I always knew I’d have a sort of “good-bye M3” show, and I thought it appropriate that it happened to be at Gears on the Piers – M Edition, a car show hosted by Classic Car Club Manhattan.
After all – as a photographer, this is home.
What is Gears on the Piers?
Throughout the year, Classic Car Club will highlight certain makes and marquees by playing host to a car show. Could be JDM, or perhaps Porsche. But for this Sunday in November, it was the letter M. I asked very nicely, and they said I could park my car.
If you’ve never been for an event, it’s pretty nice. Located on the West Side Highway, the garage has everything you’d expect of a high-end club: food, coffee, and a big bar. There’s an outdoor space and of course, a big garage to host about 20 or so cars.
It’s a paid event, and if you can’t grab a spot at the show, I’m honestly not sure where you’d park (the West Side Highway isn’t exactly spot friendly). Some walk-ins came, but it felt like a pretty exclusive M-type crowd.
What kind of BMWs were there?
Everything you could imagine, including the new M5, courtesy of BMW M. The BMW CCA was also there, so that meant a lot of E30s, E34s – you know, golden oldies.
The newer things were relegated to the lot outside and included a delicious Ferrari Red M5, a few G80s, and a wild polka-dot clad M4 with a giant wing that was just a liiiitttllee too close to my car.
Is this the end of your old M3?
Unintentionally, yes. Although I still have a few surprises in store for you with it. Since the event, it’s pretty much sat due to press cars and the lack of will to put any more mileage on it, so I’m glad I took it for one last drive into Manhattan.
The new one is on a boat off the coast of Spain, so it should be here before Christmas. That means car parts from Santa!
Gears on the Piers Gallery
I hope to attend another Gears on the Piers in 2025 (would love to see the JDM collection). For now, enjoy some cars and buildings.
