This BMW 3 series is a love work by a father-son duo. The “rally” star, which was built on a 1982 E21 chassis, has already planned the Hot Wheels Legends Tour UK. The team based in Essex has beaten more than 200 participants and is now taking on the European final. If it is successful there, it will go to the global Grand Finale to have the chance to be immortalized as a 1: 64 dance model you could buy.
Paul and Ethan Foster have refined their pet project as a homage to group 2 for 14 years. This first generation 3 of the first generation taps the scales with only 900 kilograms (less than £ 2,000) and has a real 5-spec rear wing of the group. The Aero piece was modified with a carbon blade for additional downforce and a larger visual drama. Its impact filled fenders are part of a glass fiber -widderbody kit, but everything else remains steel. This includes the ventilated hood with elegant cooling slots.
However, purists can look back over the bonnet. Instead of a BMW engine, this first generation hides a Rover 5.0-liter V8. Maybe sacrilege, but the payment is 420 hp on the rear wheels. It is a breathtaking jump from the original Range Toping 323i, which only made 141 hp from its inline-six-six. Electricity is supplied by a DTM-Spec-Tra-Tarrg transmission and a quay limited slip differential.
Elsewhere, the car is packed with details that highlight it. We speak of the side exhaust, the parked interior, a chunky rear diffuser and 15-inch wheels with turbo fans covers. The wheels in the fleshier 345/35/R15 rubber at the back and thinly 245/45/R15 tires are supplemented by modern Wilwood brakes and GAZ chair sweaters.
With the 3 Series, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, it is a suitable coincidence that this strongly changed E21 is in the spotlight. In BMW’s characteristic M-colors of blue, violet and red, it can look like a life-size hot wheel car, but it is not a toy. It remains to be seen in view of the violent competition whether it becomes a 1:64. The global Grand Finale takes place in November.
