At Ultimate Stance in Telford, UK early last month, one automotive drew crowds like no other.
It’s easy to see the appeal of Paul Foster‘s 1982 BMW E21 though. The Group 2-themed construct appeals to a large audience – those that grew up around BMW race cars within the Nineteen Eighties throughout to younger individuals who can appreciate the fashionable replica.
This isn’t a brand new construct by any stretch; it’s been kicking around shows for a few years now and prior to its completion (well, as complete as any true project…) it was under the knife for over a decade in Paul’s home garage.
His goal for the automotive was at all times clear though: create an E21 with the look of a Group 2 race automotive, that could be used for competition (hill climbs to be exact), and in addition on the road, legally. All of those boxes have been ticked.
Let’s start with the look, which has been achieved through the addition of an entire E21 Group 2 body kit. The kit, which incorporates a deep front air dam and wide, bolt-on fender flares is all in fibreglass, but the remainder of the body panels remain in steel, including the custom-vented bonnet.
The large rear wing is a Group 5-style item that incorporates a carbon fibre blade, while the alloy rear diffuser is one other custom piece.
Keeping the load low was of utmost importance to Paul, and you may see that in a few of the meticulous attention to detail. From gutted doors, drilled brackets supporting the wing mirrors and drilled door handles, to thin boot struts and use of titanium bolts throughout. Because it sits the E21 suggestions the scales at a light-weight 900kg (1,985lbs), but there’s more – or 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 body sets (eight ITBs in total) and custom headers running right into a twin 3-inch side-exit exhaust system, tied to a Cosworth T5 World Cup transmission and a Quaife ATB limited slip differential out back.
As you may see, there’s some serious rubber on the rear – Pirelli P Zeros in 345/35R15 sizing to be exact. The wheels are 15-inch Compomotive TS501s all round, with narrower 245/45R15 P Zero tyres up front.
And searching right at home on the front wheels are a pair of custom dLing turbofan covers.
The inside is full race spec, with a serious roll cage and all the things else you’d anticipate finding in a contest automotive, like a Sparco steering wheel and seats.
It’s a formidable machine, let alone one built DIY-style in a house garage, but Paul shouldn’t be done with this labour of affection just yet. Future plans include much more weight reduction through carbon fibre doors, boot and bonnet, plus the total kit remade within the composite material. The last word goal is 800kg (1,765lbs).
Paul’s most poignant moment of the construct thus far is an early one, along with his then three-year-old son Ethan sitting on the then stock engine helping him remove the bolts. Ethan’s now a teen, and together this father and son duo attend automotive shows everywhere in the UK, often driving hours within the E21 to attend. He might just be a passenger for now, but when Ethan gains his race licence, which seat he’s going to be sitting in.
Samuel Cherry
Instagram: samgcherry
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