Here in Hilton Head it is all about the hats. BMW Motorrad staff person Jane Schluter and Susan Nettesheim stand behind a classic 1934 Beemer.

Vintage expert Peter Nettesheim appears to be dancing a jig, but actually he's firing up one of his classic BMWs as BMW Motorrad USA vice president Pieter de Waal looks on.

John Landstrom won an award for his 1969 R69US.

BMW took home the Best of Show title. It went to Mr. Lothar Schuettler's 1937 BMW 328 Roadster. First owned by famous German race driver Baron Fritz Huschke von Hanstein, the original cost was $2,792 US equivalent. He collects BMW bikes as well.

A couple of ABC guys were on hand for the Hilton Head event as well!

MOA members Judie and Jack Wells of Florida were at the event, with Jack winning a couple of prizes.

That's BMW RA 'On The Level' editor Will Guyan with BMW Motorrad's Fred Jakobs admiring the one and only R7.

Peter Nettesheim and his sister Susan under the Spanish moss of Hilton Head.

Photos and text by Vince Winkel #121351

There may be some great beaches and wonderful resorts on Hilton Head Island but on the first weekend of November they played second fiddle, as most eyes were focused on the 10^th annual Motoring Festival & Concours d’Elegance. This year BMW was the primary Marque.

The big highlight? Try the BMW R7. After over 70 years sitting in a box the BMW R7 was restored to its impressive and futuristic glory. Although the motorcycle, manufactured in 1934, was only a prototype and never went into production it is one of the most innovative motorcycles ever produced. And it runs well, as Peter Nettesheim took it for several rides around the grounds to show it off to others. As many of you know Peter is the owner of the Nettesheim Museum in New York, and has restored an impressive number of vintage BMW motorcycles over the years.

In 1934 the R7 was produced to showcase the design and engineering capabilities of BMW. The ultimate goal was to turn it into a production model. The bike was a huge change from the typical designs of the early 20^th century. The R7 has enclosed bodywork, a pressed steel bridge frame and for the first time, telescopic front forks. I offered Peter a hundred bucks for it, and he politely declined. The bike is priceless.

Peter had several bikes on display, including his 1923 R32. The BMW R32 began production in 1923, becoming the first motorcycle to be badged as a BMW. The model on display here - now get this - is the oldest existing BMW, motorcycle or car in the world.

Here are the top motorcycle awards from the 2011 show:

Best in Class - 1926 BMW R-32        Peter Nettesheim,  Huntington, NY MOA #66171

Palmetto Award - 1952 BMW R-51/3     Ron Mitchell,   Flat Rock, NC

Palmetto Award - 1969 BMW R-69US   Norman and Belinda Buck,  Flagler Beach, FL #1599

Palmetto Award - 1969 R69US    John Landstrom,  Norcross, GA

In addition, another BMW MOA member received a special award!

BMW Special Award – Motorcycle     1928 BMW R-52        Jack and Judie Wells    Lake City, FL #21898.

Many of you know Jack and Judie, who work hard every year to make the vintage display at the BMW MOA International Rally such a huge success.

And, of course, a BMW took home the Best of Show title at the Sunday Concours d’Elegance. It went to Mr. Lothar Schuettler’s 1937 BMW 328 Roadster. First owned by famous German race driver Baron Fritz Huschke von Hanstein, the original cost was $2,792 US equivalent. It is only one of only 18 painted black. With the Baron at the wheel in 1938-39, this car saw many wins at such famous tracks as the Nurburgring, Hockenheim, LeMans and the Gorssglockner Hill Climb. Lost track of during WW II, the car resurfaced in 1953 as a white car and was sold by a German national to a US GI who brought it to the US and owned it for the next 40 years.

I had the pleasure of speaking extensively with Mr. Schuettler, who has an impressive collection of BMW cars and BMW motorcycles in his collection. He lives in Maryland.

Next year’s Motoring Festival & Concours d’Elegance in Hilton Head is slated for October 26 – November 4, 2012. Hope to see you there! 

Learn more about John Landstrom's dealership, Blue Moon Cycle, Inc., at    www.bluemooncycle.com.