If 2025 was the year of the Masterpiece, 2026 is shaping up to be the year of Evolution.
As the BMW CCA Foundation wraps up its highly successful Alpina exhibit, a display that brought together some of the rarest and most bespoke BMWs ever built, our Foundation President, Bruce Smith, is already looking ahead.
“The response to the Alpina exhibit was incredible,” Smith says. “It showed us once again that this community values history, rarity, and storytelling. We’ve crossed the 4000-visitor mark through the museum, and I hope we approach 5000 before the exhibit closes next month. But we know that for many, the passion will really be experienced when we curate the evolution of one iconic model.”
That is why, in May 2026, the BMW CCA Foundation will open its doors at The Ultimate Driving Museum to “BMW M3: 40 Years of Evolution.”
It is a massive pivot from the refined touring cars of Buchloe to the high-revving icons of Munich. The exhibit aims to tell the complete story of the car that defined the genre, from the original E30 M3 all the way to the turbocharged F81/82 M3 and G82/83 M4 of today. The exhibition will include the coupe, convertible, sedan, and a possible touring version along with unique special editions, customs, Motorsport versions of the iconic M3, and the passionate owners.
“The M3 isn’t just a car; it’s a culture,” Smith explains. “Curating this exhibit is a massive undertaking because the history is so rich. We are pulling cars from private collections and unique items from our archives to ensure we get it right.”
The Ultimate Driving Museum has quickly become a destination for automotive fans. For the second consecutive year, the museum was named “South Carolina’s Best Museum” in the 2025 Best of South Carolina Awards. And was recognized this year with the 2025 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award, placing The Ultimate Driving Museum in the top 10 percent of global listings.
However, keeping a museum “Best in Class” isn’t easy. “I have to say that 2025 has been a challenging year for the entire non-profit sector. We’ve faced the same headwinds many have, and the cost of excellence is rising. To keep doing what we do, preserving history and creating award-winning experiences, we need the continued support of the BMW community,” Smith shares.
The Foundation is also gearing up for a critical year of Tire Rack Street Survival schools. As vehicle technology advances, the need for hands-on teen driver training remains urgent. “We have a dual mission: Saving Lives and Saving History,” says Smith. “Whether we are teaching a 16-year-old how to brake effectively or preserving the history of BMW, it all requires fuel. If you’ve ever volunteered for Street Survival, you know the difference between a teen who fears the skid and one who knows how to correct it.”
As the year closes, the Foundation is asking the BMW community to help them get to the starting line for 2026. “We want to hit the ground running in January,” Smith adds. “Every donation helps us get more safe teen drivers on the road and curate the M3 story.”
Click here to support the Foundation’s 2025 Year-End Campaign