08/07/2026
I have always felt that BMW ALPINA is one of those brands you only truly understand once you spend time around the cars and the people who love them.
Our day in Japan back in March reminded me exactly why.
There is something about BMW ALPINA that fits the Japanese mindset incredibly well: the obsession with detail, the respect for craftsmanship, the understated confidence and the idea that true quality never needs to scream for attention.
These cars were never about being the loudest in the room. They were about doing everything with a little more depth, a little more elegance and a level of engineering that only real enthusiasts fully appreciate. And that is exactly what made this day so special to me.
Seeing so many people come together because of a shared love for this brand and seeing the care, pride and respect with which these cars are treated, was something I genuinely won’t forget.
It also reminded me why so many exceptional ALPINAs have come out of Japan over the years. If you know, you know. And if you ever see a Nicole Automobiles sticker on an ALPINA in Europe, there is a good chance that car has lived a very good life. 🇯🇵
Thank you, Shuhei aka shiron for bringing us all together and for making this day possible.
What we experienced in Japan went far beyond just looking at special cars. It was about the people, the atmosphere and a shared understanding of what makes certain automobiles feel timeless.
More from Japan soon.
