Petersen Museum: 50 Years of the BMW 3 Series

The Petersen Automotive Museum’s recently reimagined James H. Frank Family Vault has unveiled “The Ultimate Racing Machine,” an exhibition celebrating 50 years of the BMW 3 Series. Presented in partnership with BMW, the display traces the evolution of the iconic model through all seven generations, showcasing its impact on motorsport and the marque’s heritage. In addition, the display will highlight the M3-derived M4 models that have carried the legacy forward for the iconic brand.

“We are excited to celebrate 50 years of BMW 3 Series in partnership with the Petersen Automotive Museum with this special exhibit,” said Thomas Plucinsky, Head of BMW Group Classic USA. “The original BMW 3 Series and now the BMW 3 Series and its ‘fraternal twins’ the 4 Series are the core of the BMW brand. ‘The Ultimate Racing Machine’ exhibit brings together seven of the most successful and important race cars— one from each generation combined with a couple of wonderfully preserved street examples including one of the three remaining, V-8 powered, M3 GTR Straßenversion.”