Nick's BMW E30
Photography & Words By Wynn
1989 BMW 325i
There are those that define art as an object that has no use other then itself, implying that a car can never truly be a work of art because of course it has a day to day function. This is something I take issue with, I look at Nick's E30 and believe a work of art can indeed have a function.
As you may have gathered if you're a regular reader on Oaties, I enjoy the simple and clean look on cars. There's something about slightly improving on the original bodylines of a car without overdoing it. In my personal opinion, it stands the test of time a lot more when done this way.
This is why I have to tip my hat to Nick and what he's accomplished with his E30. I feel it's a perfect example of timeless art. "It was kind of a spur of the moment thing.." Nick tells me as we both stood there admiring the car. Having a slammed Volkswagen Mark IV at the time he saw this car on Kijiji, he instantly knew it was time to make the transition into the bavarian world.
With the VW sold, it was time to put all of his focus onto the E30. The first order of business of course was to get it back to running standards. Since the car was in pieces when Nick purchased it, he spent the entire winter sourcing parts for installations and repairs. He also ordered an Airlift Performance Series kit as he wanted to have this car sitting on the ground as soon as possible.
With the car back to running standards and the air suspension finally installed, Nick's next order of business was to get the perfect set of wheels for the car. He knew he wanted a set of CCW Classic5's, and as luck would have it, he was able to source a set from a friend. Making the trip down to Vermont to collect the wheels, eventually the set were back home and fitted perfectly under the E30.
Inside, Nick continued to keep things simple. He added a set of racing seats and a Project Feint steering wheel to keep the interior clean while mantaining that OEM feel.
Future plans have the E30 getting a new power plant, Nick has his mind set on a turbocharged M50. He also wants to rebuild his Classic5's to wider specs. Nick's also planning to clean up the underbody a bit more and fix up the back end. His list includes the subframe, rear differential, trailing arms, new gas tank, pretty much everything will be brand new. Other ideas Nick is flirting with include the addition of a Pandem kit, as well as an LS engine later on.
This car is stunning, it's the perfect example of starting with a platform that is widely agreed as one of the best cars ever made and tastefully adding upon that. It's not begging for your attention but somehow it attains all of it. Nick, you have done a great job with this car and I hope people will get a chance to glimpse at it in person as pictures really don't do it justice.
