I wish I could have met him...

[bmwQ]

So this guy comes into the dealership to buy a car cover for his new 745, old guy. He sees a BMW model of an old 6 series race car (not sure exactly the specs on the model, but I'd seen it a thousand times in the cabinet for sale, white w/ #5 on it, huge flared fenders, etc... very detailed and cool). My friend asks him if he needs help and he asks if they've "got any more models of this car". Friend says, no, that's the last one we have in stock. The guy silently reviews the model for a full 30 minutes and finally says, "I'll take it. Will you give me a deal on it?". My friend smiles and the guy says, I used to drive the same model race car, #1 was it's number. (The model had driver names painted on the door and the guy knew the names). "I wish you had the #1 model". He explains how this model brought back memories and how the actual car was to drive and all... Anyways, this happened yesterday and today we went to order a replacement model. Turns out it was the last dealer listed available model of that car...in the world. Great day for that guy. My friend said the customer's last name was Ponder or Pander or something like that. Sorta cool story...

[jhfutch]

That would have been a great man to meet.

This is the only picture if a #1 635Csi I could find. No mention of who the driver was, but the name of the picture is Grano_83, as in Umberto Grano.


http://www.bmwcoupe.nu/images/e24/racing/Grano_83.jpg

[jhfutch]

Spoke too soon I also found this, a model of the car pictured above.
http://www.bmwcoupe.nu/images/scale/e24_1.24_diecast/MVC-409F.JPG
http://www.bmwcoupe.nu/images/scale/e24_1.24_diecast/MVC-418F.JPG

Here is the caption:
"This is a model of the Eggenberger Motorsport prepared 635 CSi that was driven by German Helmut Kelleners and Italys Umberto Grano. This team won the European Touring Car Championship in 1983."

All of this from the site http://www.bmwcoupe.nu/

[bmwQ]

That would have been a great man to meet.

This is the only picture if a #1 635Csi I could find. No mention of who the driver was, but the name of the picture is Grano_83, as in Umberto Grano.


http://www.bmwcoupe.nu/images/e24/racing/Grano_83.jpg

He came back yesterday...but I missed him again. He talked to my friend for awhile longer. The car was a 3.0 CSL. Name was Bruce Ponder(?). Said he was a super nice guy.

[evlgt85]

I have a Bburago 635 CSi #1 with similar striping to the white and orange one above, but mine is in green and has "Enny" "BMW Italia" "Eggenberger" and "Pirelli" as the major sponsors.

Regardless, that would be a fascinating individual to meet, I'm sure.

[E24_635csi]

he would definately be someone to meet. A hero in BMW racing, thats for sure.