Almost every bike has a one defining element, something that differentiates it in a crowded market place. Occasionally that’s luscious looks, cosseting comfort, prodigious power, outstanding handling (okay, I ran out of alliteration there); with the BMW R1200R you’ve got to dig as deep as your first good pull of the throttle. There it is, what defines an otherwise plain Jane “naked”… an engine that gouts torque like a Monty Python skit gouts blood.

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Would you let this guy design your BMW?

Our guy on the West coast, Aaron Von Minden is sort of an automotive Jekyll and Hyde type of guy. Here in The Garage, we see the monster side of this creative genius with all manner of retro American kool. The more mild mannered daily face Von Minden wears doesn’t appear very often here in The Garage, as the two personalities don’t always play nicely together.

After close to a decade, Aaron has decided to leave BMW’s prestigious Designworks USA. 3 years with BMW body shops led to a long stint at Designworks, where Von Minden took part in some seriously impressive projects. McLaren F1, MINI, Rolls Royce. Aaron built design models for all of them, not to mention many internal projects that may not have been seen by prying outside eyes.

I’m sure the powers that be at BMW will be sad to see him go, as should future BMW owners. For those of us who get excited by the work that the Savage side of Aaron’s abilities create, you can be sure that he has only just begun. Next up on the resto train is a sweet Hemi powered 1970 Road Runner!

We’ll have pics of that beast soon

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Last week, while I was deep in scavenger hunt mode for the Pontiac Vibe launch. I needed some help, so I contacted the Team Polizei head honcho Alex Roy. Herr Roy informed me he was on a run to Atlanta and would have to call back. That run wasn’t they type of run most of our readers would normally think of when Gumball 144 is discussed.

Alex and Interceptor 144B were leading a parade of 275 BMWs from Braselton, Georgia to nearby Road Atlanta in an attempt to break a Guiness Book record. Following the event, many participants headed to 4ngiefest 2008, a giant gathering of car fanatics in support of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. While you may have missed the parade, you can still visit the 4ngiefest site to donate.

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No resale value I suspect.

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Tom Purvis, Chairman and CEO of BMW North America visited with us to expound on the laurels of the BMW 1 Series, destined to be a hit on our shores.

The 1 Series has been in production in Europe since 2002. The automaker is looking to fit the 1 Series in-between the Mini Cooper and the 3 Series.

Better yet in addition to the coupe, which will be on sale in March, a covertable is ready to come off the production line just in time for summer driving with an end of May release. Purvis announced that the convertible will start at $33,875 for the 128i model and $39,875 for the 135i model.
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Spy photogs across the sea continue to spot various camo versions of the anticipated BMW V series, the German automakers salvo aimed at the fellow Deutschland rival Mercedes R Class.

Lapland spotted

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How freaky! This vehicle resembles a character from the movie CARS. Sort of looks like Mater’s Rhineland cousin Fritz.
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The boys over at Fast Lane Daily invaded the SEMA show this week with gusto and came out with some killer content. First off, the super sweet Ashley Van Dyke has her way with Chip Foose and learn a little TV show secret. Next up, friend of The Garage, Alex Roy talks video games with the inspirational Alex Zanardi, who uses real world knowledge to take advantage of Grand Tourismo. You gotta give Herr Roy credit for asking some less than typical questions. To finish things off, Matt Farah from the New York Motor Club learns about the incredible Hartge M5 powered BMW M3 from Herbert Hartge.

Great show guys!
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No, The Garage isn’t turning into a place to flog used up cars, but this gem is just too good to be ignored. Friend of The Garage Kaz, has decided it’s time to part ways with his absolutely mint 1988 BMW M3. Now Kaz will tell you the car isn’t perfect. This doesn’t fit, that little thing isn’t right. He’s being modest. This is one of the nicest E30 M3’s we’ve seen in a long time. For those who don’t remember, this is the original M3, the car that redefined sports sedan. A truly track worthy production car that owes more to it’s racing cousins than it’s road going counterparts. With a harsh ride and a lumpy idle, there is no mistaking that these cars were bred to go fast. For the collector, this car is a prime example of BMW’s Eighties track dog.

If you are interested, you can reach Kaz at 88.bmw.m3@gmail.com and talk turkey.

More pictures after the break
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So you want to set a transcontinental driving record huh? Thought you’d just gas up the car, grab some maps and drive like hell did ya? Well, that might have worked in the early days when Brock Yates organized the Cannonball Baker Sea to Shining Sea Memorial Run, but it won’t cut the mustard in today’s world. North American police forces are equipped with some pretty serious high tech stuff, all aimed at making sure you won’t succeed in setting that record.

The modern record chaser has to put some serious thought into car prep, otherwise it will just be a joy ride. In the video after the break, Alex Roy outlines all the upgrades that were made to the infamous M5 Interceptor. Everything you see was absolutely necessary. Well, ok maybe the lights were there for show, but aren’t flashing lights a good thing?
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