Prices for classic BMWs have been going up lately but only for some of the more desirable versions out there. While M1 models can go close to $1 million these days, a random E21 from the same era won’t be near that. Then again, one of the most beautiful cars ever to come from Munich was sold under the E9 codename and it’s called the 2800 CS. A coupe with classic proportions, which was also quite fast off the line back then, beautifully maintained models are now worth more than you’d expect.
Collectors are interested in them but as is the case with most collectible classic cars, they prefer them to be featuring the original parts, but what we’re checking out today doesn’t really come close to that. This is a claimed restomod BMW 2800 CS according to the seller, Gas Motor Cars from Georgia. The seller doesn’t go through all the changes that were done to the car but a restomod usually means a classic car is brought into the 21st century not only by bringing it back in shape visually but also by adding some features that were missing, like a good sound system or AC, for example.
While the guys from Gas Motor Cars claim the changes were too many to list, we can instantly notice the new paint, new wheels and the bagged suspension which should allow you to raise and lower your car to your preference. Inside the cabin the dash was completely redone as was the center console. You now have a new instrument cluster in front of you and new window switches which are color matching the exterior of the car. I’d prefer the originals but then again, this is a restomod.
I’d also have to point out that the sound system was drastically improved, with a big subwoofer installed in the boot, basically reducing the loading capacity by a lot, while the engine bay seems to have been completely left out. The engine doesn’t look like it received a lot of love during the restoring process which apparently took four years.
That said, the seller wants $60,000 and my question is: would you be willing to pay that much?
If I had the money, I’d pay that much for a stealth restomod with a more modern BMW engine, with modern A/C, modern brakes. Maybe slightly upgraded wheels and suspension but nothing “STANCZ’D!”. Vintage-ish interior with subdued/stealth modern audio (no subwoofer boxes) with Bluetooth or USB integration, but no digital screens.
The CS is a beautiful car and a restomod would let me daily drive it without worrying about reliability or depreciation.
followup; looking at the ebay listing gallery, even if it was setup as I wanted above, I wouldn’t pay 60k. The panel gaps are all over the place and that speaks volumes about the quality of the work done, ‘tuner’ cliché mods aside.
Nope, not interested in modified old cars. Keep it stock.
No, not up to snuff.
The best restomods to the E9 were ones that updated running gear and suspension to 535i standards.
I really like the exterior, but the subwoofers are just stupid, there’s literally no boot. Those metal buttons are also very weird and come on the engine bay… The seats are worn out!!! This took 4 years??