I remarked in a post a while ago that Bloomington is home to a surprising number of BMW E30 convertibles and though I only managed to snag pictures two of them in that piece, they’re still busy burbling around town. I see at least two red, black, or white examples daily, and this grey one was finally generous enough to pose for the camera while resting. I’m happy it did, too, because it’s an especially amusing piece with its ground effects package which calls to mind another, albeit less attainable, ’80s dream, the Ferrari Testarossa–radical!
Yes, just in case an E30 convertible wasn’t prestigious enough for life in post-Black Monday America, the aftermarket could outfit your $29,000 car to mimic a $135,000 Ferrari. Luckily, even in automatic, topless form, the E30 had the moves to entertain its driver just as much in daily use (possibly even more). When he caught me taking pictures, the owner of this car, one of the first BMW-certified mechanics in the Midwest, told me just how much he appreciates still appreciates it after fifteen years of ownership. And I get it; E30s in 325i form like our featured car (finished in what I am told is Lachsilber) are some of the most fun everyday cars, even as basket cases.
He also told me that he has a garage full of about forty classics and handed over his business card. Stay tuned over the next few weeks to see what turns up…
Jeez, that’s almost as bad as the Kamei kits they used to put on Mk2 Scirocco’s. Remember those? Kind of looked like the space shuttle. I wonder what the rust looks like underneath.
Looking forward to seeing if you get more info on the “forty classics”. Hopefully they are in better shape than this daily driver.
These were the cougar canoe of the 80’s in Southern California. That body kit is not good. The wheels don’t seem to right for an E30, either. That car has had a rough life.
That is a very mild and refined E30 body-kit. King of wide bodies is of course Koenig. They’re still around, apparently: http://www.koenig-specials.com/
Ah, my old hometown — SO out of place in Indiana!
I agree; there are at least five E30 cabriolets in the downtown area. They, and a few ’90s SLs, seem quite popular as cheap transportation with the undergrads. I never noticed the same concentration of them anywhere except in self-consciously wealthy areas when they were new.
I’m surprised he left the Testarossa Jr. sills on, having bought it in the late 90’s, but maybe they were attached in such a way to make removal unfeasible. Or maybe he likes the 80’s!
Seems they didn’t do it any favors in corrosion resistance, judging by that rear arch.
My mother had an 87 E30, and I remember seeing a similar kit offered by BMW in the official accessories catalog.
I remember when Testarossa kits on lowered minitrucks were RAMPANT. So glad that fad fizzled.
Y’all remember to re-read Paul’s write-up on the Testarossa. There are lots of beautiful Testarossa kits in it, and by “beautiful” I mean “ugly.”
https://www.curbsideclassic.com/curbside-classics-european/curbside-classic-ferarri-testarossa-the-thrill-is-gone-for-now/
These lil’ (old) E30’s are much better lookin’ with the big U.S./Canada spec bumpers. Especially with the side marker lights. Their InLine 6 engines are powerful but gas guzzlers. Not too much space inside the cabin. The tail is quite light so in the curves it behaves like and old RWD Fiat 124. Slipping awaaaay… Especially during icy winters. But during the spring and summer the cabrio could be nice ride…