If you’ve read the webzine’s various articles, you’ll have noticed that the team has a slight preference for vintage and atypical vehicles.
Initially dubious about recent productions, we wanted to tackle the Route des Grandes Alpes with an M3 Touring. As our Quebecois friends would say, you’ve got to be less of a ninny. Loaded with 2 bars of negative preconceptions, we were all surprised to regret it once we’d handed in the keys at the end of our 3-day roadtrip. Based on this unexpected observation, we were curious to test another beaver.
BMW France offered us a 420i to take to the picturesque shores of Lake Como to attend the prestigious Concours d’Elegance at Villa d’Este. There’s one thing wrong with it, and that’s not the 4-cylinder engine – we’ll settle for a beaver that’s not quick enough for mobility purposes – but it lacks a roof.
Convertibles? I don’t like them.
Convertibles? I don’t like them. Here’s my spontaneous answer to that question.
In my eyes, convertibles are synonymous with heaviness, non-rigidity and subjective sportiness. The S2000 is the exception that proves the rule. There’s no need to go into the flashy, show-off aspect of this type of vehicle, as a feeling of discomfort signals that a hives attack is just around the corner.
It’s 7 a.m., the start is near and the others are excited at the prospect of covering the next 400 kilometers of Italian roads with this machine. Grumpy to the core, I pass to be the first to take the wheel.
Like all good roadtrips with friends, we laugh, discuss deep subjects and remake the world. Anthony has prepared his best playlist, from Mickael Jackson to “Requiem pour un fou” (Requiem for a madman), and the atmosphere is mellow. Suddenly, we spot a green “aree di servizio” sign at 1750m, with an Autogrill icon – the Rolls Royce of all freeway service areas.
Tasting our croissants, I’m amused to see that people are not indifferent to the blue-on-white Individual, and our carriage is surprisingly sympathetic. Having consumed our caffeinated fuel, we resume our Italian pilgrimage.
After a few winding bends, Lake Como appears for the first time. I’m overwhelmed by the beauty of this expanse of water. This feeling is greatly heightened by the fact that I’m standing with my hair blowing in the wind, with no glass to filter my vision. Umberto Tozzi gives us his most beautiful concert through the excellent Harman-Kardon system, and with “Gloria” playing in the background, I’m spontaneously reminded of the opening scene of a great film. The backward me, who couldn’t understand how one could choose this type of vehicle when one loves the car, is surprised to find it pleasant to be on board this Series 4.
As we stroll along the lake and mountains, I realize that this car conveys new sensations, unknown until then. It encourages you to take the time to appreciate every moment, and speed and sportiness suddenly become secondary.
We’re filled with a sense of freedom, the joy of reaching out over the windshield and feeling the warm air slip through our fingers. A convertible isn’t so bad after all.
