Engineering excellence from grassroots builds to factory prototypes
February 5, 2025
Start Where You Are: A Purpose-Built AE86
A highly modified Toyota AE86 showcases professional rally navigator Robbie Durant’s expertise in motorsport electronics and wiring. The project began as a rolling shell from Poland’s Dytko Sport, featuring Nissan S14 subframes and a roll cage.
The exterior maintains a subtle appearance with vintage TRD-inspired livery, lightweight composite panels, and rare Hasselback lip. The car sits on 15-inch Braid wheels with semi-slicks, CBY-style arches, and Öhlins DFV dampers, complemented by AP Pro5000 brake calipers.
The technical sophistication shines through the interior and engine bay. A comprehensive MoTeC electronics package provides full data logging and GPS tracking, while custom controls mount directly to the steering wheel. The build incorporates authentic motorsport components, including parts from Prodrive WRC vehicles.
Breaking from tradition, a Honda F20C engine from an S2000 replaces the original Toyota 4A-GE, breathing through Jenvey individual throttle bodies. The fuel system features a 45-litre cell with Nuke Performance components, while a adaptable exhaust system offers both side and rear exit options.
The car proves its worth in competition, challenging for fastest times at events like Curborough Sprint Day. While purists might question the extensive modifications, Durant’s focus on performance and precision engineering has created an exceptional track weapon that successfully serves as both a demonstration of his expertise and a formidable competition vehicle.
5 collector cars to put into your garage this week
Enhanced & Evolved BMW M3 leads a diverse collection of standout collector cars hitting the market in early 2025. This British-modified E30 M3 features extensive upgrades including carbon fiber panels, seam-welded shell, DTM-inspired 18-inch wheels, and a rebuilt 300+ horsepower engine. Only 30 will be made.
The Aston Martin Valour appears in Satin Ion Blue with yellow accents, showcasing a V12-powered tribute to 1970s race cars with full carbon bodywork.
Ferrari’s often-overlooked 348 Spider emerges as an appreciating classic, finished in Canna di Fucile Metallic over Blu Connolly leather - a sophisticated alternative to its more expensive 1990s siblings.
A former Dutch police (Rijkspolitie) Porsche 911 Targa offers unique appeal with its law enforcement heritage, complete with period-correct blue lights and radio equipment. The 964-generation car features fresh engine and transmission rebuilds.
Rounding out the collection is a custom Volkswagen Beetle beach cruiser in metallic turquoise with beige interior, stripped down for the ultimate surf lifestyle.
Touring Superleggera restores forgotten “Dodge” Maserati 3500 GT back to glory
Touring Superleggera will showcase their craftsmanship at Retromobile Paris with three remarkable vehicles: their new Superleggera Veloce12 grand tourer and two Maserati 3500 GTs - one meticulously restored and one untouched barn find.
The restored 3500 GT boasts a prestigious history, having belonged to Horace Elgin Dodge III and remaining in the Dodge family for three decades. The car features a striking white exterior with blue leather interior and grey carpeting, embodying Touring’s signature design elements of clean lines and lightweight construction.
The restoration process combined traditional craftsmanship with modern technology. While original period tools were used for panel beating, 3D scanning and printing aided in recreating rare missing components like windscreen brightwork. The project involved collaboration with specialists including Candini Classiche for engine rebuilding and received Maserati Classiche Certification.
The 3500 GT holds historical significance as Maserati’s first series-production road car, transforming the racing-focused brand into a luxury automobile manufacturer. Its race-derived engine and superior handling made it popular among celebrities, racing drivers, and entrepreneurs.
As Touring approaches its 100th anniversary, this restoration showcases their diverse capabilities, from industrial painting for luxury brands to coachbuilding and classic car restoration. Visitors can view these vehicles at Retromobile Stand K-068, Hall 1, from February 5th to 9th, with the opportunity to acquire and restore the barn find example.
BMW M8: The Ultimate Driving Machine That Never Was
BMW’s M8 prototype represented a bold attempt to enter the 1990s supercar arena with a modified version of their E31 grand tourer. The car’s development came during an era of fierce competition, with manufacturers like Porsche, Ferrari, and Bugatti pushing speed boundaries beyond 200mph.
The M8’s aerodynamic design boasted a 0.29 drag coefficient, surpassing contemporary supercars. Its body featured custom modifications including wide box flares, compact mirrors, and the notable removal of pop-up headlights for improved aerodynamics and engine accommodation.
Under the hood, the M8 packed a revolutionary S70/2 V12 engine producing 640hp - outgunning both the Bugatti EB110 SuperSport and Lamborghini Diablo GT. The car underwent extensive weight reduction with glass-reinforced plastic components and a stripped-down interior featuring Recaro seats, Sabelt harnesses, and no rear seats.
The chassis received additional reinforcement to handle the immense power delivered through a 6-speed Getrag manual transmission. Unlike standard E31s, the M8 featured solid B pillars for structural integrity.
Despite its promising specifications and potential to compete with the era’s most prestigious supercars, the M8 never reached production. It remains one of BMW’s most significant unrealized projects, representing a missed opportunity to establish the brand’s dominance in the supercar segment.