In 2025, the 50th anniversary of the 3 Series marks, but this is far from an original E21. BMW towered out the first series of 3 with the 323i, which made 141 hp from a 2.3-liter engine. At that time, the badges on the trunk actually reflected the shift of the engine, something that is not that common now. In this case, the “355” lives up to its name by packing a 355-cubic Chevy small block V8. Yes, that means a 5.7 liter monster that has come under the bonnet.
We heard for the first time from this Frankenstein E21 when it was a sensation for a sensation for a sensation for last year’s Radwood UK. A new video shows the street welding car with a fleshy 325 mm rear tire and the TH350 transmission from General Motors. It is based on the bare essentials and weighs practically nothing. Since around 500 hp go to the rear wheels, about three and a half times more than the strongest 3 first generation 3, which was ever sold by BMW, it has to drive an absolute roll.
In an interview with HagertyAndrew Tidy remembers that he paid only 50 pounds for these 3 Series from 1983, which was about to be scrapped. After more than a decade, it is certainly to say that the “355” is its pride and its joy and for a good reason. Even if unorthodox engine changes are not your thing, it is difficult not to appreciate how flawless it is built.
Beyond the Chevy V8, the build contains much more: a lowered Ford-nine-inch rear axle, adjustable gas wooden wearer and a mostly original dashboard that is adapted for custom measuring devices and a complete roller cage. Now the interior of the E21 is a few carbon shovels and little else.
Although the “355” is able to operate the Quarter Mile in around 12 seconds, it remains surprisingly civilized on public roads. BMW finally put V8 in the M3 E46 GTR and later in the E90. However, there is something undeniable that lives over eight cylinders of American muscles in a much older E21.
Video: Motorbing / YouTube
