Alpina’s trademark ‘Deko Set’ decals have been around for almost half a century.
The racing stripe is a rare thing in the world of European road cars, but Alpina has offered them on every one of its BMW conversions since 1974. These decals highlight Alpina’s modern-day role as an understated antidote to the BMW M-car and are an elegant strand of the brand’s DNA.
Origins of the Deko Set
Their genesis was in the mid-’70s, when Alpina began asking customers whether they’d like to give their car a ‘new identity’ and a ‘sporty appearance’. If so, rhombic designs were applied to the flanks of the car in colour schemes often derived from successful BMW Alpina race cars.
Green, for instance, emerged on the demonic Gösser Beer 3.5 CSL. Previously only the script ‘BMW ALPINA’ had been available – on the front wings and usually in silver or black.
Alpina, being a successful motorsports outfit moving into road cars, understandably had to have bold liveries like Porsche and other racing teams.
Evolution of the Deko Set
What’s so remarkable is that the fundamental design hasn’t changed in four decades. There have been subtle tweaks to the original recipe, however. In the ’80s the solid colours could be hollowed out to leave a wonderfully discreet gold or silver filigree.
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Today’s delicate tendrils are a unique crossbreed of a full-fat racing stripe and the hand-painted pinstripe that’s a £1080 option on a Rolls-Royce Phantom.
Inspiration for the first Deko Set came from downhill skiing. Burkard Bovensiepen, who in 1962 founded Alpina, stole the design from a pair of Fischer C4 skis.
Popularity of the Deko Set
The look isn’t to all tastes, and the Deko Set is far from a shoo-in on the options list. In fact only half of buyers want it, except in Japan, where almost every car is ordered with it – in gold.
For those who opt for the Deko Set, it’s a way to give their car a distinct identity and a sporty appearance. The decals have become an integral part of Alpina’s brand identity and reflect the company’s rich history in motorsports.
As Alpina continues to evolve under full BMW ownership, the Deko Set remains a unique feature that sets the brand apart from its competitors. With its subtle yet distinctive design, the Deko Set is sure to remain a popular option among Alpina enthusiasts.
It remains a beloved part of the brand.
