Classic Heart | The BMW Group Classic Podcast
In the BMW Group Classic Podcast, moderator J.P. Rathgen talks with illustrious guests about the fascinating world of classic vehicles and the lifestyle that goes with it. Each guest reflects on a topic of their choice. The podcast focuses on favourite vehicles and collections, and features background on the most exciting classic events, insights into dream jobs in this highly desirable sector, amazing stories, genuine legends, and the passion that unites us all. It’s inspiring, informative and always entertaining.
#88 – Bogdan Curea. BMW & true friendship.
For him, BMW means friendship: Bogdan bought an E30 to match his best friend's, while he was in hospital, gave his girlfriend an E36, and celebrates the BMW community across Romania. He restores his cars himself: a BMW E30, two BMW E46 and a BMW E34.
Discover more and follow us:👉 E30 meeting in Romania on Instagram @e30arad
👉 Bogdan Curea on Instagram @uww.bog
BMW Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic
Mini Classic on Instagram @official_miniclassic
JP on Instagram @jprathgen
Classic Driver on Instagram @classicdriver
<...
#87 – Larry Warsh. Cars + Art = CART Department.
With CART Department, collector Larry Warsh is creating a new scene at the intersection of pop culture, art, and cars – uniting passionate fans from these diverse fields. Inspired by the legendary BMW Art Cars, he invites artists to transform cars into exciting works of art.
Discover more and follow us:
👉 CART Department on Instagram @cartdept
BMW Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic
Mini Classic on Instagram @official_miniclassic
JP on Instagram @jprathgen
Classic Driver on Instagram @classicdriver
Become a guest on the Classic Heart p...
#86 - Sandro Compagnoni. BMWs, family & friends.
BMW 3 Series Convertible in summer, BMW 330xi Touringin winter. Sandro loves classic BMWs and organises legendary drives through the Swiss Alps for his community, from pass to pass with a pizza stop.
👉Also watch our short film about Sandro Compagnoni on the BMW Group Classic YouTube channel.
Sandro Compagnoni on Instagram @e30.swiss
Sandro’s Pass & Pizza events @passandpizza
👉 Discover more and follow us:
BMW Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic
Mini Classic on Instagram @official_miniclassic
JP on Instagram @jprathgen
Classic Driver on Instagram @classicdriver
👉 Become a gu...
#85 – Replay. Christian von Koenigsegg. Megacars!
From a kid clutching a BMW M1 brochure to the creator of some of the world’s most extreme and expensive hypercars — Christian von Koenigsegg shares his journey.
👉 Watch this episode on YouTube, filmed at the Aurora Concours in summer 2025.
Discover more and follow us:
Christian von Koenigsegg on Instagram @koenigsegg
BMW Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic
Mini Classic on Instagram @official_miniclassic
JP on Instagram @jprathgen
Classic Driver on Instagram @classicdriver
Become a guest to Classic Hear...
#84 Replay. Sandra Button. Inside the concurs world.
Pebble Beach’s chairwoman talks iconic classics, big moments, and concours magic.
👉 Watch this episode on YouTube, filmed at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2025 - with extra footage.
Discover more and follow us:
Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este BMW Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic
Mini Classic on Instagram @official_miniclassic
JP on Instagram @jprathgen
Classic Driver on Instagram @classicdriver
Become a guest to Classic Heart podcast:
You have an exciting story about classic BMW to tell? Send...
#83 – Classic Heart with Jochen Neerpasch. The driving force behind BMW Motorsport GmbH.
From fitness training to the Procar series, from high-performance models and the Batmobile BMW 3.0 CSL to the Art Cars. With unconventional ideas, Jochen Neerpasch propelled BMW Motorsport to the podium in the 1970s.
👉 Watch this episode on YouTube: Featuring original photos and film footage, bonus video, and a price draw! 🎄
Discover more and follow us:BMW Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic
Mini Classic on Instagram @official_miniclassic
BMW M on Instagram @bmwmmotorsport JP on Instagram @jprathgen
Classic Driver on Instagram @classicdriver
Become a guest to Classic Heart...
#82 – Classic Heart with Mikołaj Szczepankiewicz. Join IMM 2026!
Thousands of classic Mini & New MINI gather for the International MINI Meeting. Mikołaj tells you all about the event, community vibes, creativity, camping, and pure driving fun.
Join the IMM 2026 in Poland:
International MINI Meeting 2026
Mini Classic on Instagram @official_miniclassic
Discover more and follow us:
BMW Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic
JP on Instagram @jprathgen
Classic Driver on Instagram @classicdriver
Become a guest to Classic Heart podcast:
You have an exciting story about classic BMW...
#81 Classic Heart with the creators of Ultrace events
Adrian, Michail & Kacper celebrate classic BMWs as pop culture and redefine car events — from Villa Erba to Düsseldorf.
Do you have an exciting story about classic BMW carsto tell? We’d love to hear it! Send us an email bmwgroup-classic@shot-one.de
@ultrace_official
@bmwclassic
@jprathgen@classicdriver
#80 Classic Heart with James Hay and his fantastic BMW M5 E34 UK Limited Edition
1 of just 50 special models ever made belongs to James. He calls it the "last hand-built car," loves Zagato's timeless lines, and has good reasons for driving alone.
Do you have an exciting story about classic BMW cars to tell? We’d love to hear it! Send us an email bmwgroup-classic@shot-one.de
@bmwclassic
@jprathgen @classicdriver
#79 Classic Heart with Emanuele Pirro, 5 x Le Mans champ
From his days with the Schnitzer BMW 635 CSi to the McLaren F1 GTR. Emanuele Pirro reveals his story and life lessons only racing can teach.
Do you have an exciting story about classic BMW cars to tell? We’d love to hear it! Send us an email bmwgroup-classic@shot-one.de
@emanuele_pirro
@bmwclassic
@jprathgen @classicdriver
#78 Classic Heart with Esteban Valentin. All about BMW ///M.
Esteban Valentin, President of the BMW CCA M Chapter, shares the spirit of the American M community. He travelled to Europeto be among the first picking up the brand new M2 Competition at BMW Welt.
Do you have an exciting story about classic BMW cars to tell? We’d love to hear it! Send us an email bmwgroup-classic@shot-one.de
Follow us on Instagram:
Esteban Valentin @ban_gt3
@bmwclassic
@jprathgen
@classicdriver
#77 Classic Heart with collector Christian Silberhorn
Christian Silberhorn owns over 100 BMWs and 300 motorcycles. He shares stories of his BMW 2002 TI Diana, AC Schnitzer S7 BMWE32, BMW TI 1800 pickup, and other rare gems.
@silberhornclassics
@bmwclassic@jprathgen@classicdriver
Do you have an exciting story about classic BMW carsto tell? We’d love to hear it! Send us anemail bmwgroup-classic@shot-one.de
#76 Classic Heart with Misha Charoudin
Misha Charoudin pushes cars like the BMW M4 GT4 to the limit on the Nürburgring – for himself, for others, and for millions of followers. A spontaneous video with F1 star Robert Kubica went viral, and him a YouTube star and earned him his dream car: a BMW E34 M5.
With this episode, Classic Heart enters its summer break. We will be back September 25, 2025!
Misha Charoudin on Instagram @mgcharoudin
@bmwclassic, @jprathgen, @classicdriver
Do you have an exciting story about classic BMW cars to tell? We’d love to...
#75 Classic Heart with Christian von Koenigsegg
From a kid with a BMW M1 brochure to building award-winning megacars — in this episode, a true pioneer shares how it all started. Featuring the one-off BMW X5 Le Mans, the Aurora Concours and plenty of automotive passion. Tune in to Classic Heart now!
Christian von Koenigsegg on Instagram @heycvk and @koenigsegg
BMW Group Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic
JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram @jprathgen and @classicdriver
Do you have an exciting story about classic BMW cars? We’d love to hear it...
#74 Classic Heart with Michal Fidowicz
Michal drives 2,000 km in his BMW 7 Series (E38) to Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este – and ends up face to face with the museum’s pristine BMW 3 Series (E46). His reaction? Pure joy. A story of old love, new dreams and sheer driving pleasure.
Michal Fidowicz on Instagram @candyshowroom
BMW Group Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic
JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram @jprathgen and @classicdriver
Do you have an exciting story about classic BMW cars? We’d love to hear it! Send us an email...
#73 Classic Heart with Sandra Button
Sandra Button is more than the Chairman of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance – she’s part of concours history. In this Classic Heart episode, she shares what makes the BMW 507 so captivating, what elegance truly means, and how the scene is evolving. An episode from the heart.
BMW Group Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic
JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram @jprathgen and @classicdriver
Do you have an exciting story about a classic BMW car or motorcycle? We’d love to hear it! Send us an email to bm...
#72 Classic Heart with Timo Schnee
Timo Schnee shares how his BMW love story began – from his 1 Series Coupé with Performance Parts to hosting the unique “Unterholz” community event. Plus: his goal to own a 318is Class II in every colour. Listen now!
Timo Schnee on Instagram @vandeschnee
BMW Group Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic
JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram @jprathgen and @classicdriver
Do you have an exciting story about classic BMW cars? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email to bmwgroup-classic@shot-one.de with a brief introduction and the remarkable ex...
#71 Classic Heart with Daniel Lucas
Growing up in the GDR, Daniel Lucas dreamed of a BMW 318 / E30. Today he drives a BMW 320 convertible and aims for the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. Hear his story of classic cars, BMW bikes and the magic of driving. Listen now to Classic Heart!
BMW Group Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic
JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram @jprathgen and @classicdriver
Do you have an exciting story about a classic BMW car or motorcycle? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email to bmwgroup...
#70 Classic Heart with Jay Ward
Jay Ward is Creative Director of Franchise at Pixar Animation Studios and was responsible for making the ‘Cars’ films that we all love. As a Jury member at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este, he also has a second dream job. And his (crazy) collection of vehicles includes a BMW R 90 superbike.
Jay Ward on Instagram @eastbay_j
BMW Group Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic
JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram @jprathgen and @classicdriver
Do you have an exciting story about a classic BMW car or motorcycle? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email t...
#69 Classic Heart with Maxime Cassagne
BMW & BMX are Maxime Cassagne's great passions.
Maxime owns a number of unusual classic BMWs and is also an outstanding BMX flatland rider. He combines both passions at his repurposed fire station in the south of France and shares them with the community.
Maxime Cassagne on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/maxcassagne/
BMW Group Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic
JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram @jprathgen and @classicdriver
Do you have an exciting story about classic BMW cars? We'd love to hear it! Send u...
#68 Classic Heart with Max Heidegger and Jakob Heidegger
Max Heidegger modified BMW 2002 engines for racing cars in the 1970s. Max talks about this legendary era of motor sport and how he won Le Mans. As you can imagine, his son Jakob enjoyed a fascinating childhood.
Max Heidegger and Jakob Heidegger on Instagram @maxheideggerag
BMW Group Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic
JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram @jprathgen and @classicdriver
Do you have an exciting story about classic BMW cars? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email to bmwgr...
#67 Classic Heart with Bernd Grebenau
Bernd Grebenauis a true BMW enthusiast. In 1987, he bought his dream car: a brand-new BMW E30 convertible in Alpinweiß. Little did he know that it would become a design icon and a lifelong companion. Still in its original condition, it embodies everything that makes BMW legendary: pure driving pleasure, timeless design, and reliability. "Like a fine whisky —still going strong," says Bernd. What do this classic AlpinweißBMW E30 convertible, the tragic accident of racing legend Jim Clark, and Bernd Grebenauhave in common? More than you might think! Find out in our latest Classic Heart German edition episode.
#66 Classic Heart with Frank & Tom Kohn
We are celebrating 50 years of the BMW 3 Series with a great story. Frank Kohn discovered his dream car as a child: the BMW M3 Compact E36. Unfortunately it was a prototype that never made it into series production. So Frank built it himself! His brother, Tom, shares his passion. Together they own 43 BMWs.
Frank Kohn on Instagram @m3_compact
Tom Kohn on Instagram @tom_kohn89
BMW Group Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic
JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram @jprathgen and @class...
#65 Classic Heart with Arnold Schwarzenegger
Arnold Schwarzenegger shares his unforgettable BMW story! When he was just 23, the iconic BMW 1600 was Schwarzenegger's pride and joy. And in 2023, he starred in the BMW i Vision Dee commercial, showcasing his enthusiasm for electric mobility and BMW's visionary innovation. Explore all this and other fascinating path-crossing between Arnold Schwarzenegger and BMW in this episode.
Arnold Schwarzenegger on Instagram @schwarzenegger
BMW Group Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic
JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram @jprathgen and @classicdriver
Do you have an exciting st...
#64 Classic Heart with Frank Menton
Surrounded by classic BMW cars all day long - that's Frank Menton's life. He talks to JP Rathgen about his responsibility as a BMW Classic Partner. The family business became an official BMW partner back in 1932. Frank also talks about his ‘non-collection’ of models including a BMW M635 CSi, a BMW 700 Coupé and a BMW 3200 CS, among others.
Frank Menton on Instagram @menton_automobilcenter
BMW Group Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic
JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram @jprathgen and @classicdriver
Do you have a...
#63 Classic Heart with Baron Dominique Moorkens
Baron Dominique Moorkens talks to us about the madcap days of 1970s motor sport. Baron Moorkens competed in rallies and 24-hour races in his BMW 02 after clocking off from work. He has been friends with Jacky Ickx – who later became a legendary BMW works driver – since childhood.
BMW Group Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic
JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram @jprathgen and @classicdriver
Do you have an exciting story about classic BMW cars? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email to bmwgroup-classic@s...
#62 Classic Heart with Bachmann & Scher
Which vintage clock goes with which classic BMW? JP Rathgen discusses the best styles and the perfect match with Thomas Bachmann and Joram Scher. They take a close look at the BMW Z1, BMW Z8, MINI and Concept BMW Skytop.
Bachmann & Scher on Instagram @bachmannscher
BMW Group Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic
JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram @jprathgen and @classicdriver
Do you have an exciting story about classic BMW cars? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email to bmwgroup-classic@shot-one.de with a brief introduction and the remarkable exp...
#61 Classic Heart Season Closing - Lap of Honour 2024
JP Rathgen and guests celebrate the best of 2024 in the Classic Heart studio. The season-closing episode is all about magical BMW moments, curious races and incredible repair projects. The Lap of Honour 2024 features personal highlights from Katarina Kyvalova, Simon Kidston, Sreten, Jason Cammisa and Neil Clifford.
Katarina Kyvalova on Instagram @kkyvalova
Simon Kidston on Instagram @simonkidston
Sreten on Instagram @m539_restorations
Find out more about Sreten https://youtu.be/1gSDNZ2skXs?si=7C70dIZBGpt5ttog
Jason Cammisa...
#60 Classic Heart with Duccio Lopresto
Classic Heart's guest Duccio Lopresto gives us a personal insight into his exciting work. His career is no coincidence: even as a child, he regularly attended the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este and presented his father Corrado Lopresto's outstanding car collection. In this episode of Classic Heart, find out all about this and his favourite cars.
Duccio Lopresto on Instagram @duccio.lopresto
BMW Group Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic
JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram @jprathgen and @classicdriver
Do you have an exciting story about classic BMW cars? We'd love to hear i...
#59 Classic Heart with Paolo Milini
Car collector Paolo Milini was driving along Italian country roads in his BMW Z8 on a special mission: to plan the Prelude Tour for the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. For more stories from Paolo Milini and his unusual family business, check out this episode.
Paolo Milini on Instagram @spaziothebox.it
BMW Group Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic
JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram @jprathgen and @classicdriver
Do you have an intriguing story to tell about classic BMW cars? Then send us an email to bmwgroup-classic@shot-one.de with some brief details about...
#58 Classic Heart with Emil Andersson
Emil Andersson discovered his love for the brand as a passanger in the back seat of his father's BMW 5 Series (E34). Today, the Swede owns an E28 5 Series and an M5. Emil loves a good equipment feature, a six-cylinder engine and the new BMW M2 Coupé. He talks about driving go-karts as a child, meeting up with friends to drift and (accidentally) painting his house in the colours of his BMW M5.
Watch the DRIVE. LIVE. LOVE. campaign film with Emil Andersson on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8i9nBkMiRbI?si=MWOTKQgsiIqvSgVx
BMW Group Classic on I...
#57 Classic Heart with Fabrizio Giugiaro
Fabrizio Giugiaro developed the BMW Nazca M12 concept supercar - at the age of just 25 - as a worthy successor to the BMW M1 designed by his brilliant father and Italdesign founder Giorgetto Giugiaro. Together, the two have made design history with creations ranging from the DeLorean to the Vision 2030 electric car. Fabrizio Giugiaro tells us the remarkable and entertaining story.
Fabrizio Giugiaro on Instagram @gfg.style
BMW Group Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic
JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram @jprathgen and @classicdriver
Do you have an intriguing story to tell about cla...
#56 Classic Heart with Maximilian Chester aka Pwuf Talks Cars
Maximilian Chester comes up with a name for his BMW 7 Series with J.P., raves about BMW Z8 headlights and says he prefers not to have a passenger. He explains how he discovered his love of cars through gaming and now reaches 1.6 million followers on Instagram with his entertaining videos as Pwuf Talks Cars.
Maximilian Chester on Instagram @pwuftalkscars
BMW Group Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic
JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram @jprathgen and @classicdriver
Do you have an intriguing story to tell about classic BMW cars? Then...
#55 Classic Heart with Tom Osterwald aka tomsdrive
Tom Osterwald aka tomsdrive takes time out to explain why the BMW 5 Series (E60) and 7 Series (E65) are still looking so modern. He also provides insights into how his job as a content creator works, what the best cities for car spotting are, what current trends interest him and why the price of a car is so important to him.
Tom Osterwald on Instagram @tomsdrive
BMW Group Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic
JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram @jprathgen and @classicdriver
Do you have an intriguing story to tell about classic BMW ca...
#54 Classic Heart with Wes Young
Wes Young explains why he owns two BMW 3.0 CSL (E9) classics, how his BMW 5 Series (E12) came to Australia from Africa and why BMW is so popular in the car scene Down Under.
Do you have an intriguing story to tell about classic BMW cars? Then send us an email to bmwgroup-classic@shot-one.de with some brief details about yourself and the great things you have experienced with a classic BMW.
Portrait of Wes Young on YouTube from 2020 https://youtu.be/pFox3BEWY6E?si=GmikokwafojTb9vs
BMW Group Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic
...
#53 Classic Heart with Dee Fragos
Mechanic Dee Fragos has been repairing cars since he was 13 years old and used to get the spare parts he needed by bus. He talks about his original classic Mini pick-up, why Mini pick-ups are a little known secret and very rare today, how he was almost born in his grandfather’s Mini and how he went on an incredible tour to celebrate the brand’s 60th birthday.
Dee Fragos on Instagram @minipickupinternational
BMW Group Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic
JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram @jprathgen and @classicdriver
#52 Classic Heart with Georgia Peck
Georgia Peck has a real MINI love story to tell. Brimming with adventure, she also tells us how she races motorcycles at the Malle Mile Festival, why she is fascinated by the BMW R 80 G/S and what wing walking feels like. Plus she explains how she renovated a BMW 2002 with her company Aubrey Peck and organized the memorial service for Stirling Moss.
Georgia Peck on Instagram @peckyg
BMW Group Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic
JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram @jprathgen and @classicdriver
#51 Classic Heart with George Bamford
George Bamford talks about how he shares a passion for cars with his father Lord Bamford and where they differ, how he built up his own collection, why he bought two BMW Alpina B12 Coupé as his first cars and why he loves his BMW Z1. He tells us which cars could be the next icons, what has made his Tyre Kicker Club so legendary, why he likes unusual things and how his Bamford Watch Department fulfils individual wishes.
George Bamford on Instagram @tyrekickerclub
BMW Group Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic
JP Rathgen a...
#50 Classic Heart with Simon Kidston
The day after the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2024, Simon Kidston talks enthusiastically about what the event was like. He provides fascinating insights into every part of the Concorso, recounts the best stories about the vehicles and explains how the atmosphere manages to be so exclusive and relaxed at the same time.
This episode is also available as a YouTube video.
Simon Kidston on Instagram @simonkidston
BMW Group Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic
JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram @jprathgen and @classicdriver
#49 Classic Heart with Tariq Moosa
Tariq Chip Moosa explains why classic BMWs are so
important in the car scene, what BMW means to him
personally, how he built his award-winning BMW 3.0 CS
(E9) and how his company Chicanos Customs has become
the largest in the region.
Tariq Chip Moosa on Instagram @chip_moosa/
Chicanos Customs on Instagram @chicanos.customs/
BMW Group Classic on Instagram @bmwclassic
JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Instagram @jprathgen and @classicdriver