classic BMW in 2026.
For years, BMW Classic has quietly done the important work: preserving historically significant cars, maintaining factory archives, offering restoration services, and supplying original parts that keep older BMWs on the road the way they were meant to be. What’s changing now isn’t the mission—it’s the tone. BMW Classic USA is no longer speaking only to lifelong enthusiasts. It’s speaking to people who care about design, craft, and objects with longevity.
Interestingly, some of the strongest interest in classic BMWs today comes from people who don’t currently own one. They’re collectors in the making, design-minded drivers looking for a second or third car with soul, or buyers who see a classic BMW not just as an indulgence, but as a smart, emotionally grounded investment. These cars still work. They still drive beautifully. And they still make sense in everyday life.
That mindset gained momentum in mid-2024, when Thomas Plucinsky stepped into the role of Head of BMW Group Classic USA. Working closely with BMW Classic in Munich, Plucinsky brought a clear focus to the North American operation: heritage shouldn’t feel frozen in time. It should feel usable, relevant, and human.
Under his leadership, BMW Classic USA has expanded its reach while staying grounded in authenticity. Beyond overseeing the growth of the classic parts business, Plucinsky also manages the BMW USA Classic Collection—a living archive of vehicles and artifacts that quietly tells the story of how BMW’s past continues to influence where the brand is headed.
Spending time with a car like the 2013 BMW M3 Coupe Lime Rock Park Edition—one of just 200 produced—puts that philosophy into focus. It’s not old enough to feel distant, but it’s analog enough to feel special. A car like this doesn’t exist to be preserved behind glass. It exists to be driven, appreciated, and folded into someone’s life.
That’s ultimately the point BMW Classic USA is making. Buying a classic BMW today isn’t about nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake. It’s about access—to factory-backed expertise, to original parts, to restoration support, and to a deeper understanding of the design and engineering decisions that shaped the brand. It’s about owning something with intention.
In a landscape where so many modern cars feel interchangeable, BMW Classic USA is reminding us that longevity, character, and restraint still carry value. Heritage, when done right, isn’t about looking back—it’s about choosing something that will still matter years from now.