Bertini GT25 - new bodychange for a BMW Z3

[AnthonyCherry]

I am currently halfway through making a body change kit for the BMW Z3 and Z3M roadster.

I have pretty much finished the front end, with moulds made and am now working on the back. My intention is to produce and sell the body panels.

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 have tried to capture and combine elements of the : AC Cobra, E-type, Z8, XK180 and Eagle Speedster.
With a little bit of Maserati and Aston Martin thrown in.

I have a Facebook page and a website that I update regularly and will be posting build updates.

https://www.facebook.com/BertiniGT25

www.bertinigt25.com

here are a few of the finished pictures - i have a lot more on my facebook page and website.

Edited by AnthonyCherry on Saturday 15th March 15:14

[Craigwww]

You are no doubt a talented guy, having the skills do do all that is impressive.

However, if I am honest (and i am sure that's what you are looking for), I don't really like it. It looks more dated than the standard Z3 front end does and the lights you have used make it look a bit like a VW Beetle. It also gives the car a kind of 'fish face'.

Perhaps when the finished article is seen it maybe blend together better.

Good luck though mate.

Edited by Craigwww on Sunday 18th August 11:24

[AnthonyCherry]

I'm kinda going for the retro look.
It will have an upswept back so I'm hoping it will marry together well.
The lights may be changed for some halogen spots in black casing with DRL.
That should alter the look but I have not tried fitting them yet so I don't know if they work.

[Bonefish Blues]

Quite difficult to visualise at the moment tbh - the absence of a grille draws the eye to the guppy mouth in a way that won't happen when it has one. MPTYE though, keep updating us.

[SSBB]

Has the look of a lotus or ginetta to me. Better looking than the z3 i think. Would like to see it in a bold colour. I'm not sold on the lower grille though.

[AnthonyCherry]

I have the grill ready to fit. It's currently stainless steel mesh. Nice quality. But I might powder coat it black. Again depends on the look.

[Bonefish Blues]

Silver grille to start, I'd say.

[mikefacel]

Bonefish Blues said:

Quite difficult to visualise at the moment tbh - the absence of a grille draws the eye to the guppy mouth in a way that won't happen when it has one. MPTYE though, keep updating us.

Agree with this. I'd have waited until a full car was built before getting any publicity but at least get some 3D renderings or drawings of the final design on the web site. I think it has a lot of potential and love the idea of a uniquely rebodied Z3 kit so will follow this thread and wish you all the best OP.

[Tartan Pixie]

I really like that.

Not sure I'd call it modern as it wasn't styled by Japanese school children in their origami class, however to my eye that's a good thing.

[jke11y]

Fiat 500 lights? A few £00 on freelancer.com would get you some renders good enough to put on your site showing some conceptual-sketchy drawings of the finished article. I like it so far.

[AnthonyCherry]

Yep. They are fiat 500 lights. I have found some nice aftermarket ones to fit with DLRs in. But I'm not sure it will work yet. I will get onto freelancer.com. Sounds interesting. Cheers for the info.

[AnthonyCherry]

There is an article coming out in this months complete kitcar magazine. Following some of the progress. I'm just can't wait to start work on back end!

[AnthonyCherry]

Things have slowed up a bit. But should have the front end finished (pre-paint) by mid October. Then work will start on the rear towards the end of November.
Here is a flavour of what the front will look like with the grills fitted.

[Maxus]

Impressive being able to build this sort of thing.

The name and looks are like something out of Grand Theft Auto.

Good luck with the project

[AnthonyCherry]

Thanks. I can't wait to get it finished! I should hopefully have it finished January :-)

[AnthonyCherry]

I have just got the badge that I designed back from the manufacturers in China. I'm really happy with the quality :-)

[AnthonyCherry]

just an update:
here is a picture of the moulding of the rear of the car fitted.



and this is a video showing how easy it is to fit

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=6577027842880...

[Kev T360]

the rear looks promising, cant decide on the front, lower grill looks a bit fussy, maybe in black would suit. what cost are you aiming to sell the kit for?could be a nice way to tidy up a dated z3.

[otolith]

How does the weight of the replacement panels compare to the originals?

[crofty1984]

Are the headlghts too small or the lower lights too big? Looks good, but not quite "right". Damn impressive though, and good choice of base car.