Text by Josh Wilson Ā Photos by Kevve.be
Much like the Phoenix from Greek mythology, an array of vintage automobilesĀ are being saved from an ill fate by car enthusiasts the world overā¦ and triumphantly returning to the pavement with a mix of nostalgia, plus a mix of modern tuning interpretation. Automotive restoration is nothing new. But the trend seems to be surging in the younger generations of enthusiasts. Tuners – turning to the classics. Itās possible that this trend has infiltrated the youth demographic – because of the limitations that new technologies & computer systems bring on new chassis. Maybe itās because some of us seek to shed the modern āconveniencesā that can easily end up being crutchesā¦ and we just long to return to the purity of the sport. Or – perhaps the vintage cars just look clean on Instagram filters. Itās probably all of these thingsā¦ and in the same breath itās probably no one thing in particular. Nevertheless, our demographic seems to be in a renaissance of creativity when it comes to appreciating & revitalizing dilapidated & forgotten chassis.
In the late 70ās, the first BMW E21 rolled off the assembly line, becoming the first 3-Series to be produced. But the car was quickly over-shadowed by its own successor ā the E30. And itās pretty much been that way ever since. We all know the E30 in todayās culture. And thatās probably whatās started to lead some BMW guys, like Prakash Thanky,Ā to look a little further back again – to the E21.
EXTERIOR
New rear arches shaped & welded in place
New inner & outer sill welded in
Single headlight conversion – from e21 318
Clear front indicators
Red-tinted rear indicators
Smoothed rear antenna
Rear foam spoiler removed
Rear window louvres
INTERIOR
Recaro seats – from e24 BMW
BMW e28 center console
Alpina shift knob
Alpina steering wheel
Remote start
ENGINE
24v 2.5 m50b25 – from an e34
Custom modified sump/pickup
Aftermarket intake
Custom exhaust by P&B
Transmission – 323i 5-speed
Z3 short shift
323i linkage
323i prop shaft
WHEELS / BRAKES / SUSPENSION
Airlift air setup
Airlift V2 management
Hartge Design Cās – 17×8.5 front & 17×9 rear (185/35/17 ft & 195/40/17 rr)
E21 323i calipers
EBC Red Stuff pads
Stainess steel brake lines
modified front subframe