2015 is a special year for BMW->ke178 of North America, which celebrates 40 years since it began operating in the U.S. Additionally, March 2015 marks four decades since BMW Motorsport scored its first victory on U.S. soil, at the 1975 12 Hours of Sebring. To celebrate these key milestones in the company's history in the U.S., BMW announced it will join this weekend's Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance->ke3104 with a series of events and historic vehicles, as well as special racing livery for the Z4 GTLM race car.

Arguably the main star of BMW's anniversary party at the Ritz Carlton Amelia Island, the special Z4 GTLM will break cover wearing a livery inspired by the 3.0 CSL race cars of the mid-1970s. Even though the teaser only shows a covered Z4->ke289 between two classic racers, it's safe to assume the livery will mirror the paint schemes of the 3.0 CSLs flanking it, meaning a white body with the traditional blue-purple-red stripes of the company's M division. 1975 12 Hours of Sebring winners Brian Redman, Sam Posey, and Hans Stuck will be on hand for the unveiling of the car that will then travel to Sebring for this year's 12 Hours endurance race.

Continue reading to learn more about BMW's future 40th anniversary Z4 racer.

Celebrating Iconic BMW Cars

Aside from unveiling a classic-inspired livery for the current Z4 GTLM, BMW will use the event to celebrate the legendary BMW 328 of the late 1930s. Visitors will get the chance to admire "a group of significant" 328 models, including the innovative Touring Mille Miglia Coupe and the 328 in which Sir Stirling Moss won his first race in 1947.

BMW will also display the No. 25 BMW 3.0 CSL that was part of the team that won the 24 Hours of Sebring in 1975, as well as a 1973 street version of the 3.0 CSL. A 1980 BMW M1, the first street car developed by BMW Motorsport, an R69 motorcycle, and the Z3 Roadster used in the filming of the James Bond film “Goldeneye” 20 years ago will also be featured. The modern-day vehicle display will include the Z4 GTLM Tudor United Sports Car Championship race car, a 2015 i8, 2016 6 Series Convertible, and the 2016 X6 M.

BMW of North America will launch its 40th Anniversary celebration with "Cars & Coffee at the Concours" on Saturday, March 14th. This year's Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance runs through the15th.

Why it matters

Having won more than 100 races throughout its career, the 3.0 CSL is not just one of the most important race cars BMW ever built, but also one of the very few Bimmers to score important victories on U.S. soil, on famed tracks such as Sebring, Daytona, and Talladega. So it's befitting for BMW to celebrate the car and its U.S. success at such an important event, while also gifting the current Z4 GTLM with a livery of great historic importance. If you're a BMW fanatic, the 2015 Amelia Concours d'Elegance is an event you shouldn't miss.