BMW 325i Convertible E30 8-Series PHOTO GALLERY

While there's only a single digit gap between the E30 and E31 codenames, in reality, these two BMW models couldn't be more different from each other.

The E30, a.k.a. the 1983-1991 3-Series, represented the firm's entry-level family car in the 1980s, while the E31, more widely known as the 8-Series, was the brand's flagship GT coupe in the 1990s.

But one German owner had the bright idea of taking a 1989 325i Convertible (albeit with pre-1987 tail lamps) and fusing the front end of an 850i Coupe on its nose. Of course, there was a slight problem with the width of the 8-Series fascia that was solved by…removing one of the BMW kidney grilles.

Aside from the bespoke front end, it also gets puffed up wheel arches to fit the wider tires, a different rear bumper and a Momo steering wheel.

The modded 325i Convertible comes equipped with the standard 2.5-liter inline-six producing 170-horses and is said to have clocked just 99,750km (62k miles).

Even if do you find the...825i's looks alluring, the €6,990 (US$9,900) price tag on Autohaus Bryjak is less than tempting as it is a bit too close for comfort to the lower-end prices (~€10k) for a real, early 1990s 8-Series model in Germany.

PHOTO GALLERY

1974 Toyota Celica GT, Now a Faux Ferrari

The first generation if the Toyota Celica is somewhat of a cult hero here in Australia. Affordable, sporty-looking and well equipped at the time of its launch in the early 1970s, it proved a popular alternative to the heavier, thirstier American and Australian built offerings of the time.

Let’s put that aside for one moment and focus on our eBay entrant for today. It’s a 1974 Celica GT model that’s been the victim of one of the shoddier-looking Ferrari conversions featured on this site. It’s supposed to look like a 308 GTB, though at best it looks like a 400 that’s been severely shortened.

So, let’s see what the seller has to say about this thing, eh? Firstly, there’s this: “This is one of the first and original ferrinos. Not many around. Was built in Queensland and the body was supplied from Adelaide by creative body's. I have all paper work on the build and photos. Anything In the paper or magazines on the ferrino is also in the folder”. The latter scarily implies that someone at one of the major magazines or newspapers wasted perfectly good ink and paper writing about it.

Then there’s the usual, “Everyone will notice you but not for the reason’s you’re probably thinking off” stick that we’ve heard a hundred times before: “This is a rare chance to own a ferrari [sic] replica. If you want attention while you drive this is the car for you! Turns heads like nothing I've even driven”.

Unfortunately for all you would-be buyers (all six or seven of you, I suspect), this particular car has already been sold for the you-can’t-be-serious price of AU$4,050 (about the same in USD or €3,002).

Yes, someone actually paid money for the Celicarrari. You can check out our full gallery below and leave a comment if you wish.

By Tristan Hankins

Story sources: eBay

PHOTO GALLERY

Delahaye USA’s Bella Figura Type 57S is available for purchase.

The Long Valley, NJ based specialist vehicle manufacturer has taken its design inspiration from Jean Bugatti’s legendary Type 57S coupe of the 1930s and ‘40s and modified it to fit a stretched and widened platform.

Using cutting edge materials such as carbon fibre and polished aluminium, Delahaye USA’s describes their new offering as, “much more than a replica”.

With air conditioning, power brakes and steering, electric windows and a choice of engine and transmission options, this certainly appears true.

The Bella Figura Type 57S is available in both left-hand-drive and right-hand-drive in turnkey complete, turnkey minus (that is, no engine and transmission), roller body (body, chassis and wheels only) and self-assembly kits both in the U.S. and the UK.

Unsurprisingly, prices are on application only though it sure will be nice to see this design classic back on the road and in much larger numbers than before.

By Tristan Hankins

PHOTO GALLERY

.7-liter straight-six engine, iconic sports car celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2011,

restoration specialist thadedicates its activity exclusively to the Jaguar E-Type. As the iconic sports car celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2011, Eagle has thought of a very special way to celebrate the occasion: the one of a kind Eagle Speedster, a roadster models that combines the beauty of the classic E-Type with the company's technical expertise and craftsmanship.

The car was commissioned by U.S. collector Rick Velaj, who wanted something "a bit special". Eagle designer Paul Brace penned a sketch, Velaj loved it and the rest came naturally. Everything on the E-Type Speedster is custom made. Like the 1960's Jaguar E-Type, Eagle's car sports classic finishing, with every detail being designed and customized, from the unique shape of the all-aluminum body, adapted from an original body by RS Panels, right through to the custom made windshield glass.

Under the beautifully sculpted body, Eagle engineers mounted an in-house developed 4.7-liter straight-six engine, matched to a five-speed gearbox. The six-cylinder produces 340 lb-ft (460 Nm) of torque and is expected to offers sports car performance numbers to Speedster which tips the scales at just under 1,100 kilograms (2,425 lbs). Handling was also an aspect that Eagle improved by fitting an optimized sports suspension and by widening the wheel track.

The lowered floor pan gives the Speedster a low profile, while also dropping the driver seating position for a sportier feel. The car's elegant lines connect with the cockpit through a "waterfall" console that descends between the two seats and is continued with the center tunnel. The dashboard is pure E-Type, with an aluminum fascia, classic instrument panel and wraparound leather upholstery. The custom-designed aluminum wheels fitted with three-eared wheel spinners are another example of Eagle's attention to details.

PHOTO GALLERY