Bertini Falco - New BMW Z3 based Kit Car
Discussion
I'm in the process of developing a body change kit for the BMW Z3. We have are making good progress on the front end and I have included a progress picture which has been photoshopped to show the desired design for the front.
I'm hoping for a completed car by the end of the summer and an official launch at next years stoneleigh show.
I have tried to capture and combine elements of the : Muscle of the AC Cobra
Lines of the E-type
Presence of the 250 GTO
and modern feel of the XK180 and Eagle Speedster
With a little bit of Maserati and Aston Martin thrown in.
I'm not trying to create a replica car. It's intended to be a modern car with a modern design taking classic inspiration.
I'm hoping for a completed car by the end of the summer and an official launch at next years stoneleigh show.
I have tried to capture and combine elements of the : Muscle of the AC Cobra
Lines of the E-type
Presence of the 250 GTO
and modern feel of the XK180 and Eagle Speedster
With a little bit of Maserati and Aston Martin thrown in.
I'm not trying to create a replica car. It's intended to be a modern car with a modern design taking classic inspiration.
Edited by Meeja on Wednesday 7th May 06:53
The car will retain the roof and doors of the Z3 with a new one piece front end and one piece rear and new boot. Also new little front wings.
All the lights are from modern manufacture cars.
The car is aprox 25kg lighter than the Z3, 2 inches wider and 4 inches longer. The car will also sit 1.5 inches lower on new springs.
This should be a very easy kit to build and won't require an SVA.
All the lights are from modern manufacture cars.
The car is aprox 25kg lighter than the Z3, 2 inches wider and 4 inches longer. The car will also sit 1.5 inches lower on new springs.
This should be a very easy kit to build and won't require an SVA.
I have designed it so there should not be any compromises on the drive or the original Z3. Apart from better handelling as it uses lower stiffer springs.
Design wise I started by looking at the xk180 prototype fir inspiration which never went into production and was a modern take o the E Type. But my design is shorter and more muscle than the elegant xk180. So I hope there are not too many direct copy comparisons between other cars.
Design wise I started by looking at the xk180 prototype fir inspiration which never went into production and was a modern take o the E Type. But my design is shorter and more muscle than the elegant xk180. So I hope there are not too many direct copy comparisons between other cars.
There has been some progress and a few re-designs.
Namely the design for the front grill has been tapered slightly and the nose squared off with a longer bottom splitter.
Fabrication has also started on the rear. - Still a way to go but im happy with the progress.
Also a name change... Bertini GT25
Namely the design for the front grill has been tapered slightly and the nose squared off with a longer bottom splitter.
Fabrication has also started on the rear. - Still a way to go but im happy with the progress.
Also a name change... Bertini GT25
cheers guys. im really looking forward to getting it on the road soon.
the Z3 is proving to be a great donor car for a body swap. the panels come off so there is less bonding. and the engine choice is great.
I got the 3.0 car that we are making the first Bertini GT25 on for £2500
But you can get a 1.8 or 1.9 4pot for just over £1000. Great for young drivers and those on a budget.
I should have some more pictures next week.
the Z3 is proving to be a great donor car for a body swap. the panels come off so there is less bonding. and the engine choice is great.
I got the 3.0 car that we are making the first Bertini GT25 on for £2500
But you can get a 1.8 or 1.9 4pot for just over £1000. Great for young drivers and those on a budget.
I should have some more pictures next week.
the 30mm drop is more to address the large arch gap and set the car a bit lower to improve the look. when mated with new shocks it might help a bit the the characteristic tail droop on hard acceleration seen with the 2.8 and 3.0 Z3s. Im not trying to create a rough ride.
On my car i am going to change a few things to hopefully tighten things up without causing to to be to uncomfortable.
Im going to swap the rear shocks for the standard Z3M shocks. and replace the front shocks for new standard Z3 ones.
All the bushes will be changed for new standard ones (not poly ones) some of them will be Z3M bushes to tighten things up. Also other parts that have worn replaced with the standard kit.
the 30mm drop should be ok - but im going to get these things done before and finalised kit fitting to make sure the ride is still good.
As im planning to run 18's with a slightly lower profile tyre this is also a consideration.
On my car i am going to change a few things to hopefully tighten things up without causing to to be to uncomfortable.
Im going to swap the rear shocks for the standard Z3M shocks. and replace the front shocks for new standard Z3 ones.
All the bushes will be changed for new standard ones (not poly ones) some of them will be Z3M bushes to tighten things up. Also other parts that have worn replaced with the standard kit.
the 30mm drop should be ok - but im going to get these things done before and finalised kit fitting to make sure the ride is still good.
As im planning to run 18's with a slightly lower profile tyre this is also a consideration.
here is a progress picture of the front - there are some more pics on my facebook site: https://www.facebook.com/BertiniGT25
I have just picked up the wheels!
They are BBS 18" split rims - with an anthracite centre and silver barrel.
for quicker progress updates and more pictures 'like' my facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/BertiniGT25
They are BBS 18" split rims - with an anthracite centre and silver barrel.
for quicker progress updates and more pictures 'like' my facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/BertiniGT25
The guys who are working on the fabrication are based in tadley. They are insanely talented and have been working for me to turn all my constantly changing sketches and plans into reality. They usually work on mark1 escorts. But they have experience in all areas of panel fabrication and also engine/gearbox transplants. I just wish they were only working on my project so I can get it finished quicker. I'm just too impatient. :-)
i have just finished the Bertini GT25 Website. Its got lots of the progress pictures on it and i intend on keeping it up to date.
www.BertiniGT25.com
www.BertiniGT25.com
Thanks for wishing me luck.
The point of the website and this thread is so people who are interested in the development of the car can track it progress.
The car is not yet launched or available for sale. As the car is in development. I have taken lots of advice from people who are interested in the car and many suggestions have made their way into the design at certain points.
Similarly the website is in development. As the car progresses the picture on the site will change.
The car is primarily something that I wanted to design and create. At the moment it is not a business and will only become one if there is demand for the finished product.
When the first car is finished there will be more professional shots and I intend on making a professionally produced build DVD.
The people at Complete Kitcar magazine are running a news item on the progress as they believe their 20,000 readers may find it interesting.
I similarly to yourself just can't wait to get more polished pictures of a more finished car.
The point of the website and this thread is so people who are interested in the development of the car can track it progress.
The car is not yet launched or available for sale. As the car is in development. I have taken lots of advice from people who are interested in the car and many suggestions have made their way into the design at certain points.
Similarly the website is in development. As the car progresses the picture on the site will change.
The car is primarily something that I wanted to design and create. At the moment it is not a business and will only become one if there is demand for the finished product.
When the first car is finished there will be more professional shots and I intend on making a professionally produced build DVD.
The people at Complete Kitcar magazine are running a news item on the progress as they believe their 20,000 readers may find it interesting.
I similarly to yourself just can't wait to get more polished pictures of a more finished car.
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