How to turn a BMW Z3 into a legendary AC Cobra
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Happy New Year! We’re starting January off in style with our first 2024 ‘Vehicle of the Month’ story by Darren and his beautifully transformed BMW Z3.
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Darren has owner the car for about 3 years. He bought it as a Z3 and changed it over time. He has always wanted an AC Cobra but being so tall he didn’t really fit. The body is made by Tribute and is AC Cobra styled. Darren did more of the alterations by himself (on his driveway) barring the respray (to his design) and exhaust modifications. It has all the modern BMW Z3 equipment such as A/C, electric and heated seats, waterproof electric roof, stability control, (and now LED lighting) all of which aren’t available on most AC Cobras. And more importantly he actually fits inside!
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Darren got his mechanical skills and love of cars from his Dad, they used to fix neighbours cars and their own cars in the 70’s and 80’s. He’s Dad and Mam were following his project from afar, as Darren lives almost 300 miles away from them. Unfortunately Darren’s Dad passed away a couple of years ago. So he never got to see the finished result.
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“He would have been so proud! Dedicated to my Dad, Alan Nesbitt, who will always be driving with me” - Darren
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Here is Darren’s story…
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This is a BMW Z3 Tribute rebody
An AC Cobra lookalike based on a BMW Z3 3.0 litre straight 6
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The fibreglass kit arrived
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And the nudge bars look good
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The original Z3, in very nice condition BUT I wanted a Cobra lookalike…. Let the build commence
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Prepping the body in the back garden
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Strip down commences !
All the body and suspension work carried out on my driveway
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First panel on 👍
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Rear clam fitted ……. Not gapped yet ! But beginning to take shape
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Boot in place and starting to look the part
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Front clam fitted
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First fittings of the rear nudge bar and rear lights (not happy with these lights …. But more of that later !)
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Testing the stripe layout
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Changed the lights to LED, much happier with the look and brightness
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Time to install
The BC Racing adjustable suspension and shocks
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Sitting about the right height
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The first outing … caffeine and machine
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And a rear shot
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Into the Spray booth …,
Special thanks to Elmwood Coachworks in Molesey ….
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Took half a day to get the stripes lined up !
They are tapered …..
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Beginning to look like what I had planned
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Refitting the electrics and nudge bars
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LED headlight with halo sidelights / indicators
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Sunny afternoon by the Thames
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Relaxing next to the Thames
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Meeting with friends
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A local classic car show
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Simply BMW meeting in Beaulieu 2022
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A slight visual change ….. THANKYOU to Powerflo Mitcham for their creative skills in fitting my lookalike side pipes
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Simply BMW 2023 …. It was a bit wet !
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Enjoying the sunshine and my creation