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Sep
05
A rainy sunday with cold wind gustst at the end of a super dry summer. No reason to leave the house and plenty of time to photoshop something. After fiddling around with a couple of projects that never quite get finished, I found a picture of a BMW E21 323i and immediately started modifying it. The most obvious choice would have been a BMW V8 engine swap, but because I wanted a USDM style theme on the vehicle, it made more sense to pretend that it is converted to a GM LS1 V8. The NASCAR inspired steel wheels give the car a more or less period-correct look and the overfenders add a more modern touch. The stance is a compromise between aggressive fitment and driveability – not too low, to remain functional. I removed the trim on the sides and the rear bumper and replaced them with two black stripes. The Alpina front spoiler, the rear wing and the diffusor create an aerodynamic package that has yet to be tested in a wind tunnel. This BMW E21 could be a daily driver with ample power and excellent gas mileage. Now, who wouldn’t want to have one?
Sep
02
This might not suit the 100% factory stock aficionados. No apologies here, however – as this could and probably should be done with a real vehicle. There are still plenty of these wonderful Bruno Sacco designed vehicles around, many of them in a rather sorry shape with plenty of rust. Saving one from the scrapyard and modifying it shouldn’t be considered a huge sin? The recipe is neither complicated nor excessively expensive: A custom suspension set-up suitable for drift duty with massive steering angles, a set of Corvette C3 wheels with modified hubcaps, a home-made bodykit and a couple of stickers. And for good measure, add a fender mounted rear-view mirror, because the first owner couldn’t afford to order the passenger side mirror. Now weld up a nice bumper bar to protect the bodywork when hanging out the tail and you’re good to go… either with the factory V8 or an engine swap of your choice. Have fun! š
Mar
02
The Renault ZoƩ Concept inspired me to modify it into a version resembling the Mk1 Renault 5 Turbo.
Feb
04
A TV commercial starring a rhino and a Renault Kangoo told you that this vehicle wins hearts, not beauty contests. It certainly never won a beauty contest and most definitely not my heart. This vehicle does exist, but I was just never interested in the concept. But neverthelessā¦ even one of the ugliest vehicles may be turned into something a bit more desirable. Well, provided you have enough money and are willing to throw it at such a project. It could be fun, couldnāt it? Imagine opening the side doors and finding a twin-turbo mounted midships. Massive wheels and brakes, a proper suspension setup and low center of gravity. Obviously, the body has received a few minor tweaks as well.
Nov
10
To be honest, the Mk2 Granada has never been one of my favorites – I’ve always preferred the Ford Granada Mk1. Yes, I do love cars with straight lines, but the Mk2 Granadas’ design is a little bit too dull. Nothing that couldn’t be fixed by altering a few pixels, hehe. The front grille is from an Escort RS2000, the bumpers are from a Jaguar XJ-S. Why did I do that? Well, quite easy to explain, actually: I had the Granada and XJ-S pictures next to each other on my desktop. By chance! Inspiration struck and a couple of minutes later the idea had been transformed into what you see here.
Jul
18
A buddy of mine is a huge Alpina fan and member of the German Alpina forum. Therefore I decided to show him the Alpinasetta, a vehicle he has never seen before. The BMW Isetta has been given the full Alpina treatment, including the famous wheels and stripes. still cute, no? But just imagine a 1200 cmĀ³ motorcycle engine in the back!