At Final Stance in Telford, UK early final month, one automotive drew crowds like no different.

It’s simple to see the enchantment of Paul Foster‘s 1982 BMW E21 although. The Group 2-themed construct appeals to a large viewers – those that grew up round BMW race vehicles within the 1980s throughout to youthful individuals who can respect the fashionable duplicate.

This isn’t a brand new construct by any stretch; it’s been kicking round reveals for a few years now and previous to its completion (nicely, as full as any true mission…) it was underneath the knife for over a decade in Paul’s residence storage.

His aim for the automotive was all the time clear although: create an E21 with the look of a Group 2 race automotive, that can be utilized for competitors (hill climbs to be precise), and in addition on the street, legally. All of these containers have been ticked.

Let’s begin with the look, which has been achieved by way of the addition of a whole E21 Group 2 physique package. The package, which features a deep entrance air dam and vast, bolt-on fender flares is all in fibreglass, however the remainder of the physique panels stay in metal, together with the custom-vented bonnet.

The large rear wing is a Group 5-style merchandise that contains a carbon fibre blade, whereas the alloy rear diffuser is one other {custom} piece.

Retaining the burden low was of utmost significance to Paul, and you may see that in among the meticulous consideration to element. From gutted doorways, drilled brackets supporting the wing mirrors and drilled door handles, to skinny boot struts and use of titanium bolts all through. Because it sits the E21 ideas the scales at a light-weight 900kg (1,985lbs), however there’s extra – or much less weight, technically – to come back.

The center of this E21 is an ’80s Rover/TVR V8 engine with twin Suzuki GSX-R1000 K2 throttle physique units (eight ITBs in complete) and {custom} headers operating right into a twin 3-inch side-exit exhaust system, tied to a Cosworth T5 World Cup transmission and a Quaife ATB restricted slip differential out again.

As you may see, there’s some critical rubber on the rear – Pirelli P Zeros in 345/35R15 sizing to be precise. The wheels are 15-inch Compomotive TS501s all spherical, with narrower 245/45R15 P Zero tyres up entrance.

And searching proper at residence on the entrance wheels are a pair of {custom} D-lng turbofan covers.

The inside is full race spec, with a critical roll cage and every part else you’d look forward to finding in a contest automotive, like a Sparco steering wheel and seats.

It’s a formidable machine, not to mention one constructed DIY-style in a house storage, however Paul shouldn’t be accomplished with this labour of affection simply but. Future plans embody much more weight discount by way of carbon fibre doorways, boot and bonnet, plus the total package remade within the composite materials. The last word aim is 800kg (1,765lbs).

Paul’s most poignant second of the construct so far is an early one, along with his then three-year-old son Ethan sitting on the then inventory engine serving to him take away the bolts. Ethan’s now a teen, and collectively this father and son duo attend automotive reveals all around the UK, usually driving hours within the E21 to attend. He would possibly simply be a passenger for now, however when Ethan good points his race licence, you understand which seat he’s going to be sitting in.

Samuel Cherry
Instagram: samgcherry

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